BJJ classes aren't cheap, especially for a uni student like myself, This fact, as well as a lack of free time, mean that I can't train everyday. So, I really want to maximise my learning potential whilst in class - and this is something that everyone should strive to achieve.

To start, here is the format of my classes, which has been common across most places I've been:

• Warm-up.
• Instructor demonstrates a technique.
• Drill technique with a partner.
• Instructor demonstrates another, related technique (e.g. variation/counter).
• Drill technique again.
• Instructor demonstrates another, related technique.
• Drill technique.
• Live rolling for the remainder of the session (generally about half an hour).

My coach likes to demonstrate three techniques, max, as this is about as much as people tend to remember. However, he'll also demonstrate any variations that address issues countered in drilling, or if people ask questions.

This format is great, but I found myself forgetting most of the stuff shown down the track. So, in order to learn better and get the most out of the class, I have (and have been given) a few suggestions.

1. Ask Questions.

This might just be an Australian habit, but most people in my gym don't like to ask questions (with a few exceptions). If you have any difficulties with the technique, or are missing particular intricacies, why wouldn't you ask for assistance? You're not getting the most out of your session if you don't.

2. Write things down.
Keeping a notepad is a good idea - as your instructor demonstrates a technique, scribble down some of the key points about it. This'll help you focus, as well as allow you to recall the technique a lot easier. Most people won't judge you for taking a vested interest in learning the gentle art, and your coach might be impressed - it shows dedication and a willingness to learn.

3. Practice techniques when live rolling.
When live rolling at the end of class, your goal is to put into practice what you have learnt previously. Primarily, you should be focusing on what you have just been taught. However, it is also important to practice techniques learnt previously in order to enhance your memory of them. I like to focus on the techniques of the last three weeks, as this is the time gap where I might be prone to forgetfulness.

4. Stop, discuss and continue.
When rolling with someone more experienced with you, it is a fantastic idea to discuss what went wrong (and what went well) after each roll, as they will usually be more than happy to teach a little - in my gym, the more experienced guys are fantastic at helping you learn. From their point of view, teaching is a fantastic way of improving their conceptual knowledge, and describing a technique forces you to truly understand it. That being sad, don't be the white belt professor, and don't stop rolls unnecessarily - I only start discussion when I've been submitted, for example.

5. Start where you're uncomfortable.

Source: LearnBJJ.blogspot.com

A great way to address a deficit in your game is to start a live roll in a position where you are uncomfortable or significant gaps in your game are evident. I found it a great learning experience to start a heap of rolls with my opponent mounting me, forcing me to learn to escape and enhancing that aspect of my game.

Keep in mind that when in class your goal is to learn, not win. The result doesn't matter when you're training, what matters is that you've improved your skills or enhanced your understanding. That is how you get the most out of a BJJ class.

News time:

Today was the end of a week-long break (due to study commitments), and I was rather pleased with how it went - I'm feeling a significant improvement from the last month or so, and am enjoying building my game.

I've also started mindmapping out of class, using this as a tool to remember techniques and link situations and techniques together, and this has been really helpful thus far (despite the sparsity of my game). I might have to write about this later, just to show how you can use different mindmap setups and techniques to enhance your theory.