Using Notes and Drills to Improve at BJJ Faster

Everyone loves to spar and roll. But there is nothing — nothing — more important for improving at BJJ than drilling.

Think of it as locking in the benefits from the time you spend in class! If you’re investing hours of your life in learning, spending a few more minutes drilling can make sure that time is maximized. Here are some specific methods for learning BJJ through notes and drilling that I’ve found helpful.

Once you get into a good drilling rhythm for single techniques, it’s important to start drilling transitions for jiu-jitsu as well. I’m lucky in that I legitimately love drilling. If you learn to love it, too, and not to just wait to spar, your rate of success will increase — I guarantee it.

This is the ninth post in a series called the White Belt Starter Kit, advice for newer students. This series will answer some of the most common questions you might have, like how to get the most out of drilling, how to roll safely and well, how to maximize your training benefits, and how to be a helpful and valuable training partner. There will be a dozen or so posts in the series, which will be available here and updated consistently.

Want to join us on the mat? We’re offering an 8 Week Intro to BJJ class for just $150, and the first 25 registrants will receive a FREE Toro BJJ gi that retails for $155 as part of your registration. You can find the tentative curriculum for the eight-week class here. You can sign up for the Intro to BJJ class here, or you can e-mail jeff@bellinghambjj.com. The first class begins on WEDNESDAY, AUG. 8 from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. and runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays following that from Aug. 8 to Sep. 26 at 5:30 p.m. Classes take place at Bellingham MMA, 2694 Roeder, Suite 101, Bellingham, WA, 98225. The last class will be Sep. 26 at 5:30 p.m.