Learn a technique and study all its aspects including set-ups, grips, body position, timing, balance, counters and recounters. Get help from your instructor, class-mates, the internet and instructional media.
Repetition makes you smooth. Smooth makes you fast.
Isolate the technique in sparring. Start with the smallest,least experienced person in the club. When the technique works consistently, move on and try it on the second smallest or second least experienced person. Repeat.
In grappling, observe problems you encounter with the technique. Then take time to analyze, brainstorm and discuss with coaches and training partners. Test solutions with more live sparring.
Stephan Kesting
P.S. Grab my free app to learn BJJ on the go at https://www.grapplearts.com/masterapp. Lots of technique in there but also a podcast player so you can catch my mellifluous voice any time you want ;)
Published by
More from The Strenuous Life Podcast
-
446 - Building a Community BJJ Dojo in Kenya with Just Shiggi!
Apr 7, 2026
-
445 - The Most Dangerous Day of My Arctic Journey and What It Taught Me About Satisfaction and Happiness
Mar 19, 2026
-
444 - Stoicism and BJJ, with Adisa Banjoko
Mar 4, 2026
-
443 - Twenty-seven Red Flags to Avoid When Picking a BJJ Club
Feb 24, 2026
-
442 - Building a Positive Gym Culture in BJJ, with Josh Peters
Feb 2, 2026