Drilling — practicing moves and sequences of moves — is one of the most important ways to improve your jiu-jitsu. You really can’t do enough of it, especially if you’re drilling fundamental moves correctly.

In fact, especially early in your tenure, drilling is the single most critical part of a BJJ class. Most of the movements you’ll do are counter-intuitive, and teaching your body to do them takes time and effort. Besides, when you need to use these movements in a practical situation, they have to be second nature. Intellectually understanding how to do a basic shrimping motion, for example, is great — but if you have to stop and think about how to do it, the moment where it would have been most effective has probably passed.

As long as you do jiu-jitsu, you should be drilling. Drilling BJJ moves you know well is different than drilling ones you’re just getting to know, (For a more detailed breakdown of drilling for more experienced students, check that link). But there are principles that will help you maximize the benefits.

Treasure your drilling time, both during class and when you make time on your own — which you should. Here are some tips for how to get the most out of drilling:

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