Once you start BJJ, it becomes addictive. We see people become obsessed with training. As with everything in life, finding balance is key. A passion that turns into an obsession can lead to over training and injuries.
So often should you train?
The short answer – We recommend taking at least two classes a week to maintain your skills and three classes a week to gain and grow your skills. While this may not sound like a lot to the average practitioner, this is the slow and steady long game we suggest. BJJ is a lifelong marathon not a sprint.
The long answer – It depends on your goals! Jiu Jitsu requires commitment.
Repeating the moves and drilling them will create muscle memory and it will be like riding a bike. Once you learn, you’ll never forget. You may need to put your feet down to balance a bit but after a few minutes, you’ll be right back at it!
Less than 2 days a week
Jiu Jitsu doesn’t really work if you just dabble in it, can’t just get your feet wet and not jump all the way in. You won’t be able to retain the information. You won’t have time to drill and improve your technique. You won’t know where to go next in live rolls. Life gets in the way sometimes and that’s ok too. If you can only come in once a week to get your mind right, we get it. It is a great mental…and physical break. If you train less than 2 days a week, each class can feel like the first day of class. It will feel like you are constantly starting over and it will be difficult to make progress. You need to build on what you learn so it is best to commit to at least 2 days a week.
2 days per week
This is what we could call the casual practitioner. It’s a great starting point. It’s just enough for you to learn, to drill, to retain, to build. It will provide a great foundation and hopefully have you yearning for more. This provides just enough time on the mats to learn and work on the technique and to maintain your skills.
3 days per week
Now if you want to gain those jiu jitsu skills, you will want to commit to at least 3 days a week. You will get more experience on the mat and really get to fine tone those skills. Your techniques will improve. Your stamina during live drills will improve. This is just enough to keep you satisfied and not get you burned out or overtrained. This is when you really start to love the live rolls.
4 days a week
This is the point when you love it. You train and can’t wait to train more. This is when you need to make sure you don’t hurt yourself. Take the time to warm up and cool down. Make sure you take breaks in between rounds and not go too hard. Focus on proper recovery so you can steady progress. Also make sure you have a sustainable life balance.
5 days a week
If you are a professional athlete whether in MMA or in the jiu jitsu competition scene, you should be training 5 days a week. This will maintain your high level elite training. At this level it is extremely important to be careful of overtraining and injuries. When training this much, you should have a team of coaches and other health professionals helping plan and execute your training schedule. 5 days a week is a lot for a casual practitioner but not unheard of. Especially when you start to find your groove and game on the mat.
6 days a week
You are obsessed. The key here is to not overdo it and fall out of love. Don’t let it consume your life entirely. As with any healthy relationship, absence can make the heart grow fonder.
