Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense, fitness, and personal growth. Many young practitioners dive into training with excitement, eager to learn submissions, sweeps, and escapes.
However, beginners often make common mistakes that slow their progress and can even lead to frustration or injury.
If you or your teen is starting their journey in teens Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, understanding these mistakes will help build a solid foundation. Let’s explore seven frequent errors and how to avoid them.
1. Neglecting the Basics and Rushing to Advanced Techniques
Many beginners get caught up in flashy submissions and high-level moves they see in competitions or on social media. While it’s exciting to learn a flying armbar or a tricky one, ignoring fundamental positions and movements can lead to a weak foundation.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- BJJ is a progression-based martial art; skipping the basics makes higher-level techniques ineffective.
- Without mastering escapes, guards, and positional control, submissions won’t work against experienced opponents.
- Advanced moves require proper weight distribution, balance, and awareness that only come with practice.
How to Avoid It:
- Focus on fundamentals like guard retention, hip escapes, and positional control.
- Drill basic techniques repeatedly until they become second nature.
- Listen to coaches and trust the learning process—advanced techniques will come with time.
2. Using Too Much Strength Instead of Technique
One of the biggest lessons in teens Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that strength alone won’t guarantee success. Many beginners try to overpower their opponents rather than using proper technique and leverage.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- Over-reliance on strength can lead to quick exhaustion and inefficient movements.
- BJJ is designed for smaller individuals to overcome stronger opponents using leverage.
- Strength fades with fatigue, while good technique remains effective even when tired.
How to Avoid It:
- Focus on smooth and controlled movements rather than forcing techniques.
- Use drills to improve body mechanics and leverage instead of muscle power.
- Train with smaller, more experienced partners to develop technical skills.
3. Ignoring Defense and Only Practicing Offense
Beginners often get excited about submissions and attacking positions but neglect defensive skills. Being able to escape bad positions is just as important as executing submissions.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- In live sparring, beginners often find themselves stuck in bad positions because they never practiced escapes.
- Without proper defensive skills, opponents will dominate positions and apply submissions easily.
- Defense-first training helps students stay calm under pressure and develop resilience.
How to Avoid It:
- Dedicate time to learning and drilling escapes from the mount, back control, and side control.
- Practice defensive postures to prevent submissions before they happen.
- Work on survival skills—BJJ is about staying safe first, then looking for openings.
4. Holding Their Breath During Training
Breathing properly is a fundamental but often overlooked aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for teens. Many new students unconsciously hold their breath while rolling, leading to early fatigue.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- Holding the breath reduces the oxygen supply, causing rapid exhaustion.
- Proper breathing keeps the body relaxed and improves endurance.
- Controlled breathing helps maintain composure in stressful positions.
How to Avoid It:
- Practice slow, deep breathing while rolling to stay relaxed.
- Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth to maintain a steady rhythm.
- Focus on controlled breathing during warm-ups and drills to build muscle memory.
5. Being Too Stiff and Not Flowing with the Movements
Some beginners approach BJJ like a rigid fight, stiffening their bodies and resisting every movement. However, teens Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about adapting and flowing rather than using brute force.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- Being too rigid makes movements predictable and easy to counter.
- Flowing with techniques allows better transitions and counters.
- Overly tense muscles slow reactions and increase the risk of injury.
How to Avoid It:
- Stay relaxed during sparring and let movements develop naturally.
- Learn to recognize when resistance is futile and use it to transition to a better position.
- Train positional sparring with an emphasis on movement rather than static resistance.
6. Avoiding Rolling (Live Sparring) Due to Fear of Losing
Rolling is an essential part of learning BJJ, but some beginners hesitate to engage because they fear getting submitted or looking bad in front of others.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- Sparring is where real learning happens—avoiding it slows progress.
- Losing in training is normal and essential for improvement.
- Confidence builds through experience; avoiding rolling creates hesitation.
How to Avoid It:
- Treat sparring as a learning opportunity rather than a competition.
- Roll with different partners, including those with more experience.
- Embrace failure as a stepping stone to better understanding techniques.
7. Not Asking Questions or Seeking Guidance from Coaches
Coaches and experienced teammates are valuable resources, yet many beginners hesitate to ask questions. Some feel embarrassed, while others assume they’ll figure things out on their own.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- BJJ is complex, and trying to learn everything without guidance leads to frustration.
- Small adjustments from a coach can make a huge difference in technique.
- Asking questions helps accelerate learning and prevents bad habits.
How to Avoid It:
- If something isn’t clear, ask your coach for clarification.
- Pay attention when instructors correct other students—it’s often applicable to your game.
- Be open to feedback and apply corrections immediately during practice.
Reference This Article- How Orlando Kids Jiu Jitsu Prepares Your Child for Success in Life
Final Thoughts
Every beginner in teens Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu makes mistakes—it’s part of the learning process. The key is recognizing these common errors and improving them with consistent practice and guidance. By focusing on fundamentals, breathing properly, staying relaxed, and embracing both offense and defense, new practitioners can develop a strong foundation in BJJ.
If you or your teen is starting their BJJ journey, remember that progress takes time, and every mistake is an opportunity to learn. Keep training, stay humble, and enjoy the process of becoming a skilled martial artist.
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