It happens to everyone. You’re at open mat, cycling through partners, and find yourself paired with someone clearly less experienced. You could dominate the roll, rack up submissions, and boost your ego—but what’s the point?
That approach doesn’t make you better, and it doesn’t help your partner. Worse, it makes you look like a jerk. Instead, use the opportunity to refine your skills, build good training habits, and create a more positive experience for both of you.
Here are 10 productive ways to level up your game while helping your partner grow:
1. Flow Only
Grapple continuously without settling into dominant positions or finishing submissions. Focus on smooth transitions from top to bottom and back again. Think movement, not control.
2. Righty, Lefty
Hit a submission on one side of the body—then switch. If you land a kimura on the right arm, go for it on the left. Improve your symmetry and expose weaknesses in your off-side game.
3. Sweeps Only
Start on bottom, initiate sweeps or reversals, then reset and repeat. Let your partner pass or mount—then challenge yourself to escape and reverse again. Build bottom confidence.
4. Troubleshooting
Let your partner put you in submissions or bad positions, then practice calmly escaping. Ask yourself: “How do I get out of this without panicking?” It’s a great way to sharpen your defense.
5. Pick a Limb
Choose a specific limb—say, the left arm—and go for multiple different submissions targeting that limb. Armbar, kimura, Americana, wristlock. Learn the chain.
6. The Submission Cycle
Work through a submission flow: choke, right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg. Repeat the cycle. You’ll develop variety and discover creative transitions.
7. Reverse Cycle
Flip the script. Let your partner go through a cycle of submissions and practice defending or escaping each one. Focus on timing, posture, and awareness.
8. Top/Bottom Challenge
Work a submission from top position, then attempt it again from the bottom. Mount to triangle, guard to triangle. Adaptation is key.
9. Position Isolation
Pick a position—like side control or mount—and work a variety of submissions each time you reach it. You’ll build depth in your attacks and recognize which submissions work best from where.
10. Catch and Release
Lock in submission positions, but don’t finish them. Instead, release, transition, and look for the next setup. Aim for fluidity and control, not domination.
Bonus: Be a Helpful Teammate
If your partner struggles, guide them. Offer advice, point out openings, and help them understand what’s happening after the roll. You don’t need to announce that you’re “going easy”—just be constructive and humble.
Grapple safe, train smart, and don’t forget—every black belt was once a white belt who kept showing up.
