Brazilian Jiujitsu is more than just a sport; it's an art form, a mental puzzle, and a journey that’s unique to each practitioner. Unlike other martial arts that rely heavily on rigid
techniques and forms, Jiujitsu emphasises adaptability, personal style, and continuous learning. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grappler, there are countless ways to enhance your BJJ journey. In this blog, we’ll explore how attending classes at Mahara Jiujitsu, utilising online tutorials, and engaging with social media can shape your unique Jiujitsu game.
1. The Power of In-Person Training at Mahara Jiu-Jitsu
Mahara Jiujitsu classes provide an ideal environment for both beginners and advanced students to develop their own Jiujitsu style. Training with a knowledgeable instructor and fellow practitioners allows you to experience live feedback and build muscle memory in a way that online learning alone can't replicate.
Benefits of Training at Mahara Jiujitsu
Expert Guidance: Mahara Jiujitsu’s instructors are dedicated to helping each student grow, providing personalised advice to ensure that techniques are executed correctly and effectively. This in-person feedback can help you develop good habits and correct mistakes early in your practice.
Diverse Training Partners: Training with people of different sizes, strengths, and skill levels helps you understand how techniques work on various opponents, which is critical for developing a versatile game.
Safe Learning Environment: Mahara Jiujitsu emphasises safety and respect, making it an ideal place to experiment with new techniques without fear of judgment or injury.
Building Your Unique Game in Class
While Mahara Jiujitsu provides a curriculum to guide your learning, they also encourage students to adapt techniques that feel natural and effective. Over time, you’ll discover which
aspects of Jiu-Jitsu resonate most with you. For instance:
If you’re agile, you might find yourself gravitating toward guard play and sweeps.
If you’re strong, you may lean into top control and pressure-passing techniques.
If you enjoy strategic challenges, you might focus on positional control and transitions.
Ultimately, Mahara Jiujitsu classes provide a solid foundation to explore these preferences, and you’ll find yourself adapting techniques to fit your physical attributes and personal inclinations.
2. Expanding Your Knowledge with Online Tutorials
The availability of online tutorials allows practitioners to deepen their understanding and learn at their own pace, which can be an invaluable complement to in-person training.
How to Make the Most of Online Resources
With platforms like YouTube, BJJ Fanatics, and Grapplers Guide, you have access to countless tutorials on every conceivable technique, position, and strategy. Here’s how to use these resources effectively:
Identify Gaps in Your Game: After each class, reflect on areas where you struggled. If you had trouble defending against sweeps, look up tutorials on sweep defence. This targeted approach helps you tackle weaknesses in your game systematically.
Focus on Fundamental Movements: High-level tutorials can be tempting, but it's essential to first master the basics. Techniques like hip escapes, bridging, and posture control are foundational to success in all positions. As you improve, you can revisit more advanced concepts and see how your understanding has evolved.
Choose Instructors Who Resonate with You: Each BJJ instructor has a unique teaching style. Explore different instructors until you find those who explain concepts in a way that makes sense to you. Different teachers might break down the same move differently, which could help you gain a more holistic understanding of the technique.
Applying New Techniques on the Mat
When you learn a new technique online, it’s crucial to test it in live sparring sessions. Start by incorporating it into your drills during Mahara Jiujitsu classes and then apply it during open mats or positional sparring. This process of "learning by doing" allows you to see what works for you and adapt as needed.
3. Leveraging Social Media for BJJ Inspiration and Community Support
Social media is a valuable tool for BJJ practitioners to connect with other grapplers, find inspiration, and stay motivated. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit are filled with technique breakdowns, tips, and community support. Engaging with the BJJ community online can fuel your passion and provide insights into new strategies to try in class.
Follow the Right Accounts and Hashtags
To make the most of social media, follow accounts that offer useful information rather than just entertainment. Here’s how to curate your feed to enhance your learning:
Technique Accounts: Many BJJ practitioners and instructors share daily technique tips or quick tutorials. Accounts like @bjjflowcharts, @jiujitsux, and @bjjlibrary offer practical advice that can be applied in your next training session.
Competitors and Influencers: High-level athletes like Gordon Ryan and Mikey Musumeci often share glimpses of their training and competitive strategies, which can be inspiring and educational.
Hashtags for Drilling Ideas: Hashtags like #BJJDrills, #BJJTechniques, and #JiuJitsuForEveryone can lead you to content focused on specific techniques or
training methods.
Engaging with the Community
BJJ social media groups and forums, like r/bjj on Reddit, allow you to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insights from people with similar goals. The BJJ community is incredibly supportive and understands the challenges of learning this complex martial art.
By engaging with these groups, you can find answers to questions that come up after class,
gain insights into mental strategies for training, and celebrate your progress with a community that understands your journey. Plus dont forget the Mahara Jiujitsu WhatsApp group, it maybe playful however dont be scared to reach out and ask other more advanced people and your instructor questions to help you on your way.
4. Embracing Failure and the Journey of Personal Growth
Jiujitsu is a path full of trial and error. When you’re developing your own game, you’re bound to make mistakes. However, failure is not only a part of the process—it’s essential to your growth.
Understanding Why Failure Is Important
Failure in BJJ is not about "losing"; it’s about discovering what doesn’t work and learning from it. Every time you get swept, submitted, or out-manoeuvred, you gain insights into how to improve. Here’s how failure shapes your game:
Builds Resilience: Learning to stay calm under pressure and persevere after a mistake is one of the most important aspects of BJJ. Over time, this mental resilience will carry over to other areas of your life.
Encourages Adaptability: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in Jiujitsu, and failure pushes you to adapt your techniques to different opponents and situations.
Promotes Self-Reflection: After each class or sparring session, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This reflection process will help you identify areas for improvement and find solutions to recurring challenges.
Experimenting with Different Styles
One of the best aspects of developing your own Jiu-Jitsu game is the freedom to experiment with different styles. You may find inspiration from training partners, online tutorials, or social media, and incorporate these influences into your personal style. For example:
If you’re inspired by a specific competitor, try to emulate their guard work or submission setups and see how they fit into your own approach.
Experiment with techniques from various grappling disciplines like wrestling or judo to add a unique flair to your game. For instance, if you find success with a judo throw in class, you might develop a hybrid approach combining throws with BJJ ground techniques.
Embracing different styles will give you a deeper understanding of BJJ’s versatility and allow you to craft a style that feels genuinely personal and effective.
Conclusion: Building Your Unique Jiujitsu Journey
Developing your Jiujitsu game is a journey of self-discovery, and with the help of Mahara Jiujitsu classes, online resources, and the BJJ social media community, you can build a style that reflects your strengths, preferences, and personality. While classes at Mahara Jiu-Jitsu provide structure and foundational knowledge, online tutorials and social media offer endless inspiration and new techniques to try.
Remember, your Jiujitsu game is personal. Don’t be afraid of failing, it’s a critical part of the learning process that every practitioner experiences. Embrace the experimentation, adapt techniques to suit you, and enjoy every part of your journey. With commitment, curiosity, and resilience, you’ll not only improve your skills but also create a unique Jiu-Jitsu game that’s truly your own.
See you on the mat
Adz
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