Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is exciting, but also confusing. In the first few sessions, everything happens very quickly: positions follow one another, partners always seem to be one step ahead, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

What many beginners don’t realize is that their difficulties stem not from a lack of talent, but from very common bad habits. These mistakes slow progress, tire unnecessarily and can even lead to injury.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 most common JJB mistakes made by beginners, and how to correct them in order to progress effectively.

❌ 1. Use too much force

When starting out, the natural reflex is to compensate for a lack of technique with physical strength. You squeeze, you push, you resist… but this goes against the very essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The problem is that this approach leads to fatigue extremely quickly. Within minutes, the beginner is out of breath, tense and even less efficient. Worse still, it prevents them from learning the right technical gestures.

JJB is based on the principle of efficiency: using the right movement at the right time, with a minimum of effort. It is therefore essential to accept “losing” at first, in order to develop your own technique.

👉 The right reflex: slow down, breathe, and look for precision rather than power.

2. Neglecting the basics

Many practitioners want to quickly learn spectacular techniques seen on YouTube or in competition. Yet real progress in JJB lies in mastering the fundamentals. This is one of the first mistakes made when starting JJB.

Positions such as guarding, mounting and back control are the basis of everything. Without them, it’s impossible to build a solid game.

Beginners who skip this step often find themselves stuck after a few months, as they lack the automatisms they need to evolve.

👉 What makes the difference in the long run is not the quantity of techniques, but the quality of the basics.

3. Win at all costs

At first, it’s tempting to see every battle as a victory to be won. But this mentality is counter-productive.

Striving to win means forcing movements, ignoring technique and sometimes behaving too aggressively.

Sparring is not a competition, but a learning tool. It’s the ideal time to test, fail, understand and progress.

👉 The best practitioners don’t seek to win in training, they seek to learn.

4. Ignoring the defense

The classic beginner’s mistake is to want to attack constantly. Submissions, reversals, guard passes… everything is geared towards the offensive.

But without a solid defense, these attempts are often ineffective. You can’t ignore your defense, but it’s one of the mistakes you make when you start jjb .

Learning to get out of difficult positions, to survive under pressure and to keep calm is fundamental. It’s often what makes the difference between a beginner and an advanced practitioner.

👉 In JJB, a good defense is the basis of a good offense.

5. Choosing the wrong equipment

A detail often underestimated, but which can have a real impact: equipment.

An ill-fitting, overweight or uncomfortable kimono can impede movement, cause unnecessary fatigue and make training less enjoyable.

For beginners, it’s best to choose a versatile kimono (around 450g) that’s comfortable and suited to your body shape.

👉 Good equipment doesn’t make the practitioner, but it does make progress much easier.

Discover the Gi from JJB Fighting Films! Quality, lightness and unique style! With our IBJJF-approved Gi, you’ll be ready to hit the tatami whether you’re training or competing!

6. Lack of regularity

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a discipline that takes time. Progress is not immediate, and this is precisely where many give up.

Training once in a while doesn’t develop the necessary automatisms.

Conversely, regular practice, even in moderation, creates constant and lasting progress.

👉 The key to progress in JJB is not intensity, but consistency.

7. Compare yourself to others

In a JJB gym, levels vary enormously. Some progress rapidly, others more slowly.

Constantly comparing yourself to others can be discouraging. Every body, every journey and every learning pace is different.

The most important thing is to measure your own progress: what you couldn’t do a month ago, you may be able to do today.

👉 The only real opponent in JJB is yourself.

8. Neglecting hygiene

JJB is a very close-contact sport, and hygiene is paramount.

A dirty kimono, long fingernails or poor general hygiene can lead to infections and cause problems in the club.

It’s a fundamental aspect of respect for partners and practice.

👉 Good hygiene is an integral part of Jiu-Jitsu.

9. Giving up too soon

Getting started in JJB is often difficult. You’re subdued, you don’t understand everything, and progress seems slow.

It’s perfectly normal.

Most practitioners go through this phase. Those who progress are simply those who continue despite the difficulties.

👉 In JJB, perseverance is more important than talent.

❓ FAQ

What is the most common mistake in JJB?

Excessive use of force is by far the most common mistake made by beginners. In JJB, it’s not the most powerful who wins; it’s all about technique, placement, grappling and hard work, not brute strength. Work on your technique rather than your strength

How can I make rapid progress in JJB?

By working on the basics, being regular and staying focused on technique. You need to listen to your teacher, who will advise you on the points you need to work on to progress. What’s more, JJB is a martial art, and like all martial arts, it takes time and repetition of movements to perform and progress.

What equipment do you need to start JJB?

To get started in JJB, there are several essentials. Firstly, the Gi, your main piece of armor for training and competitions. It needs to be close to the body, not too heavy and not too long, so as to be as mobile as possible and not leave too many holds for your opponents.

Then there’s the belt, which both holds the Gi closed and shows your rank. Want to know more about the order of JJB belts?

Finally, for your comfort, you can opt for several accessories: a rashguard for extra comfort, a strap to hold your fingers in place and prevent damage. And many other accessories, such as a mouth guard…