If you’ve just started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu then you may have considered using a BJJ journal. This is a good way of keeping notes and literally writing down your progress. Whilst nothing beats physical training, BJJ journals can be used as a good way to supplement your progress and keep you on track.
According to some, it can also be a good way to advance and learn faster due to remembering your mistakes and victories. Here’s everything that you need to know about a BJJ journal.
Table of Contents
How do you use a BJJ journal?
Let’s face it, if you train then you won’t remember everything. Especially when you’re new, the chances are you won’t remember much at all during times and it can feel confusing. The point is to try and write down your thoughts as quickly as possible after class. In other words, you may remember a key bit of information that led to a sweep, or how you got caught in a submission.
In theory, writing this down will reinforce your thoughts more which means you’re more likely to remember everything. Naturally, if you can go back and re-read things then you’ll probably put more emphasis on them which makes you improve your technique for future training.
Another benefit of using a BJJ journal is that it can rank your progress. For instance, if you eventually submit a regular training partner who is better than you – then you’ll see improvements. Sometimes though, BJJ is more subtle than this though and you should be measuring progress in smaller measures such as guard retention, scoring advantages and other micro wins. Without a journal, you may not realize how much you’re getting better. Now, we shall mention how to specifically write BJJ notes.
How do you write notes in BJJ?
Imagine you’ve watched a demonstration on how to do a butterfly sweep. When you can, you should write down the roadmap to completing the sweep. This could start by getting grips, then off balancing the opponent, and finishing with the sweep. The level of details is up to the individual, with some preferring lots of information – whilst others may just want to keep things simple.
As you improve, you can then go back and modify your notes as you go along. You may notice in sparring that you can add a guillotine to the sweep. This will put you in a position to enhance your techniques and is a good way to creatively brainstorm your thoughts.
For some, this is done by scribbles, whilst others will start writing a mindmap. Whatever works is your choice. The point is to keep your mind active when training has finished. After all, it’s a shame to put things into action, only to forget about it hours later.
This can be done digitally via an app, on a spreadsheet or even by using a physical BJJ journal. Ultimately, it’s up to you and depends on your own wants and needs.
Will I struggle if I don’t use a BJJ journal?
At the same time, a BJJ journal isn’t for everyone. Arguably, if you’re a black belt there’s also little point in writing one as you’re already well versed in most parts of BJJ. However, what if you’re a beginner? Really the answer depends on your personal preference. For example, if you enjoy note taking then a BJJ is certainly a positive and can improve your speed of learning.
The issue is that this simply isn’t for everyone and some may even find it boring. If making BJJ notes isn’t your thing then don’t do it. If it sucks the fun out of the learning process then it’s simply not worth it.
BJJ journals are great – but nothing beats training
Imagine you have two similar athletes. One trains 3 times per week, and the other trains 4 times. The one that trains 3 times has a BJJ journal, whereas the other doesn’t. If they were to spar or compete against each other, the winner would be the one who trains more for the most part.
This shows that whilst a journal may help, it’s also a mere supplement rather than actual training. Having said this, there are other ways to measure the effectiveness of using a journal. For example, what if we use the same example but both people train 3 times per week.
Now the playing field is equal, you’d expect the note keeper to have the edge in sparring. Therefore, BJJ journals are effective but obviously won’t replace hard work or hours spent in the gym.
What is the cheapest BJJ journal?
If you’re after a no-nonsense BJJ journal, then this book will do the trick. With over 200 pages and costing under $4, it’s not exactly a big investment. Of course, there are more fancy designs out there and some books offer more writing space. Nonetheless, if you’re training on a budget then that book is a good place to start.
Conclusion
Writing a BJJ journal is a good tool to improve and it has many benefits. The beauty of using a BJJ journal is that it can only be a good thing. Even if it doesn’t really improve your training – it certainly won’t harm your progress.
This is a good way of thinking about things and having an open mind is key. So, if you’re thinking about writing a BJJ journal then why not start sooner rather than later?
