10 Proven Strategies to Improve Your BJJ Faster

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a journey that requires dedication, consistency, and smart training. While there’s no shortcut to mastery, there are ways to accelerate your progress and maximize your time on the mats. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve quickly or a seasoned practitioner trying to break through a plateau, refining your approach to training can make a huge difference.

Key Takeaways

• Train with purpose—every session should focus on improvement, not just attendance.
• Master fundamentals first—a strong foundation leads to a strong game.
• Roll with better grapplers—it’s the fastest way to improve.
• Stay consistent—progress in BJJ is a marathon, not a sprint.

Here are 10 proven strategies to help you develop your BJJ skills faster.

1. Train With Purpose

Showing up to class is important, but training with intention separates fast learners from those who plateau. Instead of just going through the motions, focus on:

• Setting goals for each session (e.g., work on guard retention or specific sweeps).
• Avoiding autopilot rolling—pay attention to every movement and decision.
• Take mental notes on areas where you struggle and revisit them in drills.

Each roll and drill should serve a purpose, helping you refine techniques rather than just “getting in rounds.”

2. Focus on Fundamentals First

It’s tempting to jump into fancy submissions and advanced techniques, but BJJ fundamentals are what build a strong foundation. The best grapplers master the basics before moving on to more complex techniques.

Key fundamentals to focus on:

• Posture and base in every position.
• Grip fighting and controlling distance.
• Escapes and positional defense before focusing on attacks.
• High-percentage sweeps and submissions that work at every level.

No matter how advanced you get, refining your basics will always improve your game.

3. Roll With Higher Belts

It can be intimidating, but training with higher belts accelerates your learning because they expose your weaknesses and force you to improve.

Benefits of rolling with more experienced partners:

• They control the pace, allowing you to learn rather than just survive.
• You see better technique and efficiency up close.
• You get immediate feedback on what’s working and what’s not.

You won't be pushed as much if you only train with people at your level. Seek out challenges, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

4. Drill, Drill, Drill!

Repetition is key in BJJ. Drilling techniques correctly build muscle memory and make movements feel automatic in live rolling.

Best ways to drill effectively:

• Repetition drills: Perform the same technique dozens or hundreds of times with a partner.
• Flow rolling: A light rolling session focused on movement and transitions.
• Positional drilling: Start in a specific position and focus on escaping, sweeping, or attacking.

Live rolling is great, but consistent drilling sharpens your execution in real-time scenarios.

5. Take Notes After Class

Writing down what you learn helps reinforce new techniques, strategies, and mistakes to fix. After class, jot down:

• Techniques taught (key details, setups, and variations).
• What worked and what didn’t in rolling.
• Questions to ask your instructor next session.

A BJJ journal helps you track progress and identify patterns, leading to faster improvements.

6. Improve Your Positional Awareness

One of the biggest differences between beginners and advanced grapplers is positional awareness—knowing where you are and your options.

To develop this:

• Always think one or two steps ahead, not just react to what’s happening.
• Learn the hierarchy of positions (guard > sweep > pass > submission).
• Develop strong escapes so you don’t get stuck in bad spots.

Great grapplers understand positioning better than their opponents—work on awareness, control, and movement efficiency.

7. Watch High-Level BJJ Matches

Studying how elite grapplers move, set up attacks, and manage positions can improve your game significantly.

When watching BJJ matches or instructionals:

• Pick a specific move or concept to focus on.
• Notice how they transition between positions and control opponents.
• Look for patterns in their sweeps, submissions, and escapes.

This passive learning reinforces techniques visually and helps you apply them effectively in class.

8. Ask Questions and Seek Feedback

Don’t just train—engage with your instructor and teammates to accelerate learning.

Ways to get better feedback:

• Ask instructors for details on techniques that feel unclear.
• Request specific advice after rolling (e.g., “How could I have escaped better?”).
• Analyze your own mistakes and ask teammates for their perspectives.

BJJ is a never-ending learning process—stay curious and seek knowledge constantly.

9. Strengthen Your Body for BJJ

Technical skills are crucial, but a strong, conditioned body enhances your ability to apply them effectively.

Key areas to focus on:

• Grip strength for better control.
• Core stability for balance and movement efficiency.
• Mobility and flexibility to prevent injuries and improve guard retention.
• Endurance and conditioning to maintain high performance in long rolls.

A well-rounded strength and conditioning routine will make you more resilient, explosive, and efficient in training.

10. Stay Consistent and Trust the Process

The most important factor in getting better at BJJ is showing up consistently. Improvement happens over months and years, not overnight.

To stay on track:

• Train regularly (2-4 times per week is ideal).
• Accept that progress comes in waves—some days you feel great, others you struggle.
• Focus on small improvements rather than comparing yourself to others.

If you stay committed, keep learning, and enjoy the process, you will improve faster than you think.

Conclusion

Getting better at BJJ isn’t about training the hardest—it’s about training the smartest. By applying these 10 proven strategies, you’ll see noticeable progress in your technique, confidence, and overall performance on the mats.

At RollBliss, the right gear helps elevate your game. Whether you’re drilling in class, competing, or flowing through techniques at home, high-quality BJJ gis and training apparel give you the comfort and durability needed to train at your best.

Stay consistent, train smart, and enjoy the journey of continuous improvement.

FAQs

How long does it take to get good at BJJ?

It varies, but with consistent training (3-4 times per week), many students see solid progress in 6-12 months. Reaching a high level takes years, but focusing on smart training speeds up improvement.

Should I focus more on drilling or live rolling?

Both are essential. Drilling refines techniques, while live rolling tests them under resistance. A balanced mix of both leads to the fastest improvement.

What’s the biggest mistake beginners make in BJJ?

Relying too much on strength instead of technique, ignoring fundamentals, and not training consistently. Avoid these, and your progress will be much faster.