I named this post “tips” just to get more SEO juice. These are my observations as a BJJ blue belt to document the way I think of some fundamental things.
Protect yourself (and your partner) at all times
As long the fight is on, you are (also) responsible for your safety. People (especially beginners) tend to forget that. If you are in doubt of your safety then you can always stop the roll. If you are not sure that your arm or knee bends that way or if your neck can stand the pressure from that angle – just STOP the roll and take the time to investigate. Stopping the roll is always an option whenever you feel uncomfortable.
I would like to believe that my partner is also taking care of my safety (Wim Deputter) but I don’t always count on that.
Some people want to win, some people want to play
Some people want to win at all costs. Some people want to play sports.
It is healthier in the long term to be the one who wants to play. If some people want to win, let them win. Don’t reflect the violence because it doubles the violence. If I get an overly aggressive partner then I will simply stay calm and play an overly defensive game – for example, move between the turtle and running man the whole round.
Keeping it playful
If you are scared of losing then throw the first round the most embarrasing way possible with one asterix for newer and/or smaller practitioners – make sure you are safe.
Positional sparring
Craig Jones and Kit Dale on positional sparring.
Experts
I don’t know what is the reason behind it but in training environment people like to give advice outside their scope. Recovery, excercising, nutrition, supplements, medical interventions, financial, life coaching etc. Very often the advice in not of high quality. So it is not wise to implement everything immediately.
Honor in jiu-jitsu
If you win because your partner does not know what to do – is there really (an honour in that) win? (by Priit)