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How do you get better at jiu-jitsu with open mat?
I recently did a speech on fixed mindsets vs growth mindsets in my toastmasters group. If you don’t know this term, you can simplify it into negative and positive attitudes. This term is made famous by Dr. Carol S. Dweck.
In terms of jiu-jitsu, a fixed mindset person goes into a jiu-jitsu roll with the want to win at all costs. They want the submission. They want to win. “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” They focus on the superficial, measurable outcome. Did I win?
A growth mindset person in a jiu-jitsu roll wants to learn from every roll, regardless of the outcome. Yes, I love getting the submission. It is a huge dopamine hit and a point up on my confidence. I get it when you first start that you need all the encouragement and confidence you can get, especially when you get beat up day after day. I’ve been doing jiu-jitsu for over 15 years. I am a brown belt. In growth mindset, belts don’t matter, the constant growth is the most important part.
“Often, people do not see that black belt will be their longest belt.” -Saulo Ribeiro
I keep a journal, a jiu-jitsu journal. At first, I used to draw and write every move down. I would advise against this, but as a beginner, I didn’t know some moves were better than others or that some moves were body specific. Even this idea of jiu-jitsu philosophy, e.g. have a line of attack, don’t go for leg attacks from the top position, was foreign to me. As a beginner, take notes as much as possible. You will filter what works for you.
How do you get better at jiu-jitsu with open mat?
I leave open mat and, either in my car or in a restaurant, I write down and reflect on my performance. I write three things in my journal.
- What did I do well? If I had an objective, did I complete it? My goal is arm drags to back takes. How many submissions did I get? Were they in line with my game or one off submissions of opportunity?
2. What are my deficiencies? What can I improve on? Did I get subbed? Did I escape well? What position gave me the most trouble? Can I recall the precise moment where my defense failed?
3. What can I do better next time? It could be your submissions. It could be escapes. It is up to you to reflect on what would you like to improve on.
This process could take 5 minutes or 10 depending on how much time you want to invest in it. I promise you that reflecting on your open mat performance will grow your jiu-jitsu skill set.
Keep a growth mindset. Jiu-jitsu is a long journey of growth.
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