Are you looking to take your Jiu Jitsu class experience to the next level?
Being an effective partner can make all the difference in terms of how much you get out of each and every class. Whether you’re a complete beginner, or already well-versed in this martial art, there are certain things that will help ensure your practice sessions are productive and enjoyable for both yourself and your training partners. Here, we present 10 must know tips so that when it comes time for pairs work at 303 Training Center or any Jiu Jitsu gym, everyone has an optimal learning experience!
1. Maintaining Personal Hygiene: A vital aspect of being a good Jiu Jitsu training partner is ensuring that you are clean and have good personal hygiene. BJJ involves a lot of close body contact, and it is crucial to keep yourself clean and odor-free to avoid any discomfort to your training partner or fellow students.
2. Communicate Pre-existing Health Issues: It is always advisable to inform your training partner if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries. This information will enable your partner to modify their approach or technique while performing the drills, ensuring that you both stay safe while getting the most out of your training sessions.
3. Avoid Overcoaching: While some people may appreciate being coached during drills and training, others may find it overwhelming and distracting. Thus, it is always best to let the instructor be the primary coach and only offer guidance if your partner explicitly asks for it.
4. Maintain Proper Posture: In order to create a realistic and effective training environment, it is essential to maintain proper posture and frame during drills. If you are too relaxed or limp, your partner may not be able to execute techniques correctly, leading to ineffective training.
5. Engage in Responsive Movement: Being a good Jiu Jitsu training partner involves having the ability to respond to your partner's movements and attacks. By being proactive and alert, you can create an immersive and productive training experience for both yourself and your partner.
6. Avoid Resisting Techniques: Resisting or countering your partner's technique can disrupt the flow of repetitive drills, which are a crucial component of effective training. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid resisting or countering techniques so that your partner can master the intended movements and develop muscle memory.
7. Maintain a Steady Pace: During drilling sessions, it is vital to maintain a steady and consistent pace. It is not advisable to take frequent breaks or disturb the flow of training. As a partner, ensure that you are ready for the next repetition when it comes to setting the pace that motivates your partner to get the most out of the training.
8. Seek Instructor's Guidance: If you or your partner find yourselves struggling with a particular technique or drill, do not hesitate to ask for the instructor's guidance. Instructors are trained to recognize individual learning strategies and can help you achieve your training goals efficiently.
9. Cultivate Patience: BJJ is a challenging martial art that requires patience and persistence. As a training partner, you should strive to be patient with yourself and with your partner. This virtue will lead to a more fulfilling and productive training experience for both parties.
10. Have Fun: The most important thing to keep in mind while practicing Jiu-Jitsu is to have fun and enjoy the journey!
Positive attitudes and a fun environment make learning easier, so smile, have fun, and flow with the go!
~Prof Tony
