How Much Jiu-Jitsu Training is Enough?

All sorts of studies could be cited on this question. There are more blog articles on the world wide web than there are people on the planet. Everyone seems to have an opinion on health-related topics, and most people respect their own opinions very highly! So, here is yet another opinion but from someone who has practiced jiu-jitsu routinely four days per week for ten years without any gaps in time.

Those who are uncommitted to training will not progress. This is a simple point. There are some who think they can master jiu-jitsu quickly because they were athletic as teenagers or have kept running on a treadmill some or lift a few dumbbells every now and then. These things cannot hurt, but they will not substitute for simply being on the mats with the coach and classmates. To learn anything in life requires attention, effort, and time. Sporadic attendance will not bring about meaningful results. A few times a month is not enough. Once a week is not enough.

So, how much training is enough? Let’s start by stating that very few people in the world make it to the top of the jiu-jitsu competition circuit. Even there, money is short. So, it is difficult to see why someone would aim for that level because of the investment of time (and other “things”). At your local club there are likely not world champions. Rather, we are all training for physical health, personal goals, self-defense, camaraderie, and similar goals. How much time does it take for these types of goals? I have seen people make significant progress at three days a week. I have seen others make more progress faster at four training sessions per week.

The last thing to say on this subject for now is your mental approach is as important as physical attendance. If you are in the room just for the sake of being in the room, you may not meet your personal goals. If you come with goals in mind, intentionality, and a plan (all within the boundaries of class structure and coach agenda), then you will make progress at three classes per week and probably even at two. This depends on how deliberate you are. Get to class. Make a schedule and stick to it. Practice fundamental movements at home and stretch every day at home! Drill hard, maybe with more repetitions than the coach calls for. Add a few extra rolls each week in addition to roll day. Ask questions. Make notes. Review the techniques. Have fun.