5 Reasons Why You’re Plateauing in Jiu-Jitsu!

Do you ever feel like you work out hard but do not get better? You are always there, you are always rolling, you are always drilling—but the same people are still beating you up? I know because I have been there.

That is not always how Jiu-Jitsu works. Even though you work hard and sweat a lot, you still feel like you are stuck. It is annoying, and if you are not careful, it can make you doubt yourself.

Not anymore! Understanding the following five reasons why you are not making progress can boost your game and life a lot better.

1. Progress Isn’t Always Obvious!

Understanding that Jiu-Jitsu progress is not linear is crucial. It’s not like lifting weights, where you can see yourself getting stronger every few weeks.

BJJ is a subtle art; occasionally, you may not even realize that you are enhancing your skills until you execute a move that you have never executed before.

That’s because learning in Jiu-Jitsu happens in the background. Your brain is absorbing techniques even when you don’t realize it. Your body is adapting, getting more efficient, making tiny adjustments.

Just because you’re not submitting every opponent doesn’t mean you’re not improving.

2. You’re Focusing on the Wrong Things!

Be honest—are you only thinking about winning every roll? If so, you might be missing the point. Rolling isn’t just about "winning." It’s about learning. If you’re only using the same safe moves that keep you from getting tapped, you're not growing.

Here’s a mindset shift: instead of thinking, How do I win this roll?, ask yourself, What can I learn from this roll? Try new techniques. Let yourself be in bad positions and work your way out. Play different guards. If you lose, who cares? Every roll is a lesson.

3. You’re Not Training Smart

Let’s talk about training partners. If you only roll with people way better than you, you’re probably getting crushed nonstop. That can be good for growth, but it can also be discouraging. If you only roll with beginners, you’re not pushing yourself.

You need a mix:✔️ Higher belts to challenge you and expose your weaknesses.✔️ People at your level to test what you’re learning.✔️ Less experienced partners so you can refine your techniques and build confidence.

Oh, and if you're only going 100% every roll? Stop that. You need slow, technical rounds too. That’s where the magic happens.

4. You're Ignoring the Fundamentals

I hate to say it, but sometimes the reason you're not improving is simple—you skipped the basics.

You might be watching fancy Instagram techniques but still struggle to shrimp properly or recover guard. You can’t build a solid game on shaky fundamentals. Go back to the basics:✔️ Good posture in guard✔️ Solid framing and escapes✔️ Tight pressure passing

The best guys in the world? They’re masters of the basics.

5. You're Expecting Too Much, Too Soon

Jiu-Jitsu is an endurance sport. Some days, you'll feel unstoppable. Other days, a white belt will catch you slipping. It happens. The important thing is to trust the process.

The people who get good at Jiu-Jitsu aren’t always the most athletic or talented. They’re the ones who keep showing up—even when it’s tough, even when it’s frustrating. They understand that real progress takes time.

Final Thoughts

So if you feel stuck in jiu-jitsu, remember:➡️ You're improving, even if it’s not obvious.➡️ Focus on learning, not winning.➡️ Train smart with the right partners.➡️ Stick to the fundamentals.➡️ Be patient—because the breakthrough is coming.

Keep showing up. Keep training. One day, you'll look back and realize you’re way better than you ever thought possible.

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