“Your first steps on the mat are some of the most important. Get them right, and you’ll build a foundation for life.”
🥋 Starting BJJ? Read This Before You Train
So, you’ve finally decided to start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? That’s awesome! Whether you’re here for fitness, self-defense, confidence, or curiosity, you’re in for a powerful journey. But like with any new skill, it’s easy to take a few wrong turns at the beginning.
Today, we’re breaking down 5 common mistakes beginners make in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—and how you can avoid them to make your journey smoother, safer, and more rewarding.
5 common mistakes beginners make in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Mistake #1: Trying to Win Every Roll
It’s normal to feel competitive, especially when you’re paired up with others in sparring. But here’s the truth: training isn’t fighting—it’s learning.
Many new students make the mistake of treating every roll like a battle they must win. In reality, rolling is your chance to experiment, explore techniques, and make mistakes safely.
âś… What to Do Instead:
Focus on learning, not dominating. If you tap 10 times in one class, that’s 10 lessons learned. Let go of your ego—your real progress will come faster.
Mistake #2: Overlooking the Basics
New students often rush to learn fancy submissions or techniques they saw in highlight reels. But without solid fundamentals, those cool moves won’t work—and could even cause injuries.
âś… What to Do Instead:
Master the basics. Guard retention, proper posture, framing, hip escapes—these are your foundation. A strong base now means advanced skills later.
Mistake #3: Expecting Fast Results
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t a quick-fix sport. Promotions come slowly, and progress can feel invisible.
This discourages many new students who expect fast belts or instant mastery. Remember, the BJJ belt system is built for long-term growth.
âś… What to Do Instead:
Be patient. Track your progress by how calm you feel under pressure or how easily you can escape positions—not just by submissions or stripes.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Recovery
Some beginners push too hard, too soon—training six days a week, rolling when injured, or skipping rest days. This leads to burnout or worse: injury.
âś… What to Do Instead:
Train smart. Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Know when to push and when to rest. Remember: you’re training for longevity, not just for today.
For more on long-term training mindset, check out our Mindset & Motivation section on MindMove.
Mistake #5: Comparing Yourself to Others
Every student starts at a different place. You’ll see people your age, your size, even your experience level progress faster—and that’s okay.
Comparison can kill your confidence if you let it.
âś… What to Do Instead:
Focus on your journey. Reflect on how far you’ve come, not where someone else is. Ask questions. Take notes. Be proud of every tap, every class, every effort.
Explore More
Want to get even more prepared for your first class? Check out Your First BJJ Class: What to Expect
Looking for external resources? Here’s a great breakdown of structured learning at Gracie University Beginner Program
Final Thought
5 common mistakes beginners make in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is like learning a new language. At first, everything feels awkward, slow, and confusing. But with time, effort, and the right mindset—you start to flow.
Mistakes are part of that journey. Don’t fear them. Embrace them. Learn from them.
The mat is your classroom. And every drop of sweat is part of the lesson.