In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu there are many types of Jiu-Jitsu styles.  Some practitioners enjoy playing closed guard, and others prefer to focus on the passing game.  As a result of these preferences, many students begin to develop a style that focuses on one aspect of Jiu-Jitsu more than others.  During your Jiu-Jitsu career, you may find yourself specializing in a position and/or set of techniques.  It’s perfectly normal, and also normal that your style will change.  It will become more refined the longer you spend in Jiu-Jitsu.

Here are five tips to help those who are still in search for their Jiu-Jitsu style.   

#1 Try New Techniques

You will never know what style works best for you if you never try new ones.  It’s common to find a newly acquired guard, or technique works better than your old go to move.  There is so much to know in Jiu-Jitsu and there will be plenty to try.  It’s important to never stop learning, not only in Jiu-Jitsu, but also in life!

#2 Understand your body type

Certain techniques will work better for others.  This could be for a multiple reasons, but body types play a major factor.  For example, spider guard tends to work well with people with longer limbs.  Knowing your body type can help narrow down which set of techniques might work best for you.

#3 Drill

Drilling is good for your Jiu-Jitsu in general.  It will also help you realize which techniques come more natural than others.  It can help train your muscle memory, but also show parts of your own Jiu-Jitsu that don’t flow as well as others.  This will help you figure out what techniques may work best when trying to flow.

#4 Roll with different people

A style may work well on some people but not others.  There doesn’t seem to be any universally perfect style of Jiu-Jitsu.  It’s important to challenge yourself with new training partners from time to time.  The same training partners can become accustomed to your style.  It will help develop your game by seeing what works and what doesn’t work on people not familiar with your Jiu-Jitsu game.

#5 Get Creative 

Jiu-Jitsu has an abundant amount of techniques.  It is also constantly evolving.  The numerous techniques allow people to be more creative with their style.  It is important to let your creativity flow when rolling.  Don’t let one style define your roll.  Experiment, and have fun!

Do you have a Jiu-Jitsu style or prefer to wing it? 

By: Patrick Flores

Gracie Barra Chino

Twitter:  patjflores