Every BJJ WHITE BELT Should Focus on These 3 Things (And Avoid This…)

In today’s video, I’ll be answering a question from a White Belt viewer about what new White Belts to Jiu-Jitsu should focus on.

This video is a follow-up to my recent "80% of Your Training Should Be With White Belts" video, where I discussed how skill development in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is closely tied to training with lower-level partners.

While some found this perspective controversial, I stand by it—despite it being a different approach than I’d take in Wrestling.

P.S. If you have any Wrestling or BJJ-related questions, drop them in the comments below. The best questions will be featured as future video topics.

Also, let me know your thoughts on the four points discussed in this video. Which one do you think is the most important?

Finally, I’d love to hear what you did as a BJJ White Belt to maximize your training!

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[dorothyslippers]

the biggest thing that has helped me has been the realizations of:
1. flow rolling is a skill in itself
2. why you must defend against underhooks

[carloscortes]

When I first started bjj I got obsessed with it and being the nerd I'm I discovered intruccionals as a white belt. I tried to implement Gordon's passing just to realize a lot of the stuff he teaches need at least some fundamental knowledge of what are you doing.
Then I got Leg Locks from John Danaher, same story.
Then I came across a Danaher interview where he said every athletes should focus in Escapes and guard retention first.

And that's what I did...

Pin Escapes to this day is still my favorite intruccional. 8 hours of concepts and how to become nearly unpinnable.

Great video.

[tdoc]

I need to learn how to flow roll better. I realize spaz is bad but when I move slower with less strength, it allows someone to get an upper hand and get position on me. I haven't been able to find that sweet spot. How do you balance that?

[PaulWrightDirector]

the chill thing is so dear to me. I'm a very chilled out roll (may too chill) and I quite often let people get to mount so I can focus on working out of it. I will set up frames and wait for an opportunity and the vibrating chaps, who are breathing super heavy cos they got knackered, look down and go 'its ok, you can keep going'. I have to say 'I'm waiting...'.

[pandaman]

Yea im just a really strong guy and i learned to chill out when no one wanted to roll with me and i realized i was really rough with everyone. I do wish they told me i was rough instead of me figuring it out but either way im fixing the issue

[dainerduff-dings]

That’s so nuts you went against Pena when you are 4 years into bjj 😮

[TheRoot]

Great video Brandon!! Also, what is your opinion of the ecological method of training!

[unpaidvolunteerassistantcoach]

Hey Brandon, Thank you for your high-level wrestling viewpoint! What do you think about BJJ guys collar tying with their lead-leg hand?

[stevejung]

How do i know if i stopped being a spazz?

[momentum]

Well said. Can you make a video of how to roll with women? Thanks for sharing. 😊

[nickm]

Hi, love the video but i am not a fan of the gi. The only no goli training in my area is an mma gym. Should i still train in the gi if i never want ro compete in it?

[Hamptondan]

Hey guys 46 newbie here, joined a gym, reviews seemed legit, met with the instructor, got a good feel for the place. I have zero experience with Martial Arts, i explained this during our meet. The first day we did Judo throws, i thought it was normal, until i jammed/broke my big toe and landed on my head, i thought id push through, supposed to be a part of it, then a gentle giant i was paired with landed on my arm in an armbar and I cant even go back right now because of the pain. Im not complaining about getting roughed up, but im realizing now that im not learning the basics, just trying to keep up with what theyre doing. My question is, should this be normal or should there be a structure to learn, foundational skills. I have no idea what im doing. The instructors seem nice, and dont want to trash talk them at all. But i realize that not everyone can teach. Any thought would be appreciated. Thanks! 👊🏼💯

[moredatesmorefiber]

look at my comment on staph infection on your last video. it got good engagement. definitely interested on your thoughts. oss

[WadeSmith-oexd]

The reason I quit BJJ is because i've repeatedly tapped Gracie Black Belts, and their instructor never promoted me above white belt because I was already a brown belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu. I was a member of Gracie's gym for 1.5 years and I think Ilearned ONE technique I didn't already know from "Karate" class.

[ntrtain]

Belts are a reflection of work.

If you've got a belt you can not represent, you should not have or want it.

I never cared about belts past not getting in trouble for using advanced techniques, lol. (Wrist locking, knee bars, heel hooks etc.)

I'm close to my brown belt and could care less... I'm happier with my skills than a belt. 😊

Belts also increase your responsibility level in your gym...