Have you ever felt like your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) game hit a plateau? You’re showing up to class, working hard, and yet, progress feels slow. You’re not alone; many practitioners, especially guys in their 20s and 30s, hit this wall. But there’s a way to break through it: private lessons.
As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt instructor, I’ve seen firsthand how private lessons can fast-track your development, refine your techniques, and give you an edge you never knew was possible. Let’s dive into the hidden benefits of private Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lessons that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
1. Tailored Training for Rapid Progress
It’s All About You
In a group class, the instructor’s attention is divided among 15, 20, or more students. While you’ll learn great techniques, you might not get the personal feedback you need to make the adjustments that lead to real progress. That’s where private lessons come in.
Private Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lessons focus entirely on you. Your instructor can zero in on your strengths, weaknesses, and individual goals. Maybe you struggle to retain guard, or perhaps your submission defense isn’t where it needs to be. In a private lesson, you get undivided attention to work on these specific areas.
Faster Skill Development
I remember working with one of my students, who happens to be a black belt now. When he started training, we did private lessons only. We worked out twice a week, every week. He got so good, so fast that he earned his blue belt in six months. That’s the fastest I’ve ever given out a blue belt!
That’s the power of focused, personalized instruction—you can develop skills much faster than you would in a general group setting.
2. Learn Advanced Techniques That Fit Your Game
Deep Dive into Niche Techniques
In group Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, instructors often need to teach techniques that cater to everyone. While that’s great for broadening your game, there are probably specific techniques you want to focus on that never get covered in depth. With private lessons, you can dive into more advanced or niche techniques that align with your personal style.
For example, if you’re a big fan of the half guard but don’t know how to properly use it, a private session allows your instructor to break it down piece by piece. You’ll not only learn how to execute the technique but also understand the subtle nuances that make it more effective.
Customized to Your Needs
As a practitioner going to group Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, you may find some difficulty executing some techniques that may not be for you. Private lessons allow you to focus on techniques that complement your natural abilities and interests. For some, that might mean working on explosive takedowns, while for others, it could be a focus on slick submission transitions.
3. Increase Your Confidence and Mental Game
Overcoming Plateaus
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be mentally exhausting, especially when you’re training hard and not seeing the results you want. That’s when self-doubt creeps in, and you start to question if you’re improving at all. This is where private lessons can be a real game-changer.
In a private session, you get to focus on exactly what’s holding you back. You’ll receive direct feedback that can unlock new insights, giving you the tools to push past your plateau. It’s incredible what a confidence boost you can get when you suddenly see improvements in areas where you’ve been struggling.
Personalized Motivation
One of my students was notorious for being hard on himself after every roll. He’d come off the mat discouraged even though he was improving steadily. We started doing private lessons, and I was able to work on his mental game as much as his techniques. By giving him real-time feedback and showing him how much progress he was making, his confidence shot through the roof. Now, he not only performs better but also enjoys training a lot more.
4. Flexibility in Schedule and Focus
Train on Your Time
Life is busy, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. One of the best things about private Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lessons is the flexibility they offer. You can schedule them around your life, ensuring that your training doesn’t fall by the wayside. Whether you can only train in the mornings or after work, private lessons can fit into your schedule without you missing out on valuable mat time.
Focus on What You Need
Whether you’re prepping for an upcoming competition, recovering from an injury, or just looking to improve a specific part of your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game, private lessons let you focus entirely on what you need at the moment. In a private setting, your instructor will design a session around your goals, ensuring you make the most of your time on the mats.
5. Injury Prevention and Longevity in BJJ
Personalized Drills and Warm-Ups
In private lessons, your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor can tailor your warm-ups, drills, and exercises to fit your body and any pre-existing injuries. This means you’re more likely to avoid injuries and stay on the mat longer.
Correct Technique
The one-on-one attention ensures you’re executing techniques with the right form, which reduces the risk of injuries that come from bad habits or improper movement. This is especially crucial for guys in their 30s and up, where injuries can take longer to recover from.
6. Boost Your Competition Game
Focused Competition Training
If you’re serious about competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, private lessons are invaluable. You can work on specific strategies, game plans, and competition scenarios that aren’t typically covered in regular classes. I’ve had students who weren’t confident heading into their first tournament, but after a few private sessions where we drilled competition scenarios, they felt prepared and performed much better than they expected.
Conclusion
Don’t wait until you feel stuck in your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. Private lessons offer benefits that can transform your game in ways you never thought possible. From personalized attention to flexibility in scheduling, the advantages are clear. Ready to level up? Reach out to your instructor and book a private session—you won’t regret it.
-JH