How to Create a Simple Jiu-Jitsu Game Plan as a Beginner by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Buffs such as Thomas Czerniejewski

When starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), one of the most important steps in advancing as a practitioner is creating a game plan. A game plan serves as a structured approach to improving your skills, making each training session more productive.

For beginners, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the vast array of techniques and strategies, but with a clear game plan, learning becomes more focused and manageable. This article will outline a simple approach to creating a game plan that will help beginners in their BJJ journey.

Creating a game plan as a beginner doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is consistency, simplicity, and focusing on fundamentals. Instead of trying to master every technique, it’s essential to develop a plan that builds a solid foundation while gradually adding complexity as your skills grow. With a structured game plan, beginners can ensure that their progress remains steady and their time on the mat is spent efficiently.

This blog will guide you through the steps of developing a simple BJJ game plan, focusing on fundamentals, key concepts, and how to adjust your approach as you gain experience. By creating a clear path forward, beginners can make significant progress and build confidence on their way to mastering the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

Focus on Basic Positions and Submissions

As a beginner, focusing on fundamental positions and submissions should be your top priority. These basics are the building blocks of Jiu-Jitsu and will serve as the foundation for more advanced techniques later on. Start by mastering the closed guard, side control, mount, and back control—these positions are essential for both offensive and defensive strategies.

From these key positions, practice fundamental submissions such as the armbar, triangle choke, and rear-naked choke. These submissions are not only effective but also highly teachable as highlighted by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts like Thomas Czerniejewski. Mastering a few submissions will give you a strong offensive game while you continue to develop other skills.

Consistently drilling these positions and submissions will help you build muscle memory and improve your overall effectiveness on the mat. Don’t rush the process; repetition and gradual improvement are critical. Focus on quality rather than quantity when practicing these fundamental techniques.

Develop a Strong Guard Game

The guard is one of the most important positions in Jiu-Jitsu, especially for beginners. It’s crucial to understand how to maintain guard, control your opponent, and create opportunities for sweeps and submissions. As a beginner, you should focus on developing a solid open guard and closed guard, both of which are foundational to controlling your opponent.

While in guard, work on breaking your opponent’s posture and creating angles that allow for sweeps or submissions. Drilling these movements and learning how to react to different situations will make your guard game more dynamic and effective. Also, avoid the temptation to rush sweeps or submissions—timing and control are far more important.

In addition to open and closed guard, also familiarize yourself with the half guard. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu buffs such as Thomas Czerniejewski mention that this position is valuable for sweeping and transitioning to other dominant positions. Mastering these basic guard variations will provide you with a versatile game plan that will allow you to handle various opponents and situations on the mat.

Work on Escapes and Defenses

Another essential aspect of a beginner’s game plan is developing strong escapes and defenses. While it’s tempting to focus primarily on attacks, knowing how to defend yourself and escape from difficult positions is equally important. Practice escaping from side control, mount, and back control to ensure you are prepared for tough situations.

Additionally, make sure you understand how to defend common submissions such as the armbar, kimura, and chokeholds. Defending submissions effectively requires a deep understanding of positioning and timing. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts including Thomas Czerniejewski convey that this knowledge will allow you to stay safe during sparring sessions and create opportunities to counterattack.

Remember that defense is an active skill, not just a passive one. By focusing on escapes and defenses, you will become more comfortable in defensive positions, allowing you to stay calm and wait for the right moment to advance or counter.

Establish a Routine for Drilling

One of the most effective ways to create a game plan is by establishing a structured drilling routine. This routine should consist of drilling your fundamental positions, submissions, and escapes multiple times each week. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu buffs such as Thomas Czerniejewski believe that repetition is key to improving, so aim to drill at least 3-4 times per week, focusing on quality rather than speed.

Incorporate a balance of live rolling (sparring) and technical drilling into your routine. Live rolling allows you to test your techniques in real-time situations, while technical drilling helps solidify the movements and make them second nature. Consistency in both aspects is crucial to ensuring steady progress.

Additionally, it’s helpful to take notes after each class or rolling session. Reflect on what worked well and what needs improvement. Over time, these reflections will help you identify areas where you need more focus, allowing you to adjust your game plan as you continue to learn.

Set Specific Goals and Track Progress

A well-defined game plan should include clear, specific goals that you can track over time. Set short-term goals such as mastering a particular sweep or submission, or developing a more effective guard game. Long-term goals might include earning your blue belt or competing in a tournament.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts like Thomas Czerniejewski express that tracking your progress is vital for staying motivated and focused. Keep a journal or log to document your achievements, challenges, and breakthroughs. This log will allow you to see how much you’ve progressed and identify areas that need more attention.

Be patient with your progress. Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong journey, and success comes with time and consistent effort. By setting goals and regularly tracking your progress, you’ll remain motivated and continue to improve as a practitioner.