Getting Better at Jiu Jitsu Faster

Starting Jiu Jitsu as a white belt can feel overwhelming. You’re learning new movements, new terminology, and trying to survive against more experienced training partners. But don’t worry—everyone starts at the bottom!

At Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, Las Vegas, we help beginners accelerate their progress by focusing on the fundamentals. If you want to improve faster and feel more confident on the mats, follow these five key tips for white belts.

1. Show Up Consistently

The #1 rule for getting better at Jiu Jitsu is simple: train regularly. Jiu Jitsu is a skill-based martial art, and the more time you spend on the mats, the faster you’ll improve.

✔️ Train at least 2-3 times per week to develop muscle memory.

✔️ Even short, consistent sessions are better than occasional long breaks.

✔️ Don’t wait until you “get in shape”—Jiu Jitsu itself will help you get fit.

Consistency is the biggest factor in belt promotions, skill improvement, and confidence in Jiu Jitsu.

2. Focus on Defense First

As a beginner, it’s easy to focus on submissions, but learning how to survive and escape will make your game much stronger.

✔️ Learn to frame and keep good posture so you don’t get stuck in bad positions.

✔️ Master basic escapes from mount, side control, and back control.

✔️ Tapping is learning—don’t be afraid to tap and reset to improve.

If you build a solid defensive foundation, your offensive skills will improve much faster.

3. Drill the Fundamentals

Every black belt will tell you that fundamentals win fights. As a white belt, focus on:

✔️ Bridging and shrimping (hip escapes) to move efficiently.

✔️ Guard retention to avoid getting passed easily.

✔️ Basic sweeps and submissions like the scissor sweep and armbar.

Repetition is key—drill techniques until they become second nature.

4. Ask Questions & Learn from Every Roll

Jiu Jitsu is like problem-solving under pressure. The best way to improve is to stay curious and ask questions after training.

✔️ After rolling, ask higher belts what you could have done differently.

✔️ Watch instructional videos on techniques you struggle with.

✔️ Take notes after class—writing things down helps retention.

Learning doesn’t just happen during class—it happens when you reflect on your training.

5. Control Your Ego & Enjoy the Process

Jiu Jitsu is a lifelong journey. You will tap hundreds of times before you get good—and that’s part of learning.

✔️ Don’t compare yourself to others—focus on your own progress.

✔️ Relax during rolls—excessive strength won’t help in the long run.

✔️ Enjoy small victories—escaping a bad position is just as important as landing a submission.

If you keep showing up and enjoying the process, progress will come naturally.

Bonus Tip: Train at a Gym That Supports Your Growth

The right gym environment makes a huge difference in your progress. At Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, Las Vegas, we focus on:

✔️ Structured beginner programs that build a strong foundation.

✔️ Supportive, ego-free training partners who help you improve.

✔️ A balance of technical instruction and live rolling for steady progress.

If you’re ready to take your Jiu Jitsu to the next level, come train with us!

📍 Train at Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, Las Vegas at 9640 W Tropicana Ave Suite 120 Las Vegas, NV 89147

📞 Call or Text to Schedule Your First Class: 702-972-5971

📅 View Our Class Schedule: https://potentialjiujitsu.com/schedule

🔘 Try Your First Class Free!

https://potentialjiujitsu.com/freeclass