Starting Brazilian jiu jitsu is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming — especially in a community like Lake Travis, where students come in ready to learn, push themselves, and grow. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after a long break, every student experiences the same early challenges.
The good news? Most beginner mistakes are simple to fix, and once addressed, progress skyrockets. Here are the five most common mistakes new students make — and how to overcome them so your jiu jitsu journey stays strong.
Mistake #1 — Using Strength Instead of Technique
It’s natural for beginners to rely on strength when they feel stuck or pressured. The problem is: strength burns out quickly, while technique lasts forever.
In Lake Travis classes, coaches frequently remind students to relax, breathe, and focus on the mechanics of each movement. When new students rely too much on strength, they:
- gas out quickly
- miss opportunities to learn proper technique
- struggle to stay calm under pressure
Fix:
Slow the movement down and focus on the steps, not the outcome. Ask yourself during training:
“Am I moving with intention, or muscling through?”
As soon as you relax, the technique becomes clearer — and much easier.
Mistake #2 — Forgetting to Breathe Under Pressure
Holding your breath is one of the most universal beginner habits. When the body feels pressure or uncertainty, beginners often tighten up and stop breathing.
This leads to:
- faster fatigue
- increased panic or frustration
- poor decision-making
Fix:
Practice steady breathing during warm-ups, drilling, and rolling. A simple rule is:
If you’re moving, you’re breathing.
The more you breathe, the calmer and more effective you become.
Mistake #3 — Not Asking Questions or Seeking Clarification
Lake Travis students often share that they were nervous to ask questions at first. But in reality, asking questions is one of the fastest ways to accelerate growth.
Beginners sometimes hesitate because they:
- don’t want to interrupt
- worry their question seems “basic”
- assume they’ll figure it out later
Fix:
Ask the question. Every single higher belt has asked the exact same things along the way.
A great habit is to take mental notes during drilling and ask your coach afterward:
“Can you watch one rep and tell me what I’m missing?”
This builds confidence and speeds up your learning curve.
Mistake #4 — Rolling Too Hard, Too Soon
Many beginners try to “win” every roll. But the goal of early training is not to dominate — it’s to understand.
Rolling too hard too soon can cause:
- poor habits
- tension instead of fluidity
- limited learning
- unnecessary exhaustion
Fix:
Treat rolling as part of your education, not a competition. Focus on:
- staying calm
- trying new positions
- working escapes and defenses
- learning from each exchange
Your goal is progress, not victory.
Mistake #5 — Expecting Improvement to Be Linear
Progress in jiu jitsu is never a straight line. Some weeks feel incredible; others feel frustrating. Many new students in Lake Travis worry they’re “not getting better,” when in reality, they’re simply moving through normal stages of learning.
Fix:
Track your progress by effort, not perfection. Notice things like:
- better balance
- improved breathing
- recognizing positions sooner
- staying calmer during rolls
Growth happens quietly, then suddenly — and often when you least expect it.
Putting It All Together — The Lake Travis Approach to Early Success
Beginning your jiu jitsu journey is about embracing curiosity, patience, and resilience. At Six Blades Lake Travis, new students are encouraged to:
- ask questions
- focus on technique
- breathe consistently
- relax during rolls
- trust the process
Mistakes are not setbacks — they’re stepping stones. Every experienced student once made the exact same mistakes, and every one of them overcame them by showing up, staying present, and training consistently.
If you approach jiu jitsu with openness and a willingness to learn, you’ll find yourself improving faster than you imagined.