Someone once said that if you want to be good at something, go to those who have accomplished what you’d like to accomplish. Find out exactly what they’re doing and follow in their footsteps.
Well, one thing that all high-level athletes do is study film (game footage or footage of competition). In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), that means not only watching your matches, but also matches of the very best competitors in the world.
One of those competitors is Keenan Cornelius. Born in Hawaii, Keenan has quickly become one of the best American competitors ever, and one of the best in the world at the moment. Watch him against another world class competitor, Ricardo Evangelista:
When you notice a position or technique that affected the outcome of the match, or one that you think may fit into your style of Jiu-Jitsu, it’s important to rewatch it several times. Take notes and bring them into the academy so you can drill it with a partner.
Or even better, if you have an iPhone or android bring it onto the mat and rewatch the technique as you drill it. This is a great way to ensure you’re doing the move exactly as it happened in the match.
The best in the world study film, so there is no doubt you can improve your skills by doing so too.