Setting Achievable Grappling Goals for 2024

DECEMBER 28, 2023

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The start of a new year is an excellent time for athletes in BJJ and MMA to set goals that elevate their training and performance. Here are five suggested resolutions and strategies to achieve them:

Title

A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at. In martial arts, setting goals is essential not because you always achieve them, but because they give you a direction and a purpose. They make you stretch beyond what you thought was possible.

 

- Bruce Lee

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Master a New Technique 

Choose a technique you've been meaning to improve. Break it down into smaller components, dedicate focused training time, and seek guidance from coaches or online resources. Track progress and adjust as needed.

 

Below are some suggestions on techniques you could focus on for your current BJJ belt level: 

 

White to Blue Belt

  1. Basic Guard Pass (e.g., Knee Slice Pass) - Understanding how to effectively pass the guard is fundamental. The knee slice pass is versatile and teaches principles of balance, pressure, and guard manipulation.
  2. Rear Naked Choke - A foundational submission from the back. Learning this choke emphasizes the importance of back control, one of the most dominant positions in BJJ.

Blue to Purple Belt

  1. Triangle Choke from Guard - This technique helps develop an offensive guard game. It requires timing, understanding of angles, and the ability to use legs effectively.
  2. Sweep from Guard (e.g., Scissor Sweep) - A fundamental sweep that teaches mechanics and timing. Mastering sweeps from the guard is crucial for a well-rounded game.

Purple to Brown Belt

  1. Leg Locks (e.g., Straight Ankle Lock) - Introduction to the leg lock game, an increasingly important aspect of modern BJJ. Understanding leg entanglements and submissions like the straight ankle lock is essential.
  2. Passing Complex Guards (e.g., Spider Guard Pass) - Developing skills to pass more advanced and complex guards, adapting to various guard styles and learning to control the pace of the match.

Brown to Black Belt

  1. Advanced Guard Playing (e.g., Berimbolo or De La Riva Guard) - Mastery of advanced guards shows a deep understanding of BJJ mechanics and strategy.
  2. Systematic Approach to Positions/Submissions (e.g., Kimura Trap System) - Developing a systematic approach to certain positions or submissions indicates a high level of understanding and the ability to chain techniques effectively.

For each belt level, these techniques represent fundamental skills that build upon each other, reflecting the practitioner’s growing understanding and proficiency in BJJ. Mastery of these techniques not only prepares one for the next belt but also ensures a well-rounded skill set.

Enhancing conditioning 

Improve your strength, endurance, and flexibility. Create a detailed workout plan, including strength training, cardio, and mobility exercises. Consistent and structured training will yield results over time.

 

Here are five exercises you can integrate into your conditioning training to improve your overall fitness for grappling: 

Burpees

Excellent for building cardiovascular endurance, burpees also mimic the explosive movements often required in BJJ. They improve overall strength and agility, vital for quick transitions on the mat.

 

Kettlebell Swings

This exercise is great for developing hip explosiveness and strength, which are crucial in BJJ for movements like bridging, escaping, and executing takedowns. It also strengthens the core, glutes, and lower back.

 

Deadlifts

A fundamental strength-building exercise, deadlifts target the posterior chain which is essential in BJJ for effective grappling, maintaining posture, and preventing injuries.

 

Pull-Ups

BJJ players often need strong upper bodies to control opponents, and pull-ups are ideal for enhancing grip strength, back muscles, and overall upper body conditioning.

 

Yoga or Pilates

While not traditional conditioning exercises, yoga or Pilates are excellent for BJJ players to improve flexibility, core strength, and body awareness. They also aid in recovery and injury prevention.

Compete in Specific Tournaments 

Select tournaments aligned with your skill level and goals. Set a timeline, outline a competition preparation plan, and dedicate focused training blocks leading up to the event.

 

If you're a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player looking for local events, there are several websites that can help you find upcoming competitions in various regions including Australia/New Zealand, Europe, and North America. One great resource no matter what country you live in is SmoothComp where you can check out different events, register and review your own competition performance. 

 

Australia/New Zealand

For events specifically in Australia and New Zealand, you can visit Events BJJ (https://eventsbjj.com/), which is known for organizing a range of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions in Australia. They offer competitions for different age groups and skill levels. Another great resource for New Zealand specifically is NZ Grappler (https://nzgrappler.com/), which focuses on promoting BJJ in New Zealand and hosts about ten events annually across the country.

 

Europe

 The Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP Tour) (https://ajptour.com/) lists various international championships, including events in European countries like Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and others. This platform is great for finding both Gi and No-Gi competitions across different European locations.

 

North America

For events in North America, you can check out the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) website (https://www.nagafighter.com/). NAGA organizes grappling and BJJ championships across various states in the USA and includes events for all ages and belt levels.

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Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. In martial arts, your goals keep you driven, focused, and ensure you're always moving forward, even when the path gets tough.

 

- Georges St-Pierre, Former UFC Champion and Mixed Martial Artist

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Mindfulness and Recovery

Prioritize mental health and recovery. Incorporate meditation, yoga, or relaxation techniques into your routine. Allocate time for adequate rest and recovery after intense training sessions.

 

Incorporating any or a combination of the below actions will improve recovery significantly: 

- foam rolling to release muscle tension

- stretching to improve flexibility

- massage therapy for therapeutic benefits

- ice baths to reduce inflammation

- prioritizing sleep

- practicing meditation for mental clarity

- focusing on nutrition

- taking rest days are also crucial for optimal recovery and performance in martial arts​​.

Consistency in Training 

Commit to consistent and regular training. Set a realistic training schedule, accounting for work, family, and other commitments. Consistency in showing up for training is key.

In conclusion

Creating a plan, which includes repeatable actions you can take consistently over time will get you further along your journey in grappling and closer to your goals of progression. Whether you're wanting to compete, master a particular technique, progress to your next belt ranking or just get beat up less by your training partners, you can make it happen if focus and time. 

 

Get after it in 2024! 

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