Five BJJ Resolutions for 2024

Welcome to the new year! Those first few weeks are always so alive with fresh hopes and zealous ambitions for what the next 12 months will bring.

You might have already set a resolution – or two – for yourself. You might have been too busy with the holidays to do so. Regardless, there’s still time; both to set one or revise it. But before you do, consider that the best resolutions are: specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic.

If you’ve already set your resolution, go ahead and ask yourself if it meets those objectives. No? Don’t worry, we have a few ideas you can swap it with. If you haven’t already set one, and you don’t know where to start, we’ve got you, too.

Here are a few good Brazilian jiu-jitsu themed resolutions for 2024:

Start Cross-Training

Throw out that “get fit” resolution. If you’ve been training for any length of time, you’re already “fit” in a sense; fitter than most people, anyway. Yes, there’s always room for more improvement, but “getting fit” isn’t a great resolution because it’s not exactly specific. It’s not quite measurable either, because fitness is relative.

A related – and better – resolution is to start a fitness activity that will naturally improve your fitness, while also allowing you to measure your progress in it. If you start a strength training or functional fitness program, there are in-built metrics that will help you see your growth over the year. If you start going to a yoga studio, you’ll be able to physically see improvement, in how much deeper you can stretch, or how much longer or easier you are able to hold certain balances.

The best part is that cross-training will invariably improve your jiu-jitsu performance, as well.  

Do a Jiu-Jitsu Camp

Novel experiences are always a great choice for a resolution. Not only are they attainable, but they generate a lot of excitement in the planning and execution, usually entail meeting or interacting with a new group of people, and provide plenty of fond memories. 

If you’ve never done a jiu-jitsu camp before, now is your year. Jiu-jitsu camps are that perfect mix of childhood summertime nostalgia, jiu-jitsu seminar marathon, and adult-rated fun. And these days, there are plenty of options to choose from. Like to travel abroad and enjoy a liberal amount of crazy good times? BJJ Globetrotters is your go-to. Have a cruise on your bucket list? Knock both out with Grappler’s Escape. Want to connect with an amazing group of fellow ladies from around the county? Check out Grappling Getaways.

The jiu-jitsu camp idea is gaining traction across the community, and worldwide. You’re bound to find one that suits your needs and budget. Just a keep an eye out (and frankly, once you Google it once, the algorithms will flood you with options).

Compete Under a New Ruleset

Personally, I think resolutions should be a little uncomfortable; because that’s where true personal growth lies. If it’s something that doesn’t intimidate you – at least a little bit – it’s either too easy or you won’t learn much.

For this reason, I love this as a resolution for my students and fellow friends in the jiu-jitsu community. Especially if you’ve only ever competed under the IBJJF ruleset, try competing under a completely novel ruleset this year. There are plenty to choose from. It’s no secret that one of my favorites – both personally and for others – is the ADCC ruleset. It’s that perfect mix of submission-only and points-based, forces competitors to brush up on their wrestling skills, and is very exciting to watch. And in the last couple years, ADCC has launched their Open competitions, which makes it a very accessible ruleset – and resolution – for all levels. 

Train Outside Your Own Country

Traveling is one of the most growth-inducing activities you can do, period. Why not combine it with your passion for a double-whammy of a 2024 experience?

This year, plan a train-cation. The best part about this resolution is that you can do it nearly anywhere, on any budget. All you really need is a passport (and maybe a visa, depending on where you’re going). Jiu-jitsu has become so ubiquitous worldwide, that you’ll be able to find an academy in nearly every major city. Feeling only a little adventurous? Select a county in which you’ll be comfortable speaking the native language. Feeling a bit more so? Choose a country you’ve always wanted to visit, in which you don’t speak their language. Feeling extremely adventurous? Close your eyes and drop your finger on a map.

One of the best parts about jiu-jitsu is that it basically serves as a “common language.” Through your shared passion for the gentle art, you’ll find camaraderie on the mat, wherever you go.

Start Teaching Jiu-Jitsu

If you’ve never taught jiu-jitsu – or anything – before, this might be really intimidating for you. You might be telling yourself: “Who am I to teach? I’m just a blue belt!” Poppycock. If you know even a small bit, you know more than most people in the world… and you have something to share.

A good place to start is your own home academy. If you have the bandwidth and you’re available to, offer to help with the kid’s class. An academy can never have enough assistant kid’s coaches, so your odds of success are high. Additionally, teaching kids is challenging. You have to break things down to their basic movements, deliver the material in a simple, easy-to-understand way, and troubleshoot some of the craziest things. If you can teach kids, you can teach anyone. If your academy has plenty of kid’s instructors, start a club-type class at a local university or high school, or start a Meetup in your local community.

Opportunities to teach abound, as long as you’re willing to think outside the box and put yourself out there.

Whatever you decide for your New Year’s Resolution, keep in mind the purpose of it: to make 2024 the best, most interesting year ever.