In BJJ, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of class – show up, drill what’s taught, roll a few rounds, and leave. But according to John Danaher, that approach is one of the biggest reasons practitioners plateau.
Here is what he had to say on the topic in one of the recent social media posts:
If you come into a class without intention you’ll drift from move to move and round to round like a boat adrift on the sea that must follow the current wherever it goes.
Danaher emphasizes that real development comes from direction, not just repetition:
When you come in with a plan of action and a clear intent, you’ll move the action in the directions that you want and get a chance to work on the specific skills you deemed important.
Sure, sometimes it is okay to just “go with the flow”, but much less often than not:
It’s ok to periodically come into class and just follow the action of the day, but for the vast majority of your training sessions you want a plan of action sorted out prior to class so that you can push the action towards the skills you want to work on.
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
