Using Videos to Help Your Progession in Jiu Jitsu

The age of content. Thta's what someone called it the other day. Content. And Jiu Jitsu isn't safe from the "Content Creators" either! They're everywhere, mostly creating rubbish! But it's not all bad news.

Never before have as many top athletes and instructors offered their entire catalogue of technical instruction for free. It's incredible to think that we're all sitting with a complete library of techniques in our pocket right now.

And even more incredible to think that most people will use it to look up "The funniest things White Belts do" rather than use it for researching how to improve.

But don't worry, I've got you covered. Here's how to use your phone as your friend, and harness the incredible power of video instructional content to improve your Jiu Jitsu!

Tip 1- Create Jiu Jitsu Position Playlists

You can use Playlists on YouTube, or use the favourite function on instagram. Create a different playlist for every position you're working on. Examples might be "Back Escapes". When you see something you are interested in, immediately add it to the playlist.

This prevents you from scrolling on and then trying to remember where you'd seen something. Very often I see something that only vaguely catches my attention, but then later I come across it in training, only to find I can't remember where I'd seen it!

So save what you see, even if you're not using it right now.

Tip 2- None of Yer Fancy Stuff

Some stuff looks awesome, but it's pretty low frequency. Now I'm not saying you shouldn't try it- part of Jiu Jitsu is, honestly, trying crazy stuff that only works 1% of the time you try it. We should always have space for the spectacular.

But make sure you study the fundamental moves on video as much as you do the crazy ones. They're the ones that will get you the most results.

And maybe make a playlist called "Crazy stuff I want to try".

Tip 3- Create a Project

To make a project, pick a position you want to improve, study, or are having difficulty with. Now, go find one or two people to follow who have a lot of online material on that one area.

I often use this in terms of problems: "I'm having trouble breaking closed guard. I'll find someone who does this well". This is a great idea, but why not also study something new- a new dimension you can add to your training.

If you're White belt, that might mean studying Side Control attacks. If you're a Purple or Brown belt, that might mean developing a lapel guard system from the bottom, or a method of passing the Lasso Guard.

Tip 4- Use a Paid Platform

If you've got a few quid a month to hand and want to buy a subscription, there are many online services that offer Jiu Jitsu instructionals. My favourite as a Purple and Brown belt was MGinAction- Marcelo Garcia's groundbreaking online platform. I credit it with helping me get to Black Belt level in many ways. I did the training, but the platform provided a lot of structure.

Some that I recommend (but have no affiliation to) are

submeta - Lachlan Giles' platform with lots of rich material, Gi and NoGi, including many modern Grappling leglock positions.

AOJ+- The Mendes Brothers, Gi and NoGi focused. Probably better if you're more Gi oriented.

BJJ Fanatics- More of a Pay-Per-View option, here you can buy libraries from specific grapplers on one position like Gordon Ryan etc.

Video is a Tool

I use these methods in conjunction with paper study. I first write down what my issue is, and then a few solutions I feel that I need to study. Once I have these, I hit the search functions!

Do it in 3 stages

Stage 1- Write the problem or position down. Brainstorm a few ideas of how you'd solve it.

Stage 2- Go online. Instagram, YouTube, Subscription Service. Find some material to work on and save it.

Stage 3- Hit the Mats. Find a buddy at Open Mat, after class, or before class, and get practicing.

See you on the mat!

Barry