Coaches and students offer tips to efficiently make the most out of training.

Just starting out or thinking of it?; here’s some advice from others who have started rolling.

This week we are doing something a little different and bringing you some voices inside our academy, I posed a question to our team and some offered a response, the question was “What do you wish you knew or understood sooner when starting Jiu Jitsu” I asked this question as an opportunity to help others looking at starting to see what others in the room at different levels value to help their progression.

At 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Hobart, I emphasize the importance of relaxing and mental clarity over the pressure to win inside the academy. I teach my students to focus on the journey, not the destination, and to let go of ego and anxiety. I understand that this mindset shift can be a challenging hurdle to overcome, especially for newer practitioners. It's natural for beginners to feel frustrated and fixated on winning, but I encourage them to be patient and kind to themselves as they develop this new perspective. By cultivating a calm and centred mindset, they can tap into their full potential and improve their technique more efficiently. We prioritize progress over perfection, and I encourage my students to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. Through this approach, they develop a deeper understanding of Jiu Jitsu and a more peaceful relationship with themselves on the mat. – Coach Jem

This seems to have been the main focus point for many.. see for yourself some of the responses below.

Relax & Learning to breathe! –Simon B (White Belt)

Instead of putting your focus on "winning" , just focussing on improving a little bit every time. So you don't get frustrated and discouraged. – Ben S (White Belt)

A rising tide lifts all boats. You're getting better but so is everyone else. A win is making a purple belt get to their 3rd option instead of their first option. – David C (White Belt)

You will find yourself in uncomfortable positions and situations where you might feel frustrated. Leave your ego at the door. You will be humbled often, especially by more experienced practitioners, and sometimes even by those with less experience. Embrace these moments as part of the learning process. – Natasha Y (White Belt)

Probably an age and stage thing, but it was so helpful when you (Coach Jem) told me that adding 10kg (or thereabouts) or taking away a decade from someone (relative to your own body weight and age) is usually the equivalent of advancing them a belt level. I wish I’d known that earlier, given starting training in my mid 40’s. I know it can become an excuse for lameness and being soft, but it helped me manage my expectations and risk of jits-induced existential despair and crippling self doubt. – Matt B (Blue Belt)

I think it's good to know that starting out, it's better to roll with coloured belts whenever possible. You'll learn more from them than a slightly more experienced newbie. That and just slow down when drilling and rolling. Smooth is fast, after all. – Luke W (Purple Belt)

Be pliable and relax whilst drilling, take your time to ask questions on what ever is unknown as no question is silly, and don’t roll with the intention to win, smooth and controlled means you learn more as anxiety and adrenaline don’t spike too much and you can then learn more from the experience. If you get stuck and you’re rolling someone with experience ask questions on how to get out or where to go from there. Also make notes, have a diary, watch things to learn, again ask so many questions. And if you’re ever injured, still show up!! You can learn so much watching too! – Gemika S (Purple Belt)

* be calculated and controlled. Speed kills (both you and your training partner) if you're throwing your body around uncontrolled, it's how people get injured.
* slow your roll and flow. No one wants to feel like they have to go 'self-defense' mode in the gym. It's scary for some, and both you, and your training partner, learn nothing from the roll. The best rolls are an exchange, a dance, and a technical masterpiece by both parties. The gym is for learning, not winning. Don't be the guy or gal peeps don't want to roll with.
* Is it a tap because you are technical, or is it a tap because you're uncontrolled and risking injury to your training partner? Don't break your toys. You'll have no toys left to play with. – Natalie F (Black Belt)

NOW GET OUT THERE AND TRAIN!!! - Be kind to yourself and your training partners, work together and achieve great things.. If you want to go far, go together!