1. The Full-Speed, No-Gas Engine

You roll into the first sparring session and immediately engage all your muscles at 100%. You use brute strength to resist every move. Result? You “gas out” (run out of energy) in 60 seconds and spend the remaining four minutes trying to remember how to breathe.

• The Fix: Learn to relax. BJJ is about efficiency. If you’re straining, you’re doing it wrong. Focus on structure and leverage, not muscle.

2. Holding Your Breath

You get stuck in a bad position (side control, mount) and immediately freeze. You become stiff and unconsciously hold your breath. This heightens panic and accelerates point #1 (gassing out).

• The Fix: Breathe! Make it your mantra. Slow, deep breaths help the body relax and allow the mind to think, which is crucial for escaping bad positions.

3. The “Spazz” Escape

When someone tries to pass your guard or establish a pin, you try to escape with explosive, flailing movements that often involve turning your back or pushing with zero technique. This is commonly known as “spazzing.”

• The Fix: Stop moving randomly. Identify the immediate threat (the grip, the hook) and use one of the basic escapes you learned in class (like shrimping or bridging). Less movement, more technique.

4. Apologizing Constantly

You accidentally bump a knee, roll over a foot, or breathe too heavily on your partner, and you immediately say, “Sorry!”

• The Fix: It’s great to be polite, but remember, this is BJJ. A quick nod is sufficient. Everyone is focused on the movement. If you’re feeling clumsy, it just means you’re learning how to control your body better.

5. Trying to Skip to the Fancy Moves

You watch an advanced purple belt hit a spinning back-take and immediately try it in a roll. It fails spectacularly.

• The Fix: Go back to the basics. The fundamentals are your foundation. The advanced moves will only work if your core mechanics (posture, balance, base) are flawless. Our Adult BJJ program focuses heavily on these core principles for a reason.

6. Only Practicing Offense

You spend drilling time only learning how to attack (armbars, chokes) but ignore the defense and the “how-to-escape.”

• The Fix: As a beginner, your defense is your priority. You will spend more time on the bottom than on the top. Drill your escapes (mount, side control, back) twice as much as your submissions.

7. Being Submitted by the Same Move (Repeatedly)

You are constantly tapped by the same cross-collar choke, and yet, you continue to make the same defensive mistakes.

• The Fix: This is a fantastic learning opportunity! After the tap, ask your partner, “What did I do wrong?” or “Where should my hand have gone?” Use the loss as data for your next Jiu-Jitsu practice.

8. Forgetting Everything When the Clock Starts

The professor teaches a beautiful, five-step technique. You drill it perfectly. Then, the roll starts, and your mind goes blank. You revert to wrestling/street fighting/survival mode.

• The Fix: Before you roll, pick one thing to focus on. For example: “I will only work my closed guard today,” or “I will only focus on shrimping.” Limiting your focus helps you retain and apply the lessons.

9. Being Overly Rigid or Stiff

You lock your body rigid as soon as you feel pressure, making it easy for your opponent to manipulate your entire frame.

• The Fix: Think of your limbs as tools. You want them to be strong, but flexible. Flexibility and proper framing allow you to redirect pressure instead of absorbing it.

10. Tapping with Your Mouth (Saying “Tap”)

You’re caught in a submission, but your hands are trapped. Instead of using your foot or tapping the mat, you scream, “Tap!”

• The Fix: Learn to tap early and often with any available limb or by tapping the mat loudly. The verbal tap is a backup. Your primary job is to protect your joints and yourself. Remember, tapping is a sign of intelligence and respect for your partner.