How to prepare for a Bjj Grading
The idea of this article is to help you prepare for your next grading and to give you the best chance of success. A lot of people before a grading may feel nervous, especially if it is their first time, this is completely normal, the following guide should help you to prepare in the best way possible.
Class time
Everyday in class you will find yourself working on different techniques, some will involve requirements for your next grading and some won’t. But if you want to work on a specific technique for your grading it’s always a good idea to let your instructor know before class, that way he can try and give you some advice on that particular technique that you need to work on. The instructor may not be able to deliver that specific technique on the day, but as long as you’ve let him know then there’s a better chance that he can give you some one on one help or possibly demonstrate it in class and then have everyone practice it too.
After class
Most people after class usually have at least five to ten minutes to spare. This is often spent talking to their training partner or other people that may be in the gym at the time. If you can make use of this time to pick one technique from your next grading to work on, then this will be a huge boost to your chances of having a successful grading. In this time make sure you do lots of repetitions of the technique. The more repetitions you do, the better you get, there is no 2 ways about it. The more times you have practiced the technique by the grading date the more confident you will be about executing it correctly.
Grading day
Make sure you arrive a bit earlier than your grading time. This allows you to do your final preparation before the grading (ex: get changed, organize drinks, exchange some information with other colleagues and perhaps watch other people grading before you).
During grading you will be under some pressure, there will probably be a grading panel with your instructor tracking your performance and making notes, when you’re grading every little detail will count in the panels eyes and this is where your consistent practice is going to pay off.
3 most common mistakes leading up to a grading.
1. Leaving revision of the techniques until the last few days and then trying to practice and revise everything in a very short time.
2. Forgetting to ask others about the things you’re not sure about (make sure you ask your instructor, assistant instructors and other team mates!) If you don’t ask then nobody will know that you’re not sure about a specific technique.
3. Assuming that you already know a technique, because you did it before. Always keep in mind that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques have many little details. As you lead up to a grading try to practice all the techniques with all the details in mind so that you have the best chance of getting it right on the day.
Tip
Drink plenty of water the day before your grading and then get a good nights sleep, have a good breakfast on the day to give yourself enough energy because some gradings can be quite long taking up to 2 hours.
Remember also that confidence is a big factor in anything you do! And if you follow the above steps then you should be taking plenty of it to the grading day!
Good luck!
