The Best Tip for Beginners in BJJ: Have a Plan, Practice It, and Stick to It
When you’re just starting out in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are countless guards, passes, submissions, and escapes to learn—not to mention the constant grind of rolling against opponents who seem to know more than you. It might be tempting to jump from one technique to another, searching for the secret that will catapult your skills overnight. But if you want to progress faster than most people, the best tip for beginners and Advanced practicioners is surprisingly simple:
You need a plan.
Then you need to practice your plan, execute your plan, and stick to your plan—every time you hit the mats.
This approach works whether you’re training in a top-tier academy, rolling in your friend’s garage, or stepping onto the competition stage. It doesn’t matter if you’re rocking brand-new BJJ gear or a worn-in BJJ rashguard you’ve had for months—your mindset and your method are what truly set you apart.
1. You Need a Plan | Best Tip for Beginners
Your plan doesn’t have to be good, fancy, complete, or even original. It just has to exist. Here’s why:
It doesn’t have to be “good”: Think of your plan as a starting point. A “good” plan will naturally evolve as you roll and discover what works and what doesn’t. Initially, all you need is something that points you in a clear direction—maybe it’s focusing on securing a particular grip, hitting a simple sweep, and transitioning to a basic submission.
It doesn’t have to be fancy: Basic techniques are often the most reliable. Early in your journey, simple moves like the scissor sweep, the closed guard armbar, or a basic stack pass can take you much farther than you think. Mastering these foundational skills lays a solid base for everything else you’ll learn.
It doesn’t have to be complete: Your plan might look like this: “Break posture, establish guard, attempt a sweep, move to top control, finish with a simple armbar.” It’s not a comprehensive playbook, but it gives you a sequence of steps. As you train, you’ll identify gaps—moments where you’re unsure how to proceed or how to counter your opponent’s defenses. You’ll fill these holes as you gain experience, gradually refining your plan.
It doesn’t have to be yours: Ask your instructor, a higher belt, or even a training partner for a starter plan. Borrow a sequence that’s worked for others and make it your own through practice. If someone else’s road map helps you avoid the biggest pitfalls and move more confidently, use it.
2. Practice Your Plan with the Right Partners
Once you have a plan, the next step is to drill it. But here’s the key: don’t only roll with people who are significantly better than you right now. Why? Because at this stage, you need time to think and apply each step. You need to slow the game down enough to understand the mechanics of each grip, transition, and angle.
Training with partners around your level or slightly less experienced gives you more opportunities to try out your plan without being overwhelmed. It’s not about “beating” your partner—it’s about creating scenarios where you can methodically insert your sequence, experiment, and gain confidence.
Pro tip: Show up to open mats wearing comfortable, durable BJJ gear, like a high-quality BJJ rashguard and compression shorts. This ensures you can roll without distractions—no gear riding up, no uncomfortable fit, just you focusing on your technique. Quality apparel keeps you training longer and more effectively, minimizing irritation and helping you stay mentally engaged.
3. Execute Your Plan, No Matter What
When it comes time to roll seriously, commit fully to your sequence. If your plan starts with breaking your opponent’s posture in closed guard, then make that your non-negotiable first step. Don’t abandon it mid-roll because you spot a “cooler” move.
By faithfully executing your plan, you develop consistency. You’ll begin to see what parts of it truly work, what parts need polishing, and where your opponent’s counters fit in. Consistency builds muscle memory. Muscle memory builds speed, efficiency, and adaptability over time.
This focus also extends to your mental game. Knowing your next step keeps you calm under pressure. Instead of flailing when your opponent defends, you simply move to the next piece of your puzzle. Mental clarity is invaluable—especially when fatigue sets in, sweat is pouring, and your opponent is trying to impose their will.
4. Stick to Your Plan, Even When Tempted to Deviate
One of the biggest challenges is resisting the urge to stray when you see a seemingly better opportunity. Make a mental note of that new technique, record it later in a training journal, and come back to it after class. But during the roll, stay true to your sequence.
Why does this matter? Because if you abandon your plan every time something shiny catches your eye, you’ll never develop the depth of skill needed to truly master your go-to techniques. Sticking to your plan trains you to play your own game rather than reacting to everyone else’s. Over time, this makes you a more independent, confident grappler.
Why a Plan Accelerates Your Growth
Following these steps—having a plan, practicing it, executing it, and sticking to it—forces you to address weaknesses directly. You’ll discover where your plan fails or succeeds against different body types and styles. Each time you identify a gap (maybe your sweep fails against opponents with strong base), you’ll tweak your approach. This problem-solving mindset ensures continuous improvement.
Before you know it, your once-simplistic plan will evolve into a comprehensive personal system. You’ll have answers for common defenses, variations for different setups, and a keen understanding of how to transition smoothly between positions. At this point, your game begins to feel seamless, and that’s when you really start to excel.
Supporting Your Growth with the Right Gear and Mindset
The best tip for beginners is fundamentally about having a plan and committing to it. But remember, every detail can support your journey. Training in reliable, comfortable BJJ gear—from rashguards to spats—lets you focus fully on your techniques rather than your outfit. Feeling good in what you wear can keep your mind where it should be: on executing your plan.
As you progress, keep refining your approach. Ask questions, study techniques online, watch instructionals, and consider how new moves fit (or don’t fit) into your existing strategy. Over time, your plan won’t just be a beginner’s crutch—it’ll be the backbone of a highly effective, well-rounded Jiu-Jitsu game.
Putting It into Action
Start today. Sit down before your next class and write out a basic sequence you’ll try in rolling. Keep it simple: maybe your plan is just “Pull guard → Cross-collar grip → Scissor sweep → Transition to mount → Attempt a basic armbar.” Don’t worry if it doesn’t work perfectly the first time; that’s part of the learning process.
With each class, each roll, and each reflection, you’ll refine and improve. Consistency leads to confidence, and confidence leads to success. Pair that with durable BJJ gear and a supportive community, and you have everything you need to thrive on the mats.
Train smart, stay focused, and remember: the best tip for beginners is to have a plan—and never let it go.
