The world of jiu-jitsu can feel overwhelming at first, but the good news is instructors are available to make the process feel more comfortable.
They are there to help beginners set a strong foundation to prevent injury and learn fundamentals to build upon as they progress, and they will stick with you as you reach new heights.
Before you step foot on the mat, know that everyone makes mistakes – it’s the opportunity to learn from them that makes a person stronger.
Hayabusa is committed to supporting students at every stage of their jiu-jitsu journey with durable, performance-engineered Jiu-Jitsu Gis and Rash Guards for all fighters.
Whether you’re just beginning or are unlocking your next skill level, you’ll be equipped with the gear you need to succeed.
Diving into anything new has its challenges, but let’s identify five jiu-jitsu mistakes beginners make and how you can avoid them as you get stronger, faster, and more agile with time.
1. Relying on Strength Over Technique
Most beginners believe jiu-jitsu is rooted in physical strength alone, when in actuality, the real power comes from technical confidence.
Jiu-jitsu is about understanding the mechanics of each technique and leveraging them to your advantage. For beginners, this requires building muscle memory through repetitive fight drills before adding power or speed.
Consistency and control are the name of the game when increasing confidence and drawing from inner strength to dominate on the mat.
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2. Holding Your Breath
The high intensity of jiu-jitsu can create tension in the body, which ultimately leads fighters to hold their breath, sometimes without even realizing it.
A key part of any combat sport is learning how to be in control of your body and breathe through stressful situations.
Therefore, jiu-jitsu tips include practicing controlled breathing during drills and rolls and mentally locking in to the present moment to remain calm under pressure. Quick breathing causes the body to be in panic mode and can cause fighters to lose their command over their opponent.
A helpful breathing tip is to exhale on exertion and reset the breath during transitions.
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3. Ignoring Defense to Chase Submissions
It’s easy to chase the validation of getting taps, a signal of offensive domination. However, by doing so, a significant part of the strategy is missed: defensive movements.
In addition to learning various submissions, jiu-jitsu for beginners includes learning escapes, posture, and positional control first.
A strong defense is what builds confidence and opens safe submission opportunities. Without it, fighters put themselves in a weak position, which can lead to frustration and setbacks.
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4. Poor Tap Awareness
One of the most frequent BJJ mistakes is a lack of tap awareness. This can be a result of ego, but more often in early training, it’s fueled by adrenaline in the moment.
However, submission resistance can lead to injuries due to a lack of understanding of the body’s limits. As a beginner, fighters should tap early and often. Understanding body positioning, different types of chokes, and getting comfortable with jiu-jitsu movements are part of the training process.
Tap awareness is a learning tool that helps fighters observe their defensive reactions and mental toughness. Even the most experienced practitioners tap quickly to roll again safely, as well as out of respect for their partners, and also skilled recognition of knowing when to reset.
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5. Not Asking Questions or Reviewing Technique
Know that if you have a question in class, it’s likely someone else has the same one. The goal is to learn as much as you can and get feedback on technique. This is the only way to improve.
Gain firsthand jiu-jitsu tips from instructors and higher belts for clarification on techniques and strategy. In addition, maintain training consistency to gain muscle memory and stay loose and comfortable on the mat.
Training allows you to gain new knowledge all the time – it’s an opportunity to learn valuable BJJ beginner advicewithout feeling like you have something to prove. Ask the questions that will help you become a better fighter.
Achieving Excellence Day by Day
Addressing early jiu-jitsu mistakes helps to build a strong foundation and sets you up for future success. Learn by asking questions, mastering the fundamentals, and focusing on small improvements rather than a big win.
As a beginner, lean into the excitement of learning something new. Hayabusa supports every practitioner’s journey with premium Jiu-Jitsu Gis, Rash Guards, and accessories designed for peak performance and confidence on the mats.
It’s time to gear up and get to work!
