Enjoy the Training
Martial arts is a hobby or pastime for most of us. You’re learning to fight—but more importantly, you’re here to enjoy yourself.
Yes, it’ll be tough. You’ll question whether you’re getting better, I assure you are and will get better as time goes on. Here are some things to apply to make that happen and enjoy the journey along the way.
Relax
You’ll hear it a hundred times: “Relax!” It’s easier said than done, but essential.
What does it mean?
- Pace Yourself: Don’t go 100% for 30 seconds and gas out. It’s not a sprint.
- Stay Loose: Tension slows you down and drains your energy.
- Keep Cool: Don’t panic in bad positions. Stay calm, think, and learn.
- Use Energy Efficiently: Flow, don’t flail.
- Be Mechanical, Not Brutal: Understand leverage and timing.
- Let Go: Don’t force moves. Learn when to quit and reset.
- Avoid Crank Moves: Headlocks and neck cranks don’t help learning.
Breathe
Beginners often hold their breath. Under pressure, breathing regularly takes practice—but it’s critical.
Stay aware of your breath. Breathe and you’ll last longer.
Patience
Skill takes time. You won’t be tapping everyone in your first week.
Be patient. Do the work. Progress will come.
Consistency
If you want results, train consistently. Sporadic sessions don’t cut it.
Also, stay consistent in your mindset and effort.
Focus
Just showing up isn’t enough. Coaches guide—you must learn.
Pay attention. Get something out of every drill and roll.
Ask Questions
Ask when you don’t understand. Ask your coach, ask higher belts.
Got tapped repeatedly by the same thing? Ask how or why it keeps happening. It helps everyone.
“The only stupid question is the one not asked.”
Tap Early, Tap Often
Getting tapped is normal. Tap before you get hurt.
Pain isn’t required to justify tapping—being caught is enough. Tap, reset, keep learning.
Respect Submissions
- Apply Submissions Smoothly: Finish with control, not a jerk.
- Watch for Taps: Hands, feet, voice—be aware of how your partner taps.
Injuries
Take them seriously.
Stop and treat injuries immediately. Missing a week is better than months of damage.
Go watch class if you can resist the urge to jump in—but rest when needed.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
You will get tapped—a lot.
So does everyone, including black belts. Bad days happen. Don’t dwell—just train.
Watch Others
Observing others can teach you technique, timing, and style.
Study how better grapplers move and think. Everyone has something to offer.
Hygiene
Yes, this needs repeating:
- Wash your gi after every session.
- Wash your body after every session.
- Trim your nails.
Respect
- Respect your training partners—on and off the mat.
- Be mindful, not reckless.
- Banter is fine, but avoid drama or gossip. It kills team spirit.
Leave Your Ego at the Door
This is training, not fighting. You’re here to learn.
Let go of pride. Focus on development, not domination.
Position, Position, Position
Good grapplers control position:
- Guard passing
- Pin escapes
- Sweeps
- Maintaining pins
Submissions are awesome—but you won’t get there without position.
Fundamentals Are King
The basics are deep. You may get bored of them, but mastery lies in nuance.
Stick with the fundamentals. They are the real secrets.
Train What You Hate
We avoid what we’re bad at. That’s exactly what we need to improve.
Turn weakness into strength. It’s how champions train.
Training Partners
A good drilling partner is gold—but don’t limit yourself.
Roll with everyone. Different styles = faster growth.
Goal Setting
“Set daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. Write them down and share them with someone.” — Randy Couture
Goals keep you moving forward. Track your progress and stay motivated.
Performance Is What Matters
You are judged by performance against resistance—nothing else.
Not:
- Belts
- Flashy moves
- Your sensei’s lineage
- Gear brands
- Books read
Only: How well you apply what you know.
Rest
Rest is fuel.
Recovery = progress. Don’t train into the ground.
Nutrition
Fuel your body like an athlete.
Eat, hydrate, and supplement in ways that support your training.
The Big Picture
Fighting ability is fun—but it’s not everything.
Enjoy it, grow from it—but be a good human too. Make your life, your family, and your community better.
No one will care how tight your side control was if you’re not kind.
