People often ask me why I practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It is a fair question, especially given how physically and mentally demanding the sport can be. The answer is complex, but it comes down to two things: the challenge and the reward. BJJ is a challenging art because it tests your limits both physically and mentally. It requires discipline, focus, and determination to become successful at it. But the rewards are worth all of the effort.

There's no question that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is one of the most physically and mentally demanding martial arts disciplines around. It can be incredibly rewarding, but at the same time, it can also be challenging both physically and mentally.

Moreover, if you are planning to hit the gym to incorporate some workout into your routine, then make sure that you are having suitable and comfortable gym workout clothes so that you can perform your exercise without any distraction.

As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete, it is important to be aware of the most common mistakes that people make. In order to improve your performance and stay safe on the mats, you need to know what to avoid. In this article, we will discuss 6 of the most common mistakes made by BJJ athletes and provide advice on how to correct them.

1. Training too hard and not resting enough.

You might think that the more you train, the better you'll become. However, this isn't always the case. If you don't give your body enough time to recover, you'll actually end up hindering your progress. Make sure to take one or two days off from training each week so that your body can properly rest and recover. Not listening to your body is a recipe for disaster. If you're injured or feeling ill, it's important to take some time off from training. Pushing yourself too hard will only make things worse in the long run.

Listening to your body also means paying attention to when you need a break during training. If you're feeling fatigued, take a few minutes to rest and recover. Trying to push through the fatigue will only lead to subpar performance and an increased risk of injury. 

Injury prevention should be a key consideration in any sport, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu is no exception. Unfortunately, many athletes in this sport are guilty of overtraining, which can lead to a number of injuries.

2. Overtraining and becoming injured.

One reason athletes overtrain is that they are trying to reach a higher level of performance. However, this can often backfire, leading to fatigue and overuse injuries. These injuries can take time to heal, which means you may be unable to train at all or have to reduce the intensity of your workouts.

Another reason athletes overtrain is that they don't want to miss any training sessions. However, if you're feeling tired and sore, it's probably time to take a break. Overtraining can also lead to mental burnout, which can be just as detrimental as an injury.

In order to avoid getting injured, you must also wear the appropriate athletic wear which must be lightweight and should fit you perfectly.

3. Not eating enough or the wrong things.

When you’re training hard and trying to improve your techniques, you need to make sure you’re fueling your body properly. That means eating enough calories – around 2000-2500 per day for men and 1500-2000 for women, depending on your size – and getting the right mix of macronutrients. Protein is especially important for athletes, as it helps repair and rebuilds muscle tissue. You should aim for 0.36-0.45 grams per pound of body weight each day. So if you weigh 150 pounds, that’s 54-68 grams of protein daily. 

Getting enough healthy fats is also essential, as they provide energy and help the body absorb vitamins. Omega-three fatty acids, in particular, have been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent injuries. And last but not least, don’t forget your carbs! Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and brown rice give you sustained energy throughout your training sessions. 

4. Not stretching enough or properly.

BJJ is unique because it allows you to use your body in different ways than other martial arts. You do not need to stretch your body like you would in other martial arts, which can make it more comfortable and easier to learn. 

When you do not stretch your body properly in BJJ, you can actually cause yourself some major problems. Not only can you injure yourself, but you can also make it much harder to perform well in class and during matches. By not stretching properly, you are reducing the range of motion in your joints and muscles, which can lead to pulled muscles and other injuries. It is important to stretch properly before and after every BJJ session in order to avoid these injuries and perform at your best.

5. Take on too many techniques before you have a strong foundation.

I have seen most grapplers rush in learning too many skills at the same time which is a totally wrong approach. If you try to learn too many techniques before you have a strong foundation, you'll likely find yourself getting overwhelmed and confused. It's important to take the time to learn the basics thoroughly before moving on to more complex techniques. This will help you develop strong fundamentals and avoid common mistakes. Once you have a solid foundation, you can start branching out and learning new techniques. 

6. Not having a warm-up routine

If BJJ athletes do not have a warmup routine, they may be at risk for injury. Without a proper warmup, the body is not prepared for the strenuous activity that is about to take place. Muscles may be tight and susceptible to strains or tears. Joints may not be lubricated properly, leading to pain or discomfort. By warming up properly, athletes can help reduce the risk of injury and perform at their best.