Let me be straight up – I’m still very much learning this whole Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu thing. As a blue belt, I’m nowhere near an expert, but I’ve picked up a few strategies that might help other newbies navigate the overwhelming world of online BJJ resources.
The Overwhelming World of Online BJJ
When I first started looking for online BJJ tutorials, it was like trying to drink from a fire hose. So. Many. Videos. Techniques flying everywhere, and me sitting there thinking, “What the hell am I even looking at?”
My First Mistake: Trying to Learn Everything
Initially, I made the classic beginner error – I tried to absorb every single technique I could find. Armbars, triangles, weird guard passes I couldn’t even pronounce. Result? Total confusion and zero actual learning.
Don't worry - there is plenty more to read.
Finding My Focus
The game-changer for me was realizing I needed a more strategic approach. Instead of bouncing around like a BJJ tutorial pinball, I started focusing on specific areas that matched my current struggles in training.
That meant spending months just trying to survive when I was stuck at the bottom. As a beginner, learning how not to get crushed became my primary mission.
The Three-Month Deep Dive
Here’s what I’ve learned: give yourself time to understand something. When I became fascinated with Darce chokes (after an awesome seminar with John Will), I didn’t just watch one video and think I’d mastered it.
Nope. I’ve been studying Darces for over a year, and I’m still getting my head around the nuances. Some techniques are like that – they’re not a quick YouTube tutorial, but a journey.
My approach now is to spend at least a quarter (3 months) diving deep into one area. This means:
- Watching multiple instructors’ takes
- Trying the technique in training
- Asking my coaches for feedback
- Reviewing my attempts
- Slowly building understanding
Keeping It Real: I’m Still Learning
I’m not writing this as some BJJ guru. I’m writing this as a blue belt who’s figured out that random YouTube watching isn’t learning. It’s just watching.
My current strategy involves:
- Picking a technique related to what we’re doing in class
- Finding 2-3 quality instructional videos about it
- Practising it consistently
- Being patient with myself
The Importance of In-Person Training
Let me be clear: online resources are a supplement, not a replacement. Nothing beats mat time with real training partners and coaches who can give you immediate feedback.
Conclusion
If you’re starting, don’t get overwhelmed. Take a breath. Pick one thing to focus on. Watch some good instructionals. But most importantly, keep showing up to training and stay curious.
Some of my favourites…
We are all going to just ‘gel’ with certain personalities over others – but – if I look at my video history – I seem to keep returning to a couple of channels.
- https://www.youtube.com/@JeanJacquesMachadoOFFICIAL
- https://www.youtube.com/@JordanTeachesJiujitsu
- https://www.youtube.com/@brandonmcninja
