Repetition and review are keys to BJJ

Repetition and review are keys to BJJ. But repetition and review are more than just memorization learning. There’s a brain-body connection that forms through repeated exposure over months and years. Regardless of your level or experience, if you look you’ll see that there are a dozen elements of what you’re doing right now that would benefit from a slow review. Techniques of course, but also concepts (inside position and control, kneeline theory) and strategy (stand to pass the closed guard, seek back exposure). These elements are things we use everyday at Savarese BJJ Academy (www.njbjj.com), and they’re all subject to a subtle collapse, a dropping away that’s accelerated (for most people) by pressure and stress. As humans, we all seem to be wired for change, to perpetually be on the lookout for something new. This is why it can feel like such a waste of time to do what appears to be the same thing over again, like repainting your house the same color it was before. Going through the whole process is a lot of effort just for maintenance. But the alternative, NOT repainting, doesn’t keep your house just as it was. Time and stress, water and rust all have their way with it and before long what was long what was new and fresh is dull and faded. It may all seem unfair when what we want NOW is something NEW. Time and experience have shown, however, that what’s important needs tending, whether it’s painting a house, sharpening a knife or honing your skills on the mat.