10 American Jiu Jitsu Tips

By: Jessica Mousseau

Break Studios Contributing Writer

These 10 American Jiu-Jitsu tips will differ from instructor to instructor. Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport and self-defense system. The principle of this sport is that a smaller person can defend themselves against someone who is much larger by using techniques and leverage. The most notable of these techniques are the join-lock and chokehold.

Always believe in the move. This is the first and best American Jiu-Jitsu tip. If you do not believe a move will work, then it won't work.
Always engage in some type of physical activity outside of Jiu-Jitsu. This will help to keep up your stamina up and keep your body in good shape. It will also help you stay out of trouble.
Practice, practice, practice. As everyone knows, practice makes perfect and the more a person gives to the sport of Jiu-Jitsu, the more they will get out of it. Think of the sport at all times.
Set goals. This is very important in evaluating and controlling what you are learning in training. Do not set your goals so high that you get frustrated if you don’t reach them, but don’t set them so low that it is too easy to reach them.
Be dynamic. This means that every time a move is made it should be connected to future moves. Think ahead as you are making your current move.
Strengthen your grip. Each day a person should be doing some type of hand and arm exercise. It can be anything from squeezing a rubber ball to rope climbing.
Strive to be complete. Do not try to be perfect in only one move; try to be good in all Jiu-Jitsu moves. If you can do one thing great but are defeated at another, what is the point of trying?
Posture. Your posture is everything. If you do not have the correct posture, all of your moves will not be complete.
Learn from defeat. If you are defeated, do not give up. Giving up will only weaken the rest of your moves and cause you to lose focus.
Make each move work for you. The way another person executes a move does not mean it will work for you, too. Try different versions of a move until you find what feels right for you.