On the Importance of Being an Exceptional Jiu-Jitsu Teammate
Jiu-jitsu is much more than an individual sport. It’s a sport that thrives on teamwork, cooperation, and camaraderie. Despite the one-on-one nature of matches, Jiu-Jitsu cultivates an environment where personal success is deeply intertwined with the collective efforts of a team. A team that supports you can make all the difference in achieving success. Regardless of your personal jiu-jitsu aspirations, having a supportive team who believes in your goals and helps you achieve them is crucial. Being an exceptional jiu-jitsu teammate is the starting point.
So, how can you be a great teammate? Below are a few ways you can best support those you share the mat with:
Be a good training partner in class:
Show up! Everyone on the mat needs someone to train with, so coming to class is essential for your jiu-jitsu development and others.
Being a good training partner also means staying focused throughout the class. Talk through positions with your partner and minor details you may have missed in the demonstration, ask questions about the specific technique, and be engaged now. We’re here to evolve together!
Be mindful of your personal hygiene. There’s no way to sugarcoat this…no one wants to train with someone who has a dirty gi and hasn’t showered or trimmed their nails. Being a good training partner means showing up ready and prepared; a clean uniform and person are essential.
Be mindful of your training partner’s size. Everyone gets smashed on the mat; most people do, but there’s a difference between being overtaken by technique and overpowered by someone much stronger or heavier than you are. So, if you’re partnered with someone in a different weight category, just be mindful of not hurting them. Also, pay attention to any known injuries your partner may have.
It's important to remember that one’s skill level in Jiu-Jitsu doesn't determine their ability to be a supportive and helpful training partner. Everyone has something valuable to offer, and being kind and empathetic towards each other can make a massive difference in the training experience.
Remember, the key to successful training is always to be supportive and friendly towards your classmates. JSBJJ strives to create a positive atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged to do their best.
Show up for your competition teammates even if you’re not competing:
People join jiu-jitsu gyms for reasons other than competition, and that’s ok! Even if you aren’t interested in competing, you still play an important role in helping competitors prepare for their fight by training, drilling, and practising techniques.
On competition day, having your team there cheering you on means a lot. It’s a bit difficult to describe how much it means to have your fellow teammates supporting you at a competition. Still, any competitor will tell you that having a familiar face in the crowd makes a big difference, especially in their mindset. Sometimes competitors travel to another country for competitions and do not have their teammates there to support them. It’s isolating and, to be honest, a bit lonely! Of course, no one expects you to book a flight, but a text or DM with a congratulatory message and words of encouragement are really meaningful.
So, even if you’re not competing, that doesn’t mean you can’t come to competitions. We want you there! Support, take videos and photos, and cheer on your teammates.
In jiu-jitsu, highs are high, and lows are very low. No matter the outcome of a competitor’s fight, just be there to support them.
Come to support your teammates at graduation:
Another way you can be an exceptional training partner is by supporting your friends’ progress at graduation. Graduation is a meaningful time, and it’s meant for us all to celebrate our development together.
Let’s say you were unexpectedly promoted to a new belt in class, so you probably won’t get the next belt at graduation in two months. Why come to graduation, then? You show up for everyone who trained with you, supported you, taught you, and helped you get to the point where Professors determined that you are ready to be promoted. You show up to celebrate the progress of the team.
The same ideas apply to not getting promoted. Let’s say you were hoping to get promoted but weren’t. Sure, there’s a bit of a disappointing feeling, but it’s just not your time yet. We’re not about negativity or jealousy here, so don’t compare yourself to others. When you see someone get promoted, be genuinely happy for them! They will do the same for you when it’s your turn. And your time is coming.
Respecting everyone is the most important aspect of being an exceptional teammate.