4 Lessons I Learned as a Judo and BJJ White Belt
Try these tips for more effective martial arts training
Apart from a few months of sporadic BJJ training (in which I learned little) several years ago, I was a complete beginner. Then 6 months ago I got the opportunity to train with a lifelong martial artist and a great coach. And we’ve been training BJJ and Judo together 3 times a week.
I’m no expert yet (I’m still a white belt). But I’ve made good progress. No more freaking out. No more using my strength to force things. It doesn't sound like much but I’m proud of my progress.
And here are some things I learned that might help you.
1. Train one-to-one
If you have the chance to train one-to-one, take it.
For example, you could take private lessons at your gym. Or train with a friend who has a higher belt.
By training one-to-one, you have the chance to work on your game. You can focus on the concepts and techniques that suit your body type. Or the style you enjoy. You can look in-depth at a technique, practice the variations, do it slowly, then do it quickly. You can pause mid technique to analyze what is happening.
For example, in September I only worked on the knee slice. Nothing special I know, but for my game, I’m focussing on getting good at and sticking to the basics. So I did the knee slice. A lot. Hundreds of times in September. At different speeds and from different positions, and on both sides. With different levels of resistance from my partner.
If I was studying as part of a class, this level of depth would be impossible.
2. Feel don’t watch
Martial arts are technical and subtle. Small differences can have big effects. Seeing those subtleties when watching a demonstration is tough. Because you can’t see everything.
Feeling them is much easier.
For example, when watching a demonstration of a guard pass, it’s hard to see where the instructor is applying pressure. But if the instructor does the pass on you, you know exactly where it is. You know where and how much pressure they’re applying.
You become aware of what’s happening in the technique. You know how it should feel when you do it. So you have a deeper understanding of it.
This is another big reason one-to-one training can be so effective.
3. Keep your elbows in
It sounds so simple but by keeping your elbows in you’re much safer.
Imagine taping your arms to your body. That’s where your elbows should be. It’s a funny position for a beginner so it’ll take some getting used to. But stick with it because it will make it harder to throw or submit you.
I’ve often heard that white belts only need to worry about surviving. Well, this will help you survive.
But it’ll also make you more dangerous. Try an armbar without your elbows tucked in and your opponent can escape. Keep those elbows tight and they’re in a bad position.
Whether you’re attacking or defending, keep those elbows in.
4. Don’t think of winning or losing
When you’re training, you shouldn't be worrying about winning or losing.
If you do, it’s easy for training sessions to ramp up. That’s when people get hurt. To be a good partner, you need to let your partner get their practice in too. And you need to be able to train without hurting each other.
You’re not training to win. You’re training to improve. That’s why training methods like yakusoku randori are useful. This is a method from Judo which means you decide who will throw and who will receive. Then during the practice, you take turns.
This doesn’t mean the receiver can’t give resistance. For example, you could block the first 2 throw attempts but let them throw you on the third. Everybody gets to practice their attack and defence. But there’s no question who will win. There’s no competition.
It removes the ego and competitiveness from training. Reducing the risk of injury.
