How to Be a More Coachable BJJ Student and Progress Faster

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is as much a mental journey as a physical one. The techniques, concepts, and timing can be overwhelming at times. But there’s one secret weapon that can help you level up faster than most people on the mat—being coachable.

It’s not about how strong you are, how long you've trained, or how many submissions you know. It’s about your attitude, openness to learning, and ability to apply feedback. At ROLLBLISS, becoming a more coachable BJJ student is one of the most underrated skills for growth and longevity in the sport.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what it means to be coachable in BJJ, why it matters, and the specific things you can do—starting today—to become the kind of student every coach loves to teach (and promote).

Key Takeaways

• Being coachable means being open, humble, and willing to apply feedback—even when it’s hard to hear.
• Coachable students grow faster, get more instructor attention, and help create a positive culture.
• Listening actively, applying feedback, asking thoughtful questions, and ditching ego are key habits.
• Your mindset and attitude matter just as much as your technique.
• Becoming more coachable doesn’t just help you in BJJ—it’s a powerful life skill.

What Does It Mean to Be “Coachable” in BJJ?

Being coachable doesn’t mean being passive or blindly following orders. It means you're open to learning, eager for feedback, and humble enough to improve.

Coachable students:

• Listen actively
• Ask good questions
• Apply feedback quickly
• Stay mentally present
• Bounce back from mistakes
• Respect the coach and teammates

In short, they bring a mindset that turns every class into an opportunity to grow.

Why Coachability Accelerates Your Progress

Here’s how coachability gives you a serious edge:

 Faster Learning

If you're open to adjustments, you skip months (or even years) of trial and error.

 Better Coach Attention

Coaches naturally want to invest more in students who listen, apply, and respond well to guidance.

Stronger Team Culture

Coachable students uplift others by showing humility, effort, and trust.

 Longer Training Career

With fewer ego clashes and more sustainable learning, coachable students are likelier to stick around and grow into black belts.

10 Ways to Become a More Coachable BJJ Student

 1. Check Your Ego at the Door

Let’s be real—this is the foundation. BJJ will humble you, often daily. The most coachable students don’t tie their identity to being right or dominant.

You don’t need to win every roll. You need to learn from every roll.

 ROLLBLISS Reminder: Growth starts when ego steps aside.

 2. Listen First, Speak Later

When your coach explains something, resist the urge to chime in with your own thoughts or corrections. Listening with full attention—without rehearsing your response or defending yourself—shows respect and sets the tone for improvement.

Bonus: You’ll retain more and earn your coach’s trust.

 3. Apply Feedback Immediately

Don’t just nod and say, “Got it?” Show your coach you understood by actually adjusting your technique right then and there.

Even if it feels awkward at first, trying the new approach proves you’re coachable and committed to growth.

 4. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Questions are good—when they’re sincere and timing is appropriate. Ask to clarify, not to challenge. Your goal is to understand the concept, not prove your point.

Try these:

• “Should my weight be more on my toes or heels here?”
• “Would this grip still work if they frame with their knee?”
• “What should I focus on most when drilling this?”

 5. Be Comfortable with Being Corrected

Corrections are not criticisms—they’re gifts. Don’t take them personally. Your coach isn’t pointing out flaws to make you feel small. They’re helping you see what you can’t see on your own.

Smile, nod, adjust. That’s how black belts are built.

 6. Drill with Focus, Not Just Reps

A coachable student values quality over quantity. Instead of just doing 10 quick reps, do 5 really intentional ones. Ask yourself:

• Did I feel balanced?
• Was my timing right?
• Did I hit the right detail?

Then ask for feedback—and really apply it.

 7. Be Reliable and Consistent

Coaches invest in the students who show up consistently. If you’re always present, on time, and ready to work, your coach will see your dedication and be more inclined to guide you deeply.

And when you're consistent, feedback compounds. You grow faster.

 8. Control Your Body Language

Your body speaks before you do. If you roll your eyes, cross your arms, or groan when corrected, it sends a message. Even if you don’t mean it, it looks like resistance.

Instead, maintain eye contact, nod in understanding, and respond with a calm, “Got it—thank you.”

 9. Don’t Make Excuses

When something doesn’t work, don’t default to:

• “But I usually do it this way...”
• “That only happened because they’re bigger.”
• “I wasn’t going full speed…”

Excuses shut down feedback. Coachability opens up the door to refinement.

 10. Celebrate Small Improvements

Your coach will notice when you apply a tip and improve—even just a little. But you need to notice too. Recognize and appreciate those incremental wins. They add up fast and keep you motivated to keep learning.

What Coaches Really Want to See

Here’s what most BJJ coaches are looking for in students they want to promote and invest in:

• Humility and self-awareness
• Consistent effort and attendance
• Openness to change and growth
• Respect for teammates and the academy
• Real progress—even if it’s slow

Being coachable checks all those boxes.

The Long-Term Payoff

If you adopt a coachable mindset, here’s what you can expect:

• Faster belt progression
• More mat time with higher belts
• Stronger coach-student relationship
• Better performance in competition (if you compete)
• More fun and less frustration on the mat

It’s not always about talent or toughness—it’s about how well you learn and adapt.

Conclusion

At ROLLBLISS, we know that every great grappler was once a white belt who decided to keep learning. Being coachable is the shortcut to reaching your full potential in Jiu-Jitsu. It's not about being perfect—it’s about being teachable.

Whether you're chasing your next stripe or aiming for black belt one day, remember: the most powerful position in BJJ isn’t mount or back control—it’s the mental position of being ready to learn.

FAQs

1. What if I don’t agree with my coach’s feedback?

It’s okay to have doubts, but try it their way first. Coaches have seen more than you think, and what feels wrong now might just be new. Trust the process—you might surprise yourself.

2. Can coachability really affect how fast I get promoted?

Yes. Most instructors promote based on attitude, effort, and technical improvement—not just wins. Coachable students show that they’re invested and ready for more responsibility.

3. Is it possible to become more coachable if I struggle with feedback?

Absolutely. Start small: pause before reacting, listen fully, and apply one suggestion per class. Over time, your openness will grow, and so will your game.