Many searches for how to learn BJJ, and there are several ways to learn and improve your skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. However, the essence of learning BJJ lies in practical training with training partners. Of course, there are ways to learn at home and improve your skills and moments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Learning BJJ
If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), getting started the right way can make a big difference in your progress and enjoyment. Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you build a solid foundation.
1. Find a BJJ School with Beginner-Friendly Classes
The best way to start BJJ is by joining a school that offers dedicated beginner classes. These classes emphasize the fundamentals in a safe, structured environment, greatly reducing the risk of injury.
Some gyms don’t offer beginner programs and may throw you straight into training with advanced students. That can be overwhelming and potentially dangerous if not handled carefully. If this is the case, your coach must ease you into sparring by pairing you only with higher belts who have excellent control and experience. With the proper guidance, this can still be a safe and effective way to learn.
2. Be Consistent — And Patient
Consistency is one of the most critical factors in long-term progress. You don’t need to train every day, but sticking to a regular schedule (even two to three times per week) will pay off over time.
Most beginners are eager to learn everything at once, and that’s understandable. But BJJ is complex. It’s far more effective to focus on learning one thing at a time. Think of it like building a puzzle: you add one piece at a time until the big picture starts to come into focus. Trying to learn everything at once will only slow you down.
3. Take Notes After Each Class
You’ll absorb a ton of information in your first few months, and it’s easy to forget techniques after class. Taking notes helps you retain what you’ve learned and provides a reference point to revisit later. Even quick bullet points can jog your memory and keep you on track.
4. Be Careful With Online Videos
There are thousands of BJJ videos online, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Many beginners fall into the trap of watching too many flashy submissions without mastering the basics.
Initially, avoid information overload. Focus on the fundamentals, things like posture, base, movement, and defense. These skills will stay with you for your entire BJJ journey. As a black belt, I still spend most of my time sharpening the basics.
To accelerate your progress, consider investing in high-quality instructional materials that focus on fundamentals. One excellent option is John Danaher’s “Enter the System”, which breaks down key concepts in a clear, detailed way.
5. Start With Escapes and Survival
Most instructors agree that beginners should focus on escapes and defensive skills first. Learning how to survive and get out of bad positions builds confidence and sets the foundation for everything else.
To help, we’ve handpicked some of the best instructional videos on escaping and surviving pins — essential viewing for new students who want to build a strong base.
Teaching Yourself to Learn Skills
One of the most overlooked aspects of learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is the ability to teach yourself how to learn. In every gym, there are always a few students who seem to progress faster than everyone else. If you study their habits, certain patterns start to emerge.
What Fast Learners Do Differently
- They focus on principles over details.
Instead of getting caught up in every tiny step of a technique, fast learners understand the bigger picture. They recognize the core principles behind a move, which helps them apply it more flexibly and recall it more easily during sparring. - They problem-solve off the mats.
When they’re not training, they’re thinking critically about their BJJ game — what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve it. This mindset helps them develop solutions between sessions. - They train with intent.
During class or sparring, they have a clear focus. They might work on escaping side control for a week or improving their grips in closed guard. They don’t just roll randomly — they have a purpose. - They are playful and exploratory.
Fast learners aren’t afraid to try new things. They see mistakes as part of the process and enjoy experimenting with different approaches. This playful attitude leads to more creative problem-solving during live rolls.
Train Your Mind to Train Your Body
If you want to improve faster, take some time to reflect on how you’re learning, not just what you’re learning. Are you intentional in your training? Are you thinking about your progress off the mats? Do you understand the “why” behind the techniques you use?
By developing your ability to teach yourself and take ownership of your growth, you’ll gain a powerful edge in your BJJ journey.
The ecological approach to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
This way of learning BJJ shifts the focus from memorizing step-by-step techniques to developing adaptable skills through real-time problem-solving and live interaction.
Instead of drilling static moves, practitioners engage in constraint-based games that simulate realistic scenarios, encouraging awareness, creativity, and functional performance.
This method builds deeper understanding, better timing, and more effective decision-making, making it especially valuable for hobbyists and competitors seeking lasting, adaptable progress on the mats.
Please read our article How to Learn BJJ with the Ecological Approach.
This way of learning BJJ shifts the focus from memorizing step-by-step techniques to developing adaptable skills through real-time problem-solving and live interaction.
How to Learn BJJ Online
Can you learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu online? Absolutely — but with one key caveat: while video instructionals can offer incredible insight into technique, the heart of BJJ is in live application. Without drilling and sparring with a partner, it’s difficult to develop timing, pressure, and real positional awareness.
That said, online learning can significantly enhance your understanding and support your in-person training. It’s perfect for studying new techniques, solving problems in your game, and exploring structured systems used by elite grapplers. Top-level athletes use online resources to break down sequences, visualize concepts, and prep for live practice. If you’re training at home or between classes, this kind of study can help keep your Jiu-Jitsu sharp.
The key is to balance active mat time with strategic study. On rest days or when you’re off the mats, you can still make progress by watching instructionals, mentally rehearsing positions, and planning what to focus on next. This approach — learning with purpose — is what builds self-directed grapplers, a concept we explore further in our article, “Teaching Yourself to Learn Skills in BJJ.”
If you’re just starting or looking to level up, it’s important to choose instructionals that match your goals and experience level. We’ve created a full guide for that: Gordon Ryan’s Instructionals — Beginners to Advanced, where we recommend a progression of systems that are practical, concept-driven, and proven on the mats.
Online study also pairs perfectly with modern training approaches like the ecological or constraint-led method, which emphasizes understanding and adaptability over rote memorization.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) online. And you should. But real progress comes when you combine what you study with consistent, intentional time on the mat. That’s where knowledge becomes skill, and skill becomes confidence.
Learn BJJ: Key Takeaways
Here are the most important principles to follow when learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu:
- Start by finding a gym with a structured beginner program. This will give you a safe and solid foundation.
- Consistency beats intensity. Show up regularly — that’s how progress happens.
- Don’t overwhelm yourself. Focus on learning one piece at a time, and let your skills develop gradually.
- Keep a notebook or digital log to track what you learn. Reviewing notes helps reinforce techniques and concepts.
- Avoid overloading on random YouTube techniques. Too much variety can slow you down if you haven’t built a strong base.
- Invest in high-quality instructionals from trusted sources like BJJFanatics.com to deepen your understanding between classes.
- Consider supplementing your training with well-reviewed BJJ books for mindset, theory, and technical insight.
Whether you’re training in a gym or learning online, these habits will help you build a long-lasting and effective BJJ game.
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