- Maintaining Sharp Technique
Technique does not develop itself. Neither is it downloaded into your brain and muscles when you practice it only five times. Repetition is the key to your brain and body remembering anything. There have been studies stating that to be an expert in any field, you must dedicate one thousand hours to it. Whether it’s true or not, the message is clear - you must practice, practice, and then practice some more. That’s why so many BJJ champions and coaches claim that drilling is the key to success in jiu-jitsu. Remembering it in your mind is not enough since jiu-jitsu requires your full body motion - you must train your body to remember the techniques so you can execute them without thinking. This is also a great way to remembering details, which are usually first to leave your memory when taking time off training.
- Shows respect to your instructor
Are you thinking that you may be ready for your next belt? Even if you feel you are technically sound and talented, if you’re missing in action most of the time at your academy, it is less likely that you will be promoted. People forget that jiu-jitsu is still a martial art, no matter how sportive it has become. You need to come to class regularly to show your professor discipline and dedication. When a professor gives away a belt, he is entrusting you with upholding his reputation and expects that you will be in the school to help the other students improve. Coming to class regularly doesn’t mean every day, but it does mean coming in at least a couple of times per week on a consistent basis, without several month gaps.
- Helping your teammates improve
As mentioned in the latter point, coming regularly to class is important because you help others in your academy improve as well. In cities where jiu-jitsu is not yet so popular, it is hard to come by good training partners or even many partners. Once you join an academy you are part of the team, and you are dependent on each other to improve. Likewise, while you help your teammates improve, they will help you improve. Teammates motivate each other by being there to help each other train and there are non-training factors that add to giving the academy a good vibe and having larger classes.
- Staying in shape
People forget how great of a workout BJJ really is. Probably one of the worst feelings is taking time off exercising and then realizing that not only have you gained weight, but you’re also grossly out of shape. Conditioning fizzles away quicker than technique, so it’s a horrible feeling when you return to BJJ and realize that even though there are techniques that you remember and want to execute, your body will not comply because your cardio has diminished. It also makes it harder for you to come back to training after feeling like this - it will really take some serious motivation. Try to avoid taking time off unless you’re treating an injury. Coming back to training and being out of shape is one of the worst feelings to endure.