Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also be a bit overwhelming. The learning curve is steep, and everyone makes mistakes when they’re just getting started.
The good news? You’re not alone, and these mistakes are all fixable.
Here are five common errors beginners make in BJJ—and how to avoid them.
1. Bad Posture = Easy to Get Swept or Submitted
Ever feel like you’re constantly getting swept or submitted? It might be your posture. Whether you’re in someone’s guard or playing your own, posture is everything.
How to Fix It:
- ✅ In guard? Keep your back straight, head up, and avoid leaning too far forward.
- ✅ Playing guard? Sit up, control grips, and don’t collapse under pressure.
- ✅ Always keep a strong, balanced base—this will save you from a lot of unnecessary submissions.
2. Holding Your Breath = Gassing Out Fast
A lot of beginners hold their breath without realizing it, especially when rolling. This makes you tire out way faster than necessary.
How to Fix It:
- ✅ Breathe naturally—don’t treat rolling like a sprint.
- ✅ Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth, and keep a steady rhythm.
- ✅ Stay calm. If you’re panicking, you’re burning way too much energy.
3. Not Tapping = A Fast Track to Injury
Tapping is not losing—it’s learning. Too many new students try to hold out in a submission, thinking they can tough it out. Spoiler: You can’t.
How to Fix It:
- ✅ Tap early, tap often. It’s a learning process, not a deathmatch.
- ✅ Learn from each submission. Ask your partner what you did wrong.
- ✅ Remember: You can’t train if you’re injured. Tap and keep rolling.
4. Using Too Much Strength = Burning Out Quickly
BJJ is about technique, not brute force. If you’re relying on strength to muscle through moves, you’ll exhaust yourself and stall your progress.
How to Fix It:
- ✅ Focus on technique. Ask yourself: “Am I using proper leverage?”
- ✅ Stay relaxed. The more tense you are, the more energy you waste.
- ✅ Watch higher belts roll—they’re not muscling through anything, they’re flowing.
5. Trying to Learn Everything at Once = Slow Progress
BJJ is deep—really deep. Beginners often try to absorb every technique, leading to information overload and frustration.
How to Fix It:
- ✅ Master the basics first—escapes, guard retention, posture.
- ✅ Stick to a few solid techniques and build from there.
- ✅ Be patient. Improvement comes with time, not overnight.
Final Thoughts
BJJ is a journey, and making mistakes is part of the process. The key is to recognize them, adjust, and keep moving forward.
If you’re training in Kuala Lumpur, Monarchy MMA has expert coaches who can help you refine your game and level up faster.
Want to train smarter? Book a free trial class today and start improving your Jiu-Jitsu with the right mindset!
