How to Study BJJ Instructionals for Maximum Learning & Progress

In today’s digital era, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu knowledge is more accessible than ever. With a few clicks, you can download a complete game plan from world-class athletes and legendary coaches. But here’s the catch: watching an instructional and actually learning from it are two very different things.

At ROLLBLISS, we’re all about practical progression—on the mats, at home, and wherever your journey takes you. So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by hours of footage or unsure how to apply what you’ve just watched, this guide is for you.

Let’s break down how to effectively study BJJ instructionals and turn them into real progress you can feel on the mat.

Key Takeaways

•  BJJ instructionals are powerful tools—but only if you watch with focus and apply what you learn
•  Take notes, drill consistently, and organize your material by concept or position
•  Practice with partners when possible, and use solo drills or mental reps to reinforce
•  Learn systems, not just moves—understanding why is more important than how
•  ROLLBLISS gear supports your training wherever you are—from living room reps to live rolls

Why Study BJJ Instructionals?

Training at your gym gives you hands-on experience, but instructionals allow you to:

•  Deepen your understanding of specific positions or techniques
•  Learn from the best minds in the game
•  Rewind and rewatch at your pace
•  Study in your free time—perfect for recovery days or solo training
•  Gain insight into strategies from other academies and styles

But to get the most out of these resources, you need a plan—not just passive watching.

Step 1: Choose Wisely—Don’t Watch Everything

BJJ instructionals can be overwhelming. Some are 8+ hours long with dozens of techniques. Before diving in, ask yourself:

• What position am I currently struggling with?
• What part of my game do I want to build around?
• Am I watching this to study or just for entertainment?

Pick one instructional at a time, and ideally, one that matches your current game or belt level.

Step 2: Watch with Intention, Not Passively

Sitting on the couch half-watching while scrolling Instagram won’t help your Jiu-Jitsu. You need to treat it like a study session.

 First time through, watch the whole section to understand the flow
 Take notes—write down key concepts, setups, grips, and details
 Rewatch the sequence and try to memorize the steps
 Visualize yourself doing it—mental reps matter

ROLLBLISS Tip: Use bullet points or sketch out positions. Note what the instructor emphasizes.

Step 3: Drill What You Learn—ASAP

Learning doesn’t stick until you physically do it. If you have a partner or attend regular classes:

• Pick one or two techniques from the instructional
• Drill them for a week—reps, reps, reps
• Add resistance once you’re confident
• Try them in live sparring or positional sparring

1 move per week is better than trying to learn everything at once.

If you're training solo, you can still:

• Shadow drill the movements
• Use a grappling dummy
• Flow through transitions in slow motion

Step 4: Organize Your Notes & Review

Over time, your brain will forget the details unless you review what you’ve learned. Here’s how to keep your insights sharp:

 Create a BJJ journal or digital notebook
 Schedule weekly or bi-weekly review sessions
 Categorize notes by position (e.g., "De La Riva sweeps" or "Mount escapes")
 Save clips of yourself drilling or sparring to see what’s working

ROLLBLISS Hack: Set up a shared doc or app like Notion, Evernote, or Google Keep to track your progress.

Step 5: Apply the Concepts, Not Just the Moves

Great instructionals are more than just techniques—they’re about systems and decision-making. Try to identify the why behind the moves:

• When is the technique used?
• What are the opponent’s likely reactions?
• What are your follow-ups?
• How does this fit into your current game?

Understanding the concepts and mechanics helps you adapt, not just copy.

Common Mistakes When Studying Instructionals

Let’s keep it real—most people misuse instructionals. Here’s what to avoid:

 Watching too much, too fast (info overload)
 Skipping over the basics in search of “cool” moves
 Watching without drilling
 Never testing it in live sparring
 Trying to remember everything at once

Stick with focused, actionable learning and you’ll see real improvement.

How ROLLBLISS Supports Your Study Game

At ROLLBLISS, we’re not just about what you wear—we’re about how you grow.

 We know that home study is part of a modern grappler’s routine, and our lightweight rash guards and no-gi shorts are perfect for drilling and shadow work at home.

 Our gear moves with you—whether you're flowing through reps, seated in deep study mode, or mentally rolling before your next session.
 Plus, you’ll feel sharp, comfortable, and ready to apply what you’ve learned when you hit the mats again.

Because confidence comes not just from training hard—but training smart.

Sample Study Plan: One Week Breakdown

Here’s how a simple, effective plan might look:

Day 1:

• Watch first 1–2 techniques
• Take notes and visualize
• Drill the core movements solo

Day 2:

• Rewatch same section
• Add variations and details to your notes
• Mental reps or shadow flow

Day 3:

• Drill with partner (if possible)
• Ask coach for feedback

Day 4:

• Light review
• Try technique in live rounds

Day 5:

• Spar again, focusing on that one area
• Record your rolls if possible

Day 6–7:

• Evaluate: What worked? What didn’t?
• Plan next focus

Stay focused on one part of your game at a time. This is how champions are made.

Conclusion

Effective learning in BJJ isn’t just about time on the mat—it’s about how you use the time off it. Instructionals give you access to the minds of world champions, but it’s on you to study smart, drill hard, and test your knowledge in motion.

Whether you're rolling in class or rewinding footage at home, ROLLBLISS is here to help you stay sharp, focused, and inspired.

Train smart. Level up. And remember—every roll begins with the confidence you build between sessions.

 Gear up and stay ahead with ROLLBLISS.com

FAQs

1. How many techniques should I study from an instructional at once?

Stick to 1–2 techniques per week. It’s better to deeply understand and apply one move than watch 20 and remember none.

2. What’s the best way to organize notes from BJJ videos?

Use a physical notebook or a digital app. Organize by position, submission, or concept, and include space for sparring notes and adjustments.

3. Can white belts benefit from instructionals?

Yes! Start with basics-focused instructionals. Understanding fundamental concepts early can accelerate your growth and prevent bad habits.