Stop Thinking About Techniques As A BJJ White Belt

Recently one of my White Belts asked for tips on remembering techniques when he rolled. He said that there is so much stuff going on, and he can't remember techniques when he rolls. He just brain farts.
In this video I share an analogy about how BJJ is like music in a way and I explain how it's a little different than what you might expect. And you should not try SO HARD to remember techniques.
Many people who are new to BJJ start by trying to develop the ability to consciously memorize techniques during rolling. When in fact, it doesn't happen like that. We call it muscle memory for a reason.
More often than not. Your body will figure out how to put it all together well before you can consciously think about what exactly you're doing. This is why someone can execute a technique without being able to appropriately break it down and teach it to someone else.
If you do end up being able to consciously think about the techniques when you roll, it's usually an afterthought. The move has already started and it's just a fleeting thought in your brain.
In most cases, if you have to think about the technique you plan to use too much. It's too late and your opportunity will be lost..
Saulo Riberio has a great quote, "If you think, you are late. If you are late, you use strength. If you use strength, you tire. If you tire, you die."
I think what he is touching on is the importance of your body executing techniques in BJJ intuitively. Without having to remember techniques.
In my opinion this intuitive ability is developed through mat time and drilling.
You'll know you are starting to develop this ability when you begin going off of "feel" opposed to thought.
Also, if you're new to BJJ. Be ready for the occasional "Aha" moments that will occur from time to time. Where things seem to fall into place.
I share in the video that doing BJJ is like playing an instrument.
As a musician feels the music and knows exactly which chords to pluck just off instinct. The more your abilities in BJJ develop. You'll find yourself doing things, not because you thought about them, but because they felt right.
So stop stop trying remember techniques as a BJJ White Belt. Remember what you can and be sure to drill your techniques a lot, and let your body do the rest. Don't let the mind get in the way.
Hope the video is helpful!
-Chewy
---------------------------
www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-...
/ chewjitsu
/ chewjitsu
/ chewjitsu
Snapchat: Chewjitsu
www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-...

[@PsychologyOfTheFight]

I doubt you’ll ever read this but thank you so much for putting out such incredible content for free!!!! You are a great man

[@Chewjitsu]

JD Young thank you and you’re welcome.

[@timmybobby4052]

I concur

[@theohuioiesin6519]

I concur with the concurring

[@Mindsetfitnessdevelopment]

I concur with the concurring of the concurring

[@rifetmutapcic6313]

I concur with the concurring of the concurring of the concurring

[@codinginflow]

So like any other skill, no matter if learning to code or training Jiu-Jitsu, it's about practice, repetition and patience

[@petery5905]

Coding kind of hits home for me now that you said this. In the beginning I had no clue what I was doing, but now I kinda 'feel' what is the right way to go.

[@codinginflow]

@@petery5905 good 👍

[@walleye306]

This method of education is called "Rote" I'd encourage you to read up on it. It's used for most things in life, especially school, first responders, and military. The art of making something a perfect habit.

[@blockchainbaboon7617]

Don’t forget focus

[@mikeharvey1597]

Set little goals, like, 'ok, last time I got tapped out 20 times. This time, I'm gonna focus on keeping my elbows in tight and only get tapped 18 times'. Pretty soon, you aren't getting tapped out so much, and then start turning the table.

[@julianramirez1096]

oh god sounds like me right now too bad im stubborn and will continue showing up for bjj if theres one thing i hate more then tapping out is giving up

[@MK4vDubbin]

mike harvey fucking loser I was tapping red belts after doing Jew jitsu for a month

[@FoulBundy]

Yeah MK4, you really sound tough in a youtube comment section.

[@MrWildboy214]

mike harvey wait what 😩

[@dznArro]

mike harvey i get tapped like 5 times. but ima try this. because i kno if i keep my chin tuck or elbows tight i dont get submitted

[@APGJuggernaut]

Valid. I've been rolling 4 months, still feel like i dont know much more than i did in my first week but im getting props for doing things i dont even realize im doing.

[@tolkienblack6602]

Omg me too!!!! My professors will be like "Good job" and I'm just like .."What did I do?😳...How do I do it again?"

[@dp9629]

Same . Just a month and half for me but somehow I pull things out of my ass I didn't know were there lol if I'm actively trying to thinking about it I get stuck in the motions but if I just flow with it I usually do pretty decent. I still roll the wrong way or grab the wrong grip all the time but I can tell it's getting better. Just goes with being a white belt lol

[@luanaisoares8912]

What belt are you now Lol

[@APGJuggernaut]

@luanaisoares8912 Blue with a few stripes. Still get whupped like its my first day.

[@momentum8640]

I've been training for two months and I feel the same way.

[@Khalil-Ibrahim21]

I boxed for 5 years and I was used to getting smashed for once in a while. Now I am doing twice a week MMA and twice a week bjj. For me it is not about losing or winning. First of all I am fighting against my ego. Imo you must be ready to learn from everybody.. Doesn't matter if black belt or white belt. Just learn GSP said even as a black belt you gotta think like a white belt...

[@sskspartan]

I never lost as many rounds in boxing, even against veterans, than I did in BJJ

[@dmtimko]

J Guy I just started last year at age 45. I total get it. I still go 2 x a week and love it even though I’m getting tapped a lot. I just hate giving up.

[@joshuapaivamatoscordeiro6969]

Great comment!

[@chasemanhart]

As a musician myself, the whole “your body will tune in” concept is a phenomenal one that should be taught, or shown, much more.

[@toadamine]

Had my first bjj class last night... Been watching videos on techniques for months and been watching MMA my whole life... Thought I'd be able to use some of that knowledge to my advantage... Didn't think I'd be good, just thought I'd be able to recognize positions and be able to get lucky a few times... Haha... In reality I couldn't remember any of that stuff in the heat of the moment and it felt like I was being manhandled by six armed gorilla or wrestling with a giant octopus... Totally disorienting and I was just trying g to hang on and be able to keep breathing! 😂😂😂 I think I'm hooked!! I wanna know how to do all of that! 😁🙌

[@laureanoballestas811]

Biggest advice is relax and breath brother try not to panic or use all your strength. Good luck man

[@NotWatchingTV]

2 years later you still rolling or what?

[@shiznit1721]

@@NotWatchingTV Good question, I'd like to know as well

[@back2schoolfool]

Did you keep going? Just took my first class yesterday and feel the same!

[@amurdock18]

You still in the game?

[@coconutsafari7049]

What should you do if you fart when you're rolling?

[@jonathanhernandez3292]

apologize

[@dmactv]

Coconut Safari go for triangle choke

[@Chewjitsu]

Use the momentary weakness that your butt fumes will create to advance position.

[@bearwithme1611]

Carry on.

[@bearwithme1611]

Or apologise

[@bobcat7871]

i was in 2 minds to quit after only 3 months but after seeing some of your videos aimed at white belts I am now no longer in 2 minds I will be returning to the gym as planned thanks you

[@Chewjitsu]

That's awesome to hear! Thanks for the message. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the videos.

[@conor-_C]

How you doing

[@kaiserwilhelmii6440]

Did you keep at it

[@bobcat7871]

@@kaiserwilhelmii6440 I did I'm now 65 kg lighter and a 1 stripe purple belt

[@kaiserwilhelmii6440]

@@bobcat7871Nice bro!

[@amost1000]

So I just finished my 2nd bjj class last night and was feeling slightly lost. I am really happy I found this video. It was very reassuring and I will use this advice going forward. Relax, breath and just flow. Thank you for this.

[@christophersmith3695]

I was in the same boat with other schools until I finally got to my current school. At my current school, white belts don’t roll, period. You’re in fundamentals drilling your brains out for almost two years. Fundamentals consists of techniques boiled down to bare bones where you are encouraged to get to know technique but memorize concepts. Rolling is in intermediate, and you had to EARN the invitation to go there by getting your third stripe white. Even once you got to intermediate, you still don’t roll. You do positional sparring. You roll once you get to blue belt. That was a godsend for me because two years in, I’m finally semi-comfortable with rolling. I’m still getting tapped out left and right, but at least I can move now. That just opened jiu jitsu up for me and made it so much fun.

[@silversunastrology]

I almost started crying while watching this video. The connection with the mind and the body is the beauty I live for in martial arts.

[@Chewjitsu]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@hankaghostdog]

Pussy

[@juicythrax8992]

@@hankaghostdog I mean literally

[@andrewgoldin6905]

Gay

[@silversunastrology]

Seeing men (who are probably weaker than me) call me gay and a pussy is pretty funny. But I am sure the rude commenters don't realize that gay and pussy have no relevance to martial arts... But I will give them a hint... If you think being gay or having a pussy has anything to do with martal arts, then I am not sure what exactly yu ar doing, but you are doing it wrong.

[@mimzshabani297]

I started watching your videos when I first started BJJ 8 months ago and this video really helped me when I was feeling like absolute shit about not retaining anything. I noticed the other day that my body has adapted quite quickly to all the moves that I find NATURAL for me, and now I can move far more instinctually. I'm flowing during rolls now, thinking to strategize and not to panic and mentally scramble. You've just got to put in the work and trust yourself. Thanks so much, Chewy, you rock, man.

[@saraperez8171]

Are you still doing jiu jitsu!! I’m a female and just started

[@miketanner549]

Thanks for always putting out good information to us white belts! Very much aporeciated!

[@kirstenp2966]

I’m so glad I came across your page! I’m a new white belt and all of your videos especially this one has helped me so much! I’m always hard on myself and I’m an overachiever so it’s been very hard mentally for me because I can’t remember everything I’m taught and I want to become good fast but of course that will take time so thank you I needed this video! Drill drill drill got it and relax my mind

[@meatheadsteve]

I been watching your vids for a while and ive finally taken the leap and got my 1st bjj lesson tonight . I get exactly what you saying with regards to the guitar as ive been playing for many years. Great vids thank you 👍👍

[@f18_]

I love to hear advice that i heard before from my professor.. It just validates him more.. Thanks you for this great advice.. It is so overwhelming yet so rewarding, everything im learning as a white belt...

[@petarvodenski5477]

thank you man, really. ive been training for about 4 months and ive talked with my coach about this and he said something similar but hearing it again helps me a lot. especially now where im home for the holidays and cant train and being sick. OSS

[@DBremer37]

Absolutely love this advice and it's so true. It's like when I was learning to fly a plane and going through preflight check lists. Now these lists are huge and when you're starting you're going one step at a time very slowly. After awhile it gets faster until now i don't even think about it as I'm prepping for flight. It does get easier, you just have to get over the hump.

[@danielfrankis2401]

Man I'm really glad I watched this video, it gives me such a boost when I hear things that I can relate to directly. Thanks

[@Sir.AdamsVIII]

This info is gold!!! Great delivery and I absorbed every bit of those tips. 👌

[@floyd398]

Just had my first jiu jitsu class yesterday and loved it! I had experience with wrestling when growing up but that was over 20 years ago and this is quite a bit different. I can see how it is frustrating. I already feel after my first class that I want to know more but have to just tell myself to take it slow, enjoy the process and have a good time. Thanks Chewy for your videos. These videos gave me a push to take my first step.

[@alprez3298]

Your perspective is appreciated! Thank you for sharing.

[@peteburke73]

This video was exactly what I needed. Felt lost the first few times I rolled. I tend to overthink and try to perfect every movement from the start. I usually fall back on my wrestling knowledge which was eons ago. I think what it probably comes down to is just showing up ready to learn, showing up consistently, and spending a lot of time on the mat. Great video. Thanks for posting. I’m sure there are many in the same position as me starting out.

[@alec9902]

This is what I needed to hear. I'm very new to bjj and try and pay attention as much as possible in fundamentals and soak up as much as I can. When I roll it all goes out the window and I basically go into survival mode. Thanks for the video!

[@steffenw.brandenstein9656]

This is like tailored to me. JJ whitebelt but solo guitarist in a couple of bands. Thank you man!

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome! Glad it made sense.

[@Tkauffman1523]

I’m about a month into my jiu jitsu journey and about 14 into my guitar journey and I gotta say this analogy to the guitar was so helpful for me..thank you for all the knowledge brother!

[@michaelstolk5029]

Had my first ever roll yesterday, it was outstanding. Come home heart pounding watched about 10 of your videos. Have a rugby background and injuries have stopped me playing, so I need a new sport I think this is the one! Thanks for the vids

[@ChrisB8711]

One thing I took away from this was muscle memory!! I play guitar an your analogy really made sense. Thanks coach

[@indiman5k809]

Thanks Chewy. Always a thumbs-up. I tune in every day.

[@HystericalMafia]

I have to say I am the smallest guy in my classes so it’s been pretty hard at times when rolling. I always really thought I should think of what moves I make before I do it, but know that I’ve heard what you said I’ve realized that I do better when just rolling without thinking as much compared to when I overthink a simple escape or submission.

[@TheTattooedRonin]

Been at bjj for over a month now! Love it! Its tough for sure I have good days and bad days lol. It is so much it feels like. But gonna keep at it no matter what. Channels like these are so helpful. Gonna keep updating my experiences on my channel too.

[@nathanposkitt7093]

Thank you got putting your videos out there. I appreciate you man!

[@annebritlothe1614]

When I get home from practice, I try to write down at least one thing I learned that day.

[@sumphtoneaudio4922]

That guitar analogy was brilliant! I play guitar as well. Ive been playing for 16 years and it comes to me naturally now. I don't have to think much about it unless im learning a new song. The same for BJJ. I will take this lesson to heart and remember that I am not meant to learn all these techniques right way.. Thank you for such a refreshing new perspective. Hopefully one day, I can roll with you at your gym. OSS

[@irontoad777]

As a new practitioner of only a month, and at the age of 44, this helps me immensely, thank you. I love your channel, so many people ask the same questions I have and you answer them so well. Good job man, i'm a subscriber :)

[@stevenconnolly28]

Are you still training?

[@prakwillem]

Exactly what I needed to hear thanks. As a guitar player I love the analogy. Can emediality relate it to my experience.

[@todei79]

Been following Chewy for almost a decade now. Probably my favorite channel.

[@fredericmenges]

THANKS A LOT for this video. It was exactly what I needed right now, since I am feeling exactly like your student right now (also very beginner).

[@jfdelavia]

these white belt tips are great! thank you!

[@chugginmyestus5024]

This guy's approach is much like that of Elliott Hulse.

[@spellicup8297]

Jordan Aaron Smith that is EXACLY what I was thinking lol

[@chugginmyestus5024]

Good to see the work of Elliott is reaching multiple communities in the fitness world, I have a feeling he will be on the Joe Rogan Podcast soon... Elliott recently came into contact with Wim Hoff, a fascinating combination...

[@K33176]

Jordan Aaron Smith just gotta breathe into BJJ balls man

[@spiritsplice]

Mr breathing with your balls? lol

[@jeremywhitfield4556]

Spirit Splice aha

[@305dave]

Just started Jiu-jitsu....This is so relevant to me. Your the man, thanks for the great content! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@mofongotron]

Nice! 1. As a guitar player who's looking into starting BJJ, I really like the analogy you made. 2. Regarding the study you were referring to, I'm pretty sure you were talking about the work of Antonio Damasio and what he ultimately called the "somatic marker hypothesis." Here, subjects' electrodermal skin activity responded differently to "good" vs. "bad" decks of cards in a gambling task (Iowa Gambling Task) before the subjects were consciously aware of the optimal choosing strategy. Great to see reference to this work outside of the lab, haha.

[@elpipi]

I needed this talk

[@daBJJ-ln8wt]

Thanks chew. Grabbing grips second nature to me now. Helps me to get better control when rolling. My old buddy said u control the grips u control the roll

[@patrickmoreorless]

@chewjitsu I'm a fresh white belt doing BJJ three days a week and what I love about it is that it feels like more than a martial art. After training and rolling (and sucking), I go home and I ask myself, "What did I do wrong? How can I get better?", so I take notes and have a KZbin playlist with plenty of your sage wisdom. Your videos have been a great guide and learning tool throughout my BJJ journey, so thank you so much for helping me "embrace the suck"!

[@landonmeador2197]

So much help in all these videos. Thank you

[@oglow100]

Very good analogy. I find that having learned the guitar in the past has really helped me with learning to learn. It's a great skill to know how to learn because you start "feeling" the motions.

[@Chewjitsu]

Thanks for the comment. Glad the analogy made sense.

[@anadosale7083]

Wow! Thanks for posting this videos, it is really overwhelming being a brand new white belt. I feel very frustrated most of the time, I thought it was just me! :)

[@ericdaniels6603]

So helpful as a 40 year old guy just starting BJJ. So glad I found your channel. Thanks man!

[@erikbakker1639]

How difficult is it to start with bjj as a 40 year old? Im 41, doing some other martial art and considering starting bjj.

[@TheTexasOiler]

Thank you!!! Just started last week and this helped.

[@rocmiraclepallares7504]

I love how you are the Elliot Hulse of BJJ, this channel is absolultely precious!

[@rcoles82]

Loving your videos, keep it up mate.

[@MrMagoo-yk6xo]

The same thoughts I have when rolling. Thanks for addressing 🤙🏾

[@Carmelobrian]

Thanks for this video. Helps a lot. I’m only 3 wks in and it’s tough

[@victorrain]

I hear you. I’ve been to a place for a over a month and every class feels like day 1 (I mean that in a bad way).

[@thewarriorofboros]

So I'm about 2 months into Jiu Jitsu, and I just found your channel today. I love the mindset you talk about in this video, and in general for the most part. While this is my first foray into combat sports, I have a ton of experience with competitive gaming, which I think ironically carried over a lot to my initial training. Thank you for doing what you do

[@wtfimcrying]

how are you now

[@thewarriorofboros]

@@wtfimcrying had to quit like a year after i posted the comment cause of financial hardship

[@wtfimcrying]

damn that sucks, hope you find the time to get back into it.@@thewarriorofboros

[@adriandoom7863]

Excellent advice! As a lifelong musician myself (and beginner in jiu-jitsu), the analogy you made about playing guitar immediately resonated with me. Ultimately, it's all about muscle memory; the time and effort that you put into something will invariably affect how your mind and body retains that information. Keeping this mind has helped me tremendously in not getting totally demoralized or humiliated, when training. Frustrated? Of course. But I can't allow it to become anything more than simply a matter of time and effort!

[@x426x]

I needed this brother. Going through this exact same thing right now.

[@Mr_Iain]

Great analogy. Perfectly explained.

[@robbmckenzie1035]

greetings from Australia, I am a 46 yo white belt,good to know other white belts have the same probs.did my first transition without thinking last week . muscle memory does sink in after a while.great vid thank you.

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome Robb. Thanks for the comment brother.

[@Numberonebleachfan95]

Your advice is incredible, helps me keep faith so thanks! Need all the help I can get

[@Chewjitsu]

Glad it's helpful Kieran!

[@SmokinSponge]

I was having the same problem before i left for college i felt like i wasn't able to retain the information but this video gave me motivation to get back in the gym and just keep going.

[@codythongs]

Did my first class of Jiu Jitsu a few days ago, I was so lost and confused but it was fun.. I would have quit if i didn't watch your videos! You helped me a lot! Thank you

[@solersessions]

You're a good man. Thank you for the info

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome Armando!

[@mikepeterson4061]

Such an awesome channel thanks Chewie

[@nevraXmike]

Thank you extremely for this piece of advice.

[@irimiaradu-silviu5764]

Another great video. I will use your advice in my rolling sessions.

[@Chewjitsu]

Thank you! Glad to hear the video helped.

[@jtoaderamma]

I love the analogy of the guitar with learning to roll.

[@ellenwayte4334]

As a musician and bjj practitioner this was great. Nailed it.

[@byronstoddard9709]

Great advice, thanks chewy

[@captainproman6580]

Love it the knowledge, dude! Thanks!

[@BradTiehen]

PERFECT analogy for guitar playing/practicing anything

[@TheRosyCodex]

great video and advice. I am a black belt in guitar but only a blue belt in jiu jitsu and I often compare the two, or use my success in learning and playing music as a blueprint for jiu jitsu.

[@ralphherrera5910]

Thanks this was really helpful.

[@josephbell6130]

Man, thank you! I'm a white belt and it's very reassuring to hear this!

[@Chewjitsu]

Glad to hear the white belt focused videos are helpful to you!

[@CassidyGordon]

Needed this, thank you! Oss!!🤙

[@poisonparadox1981]

As a guitar player I concur tap in to your intrinsic nature in any facet of expression you explore

[@Ruidac0]

Very valuable advise. Thanks!

[@Khalil-Ibrahim21]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you 👌🏽 when is your next live stream?

[@mperry94]

I needed this lol. Thank you.

[@ramkomusique]

Thanks for the advice Chewy!

[@chokeout412]

Excellent advice. Thanks.

[@jacksperduto6738]

My first class was last week and a black belt paired with me and it was so awesome to learn from him

[@jonathanhernandez3292]

awesome advice coach

[@multimeter2859]

You just gained a new sub. Great video.

[@jeffdj1975]

Sound advice. Thank you Chewy

[@furyano1251]

Im a white belt. I love learning new submissions. Im obsessed with it. Feels good when you learn the execute them in class.

[@austinj3902]

I feel this I had my first class today and OMG so much going on.. super intimidating but I'm back for more in 2 days!!

[@jasonscarbro3407]

I felt like he was talking directly to me. LOL. Thanks brother 🤙

[@BoneheadGuitars]

I’m a blue belt and I feel that way 😆 Loved the guitar analogy, that hit home

[@whoozworldizthis4221]

I play guitar and this is spot on. I know JJ feels weird now but guitar felt that way one day, now I shred due to muscle memory practicing scales again and again so hopefully one day I will build experience in JJ and understand it more

[@loveamerica587]

I don’t know too much about Jujitsu, I’m a Carpender I could drive nails very fast didn’t start out that way so I understand what you’re saying

[@andrewclack4881]

like the guitar analogy man .very apt

[@lawrencehamm1478]

Great advice!!

[@myriamkingsbury1690]

Thank you for this🙌

[@imbmedia9625]

i needed to hear this today.

[@ghostduster1]

your vids help me so much. thank you!

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome. I'm glad they help!

[@bleug6]

I believe this applies to multiple levels (I’m 3 stripe blue) looking for that AH HA Moment……This video is amazing, excellent insight!! Thank you, Aaron

[@sinisamitrovic8208]

Why did someone hit unlike button!?! I don't understand.. He is absolutely right... Love the post!

[@DerekCurryII]

Very encouraging stuff bro! I just started BJJ a few weeks ago.

[@Chewjitsu]

Nice! I hope the videos are helping your start in BJJ.