What makes a rising athlete become elite in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? According to Lachlan Giles, it’s how they train, how they think, and how they experiment.
In a recent appearance on the Partizan Grappling Podcast, Giles laid out the key habits that consistently show up among the most successful up-and-comers in the sport:
Pretty much everyone that I’ve seen is good, studies.
Giles explained that serious athletes approach training even before class begins.
Rather than just showing up, they arrive early and devote time to honing specific positions:
You look at Belal Etiabari…
He’s probably spent 60 hours in the past three months just sitting there holding a foot, practicing different angles that you can apply pressure on.
That kind of focused positional work, what Giles calls “tinkering”, is a common thread among rapid developers.
It’s not about mindless repetition, but rather intelligent experimentation and feedback-driven refinement:
This sort of troubleshooting, getting a feel for things…
You are getting feedback.
Rather than taking sides in the drilling vs. live training debate, Giles takes a more balanced view.
He doesn’t believe there’s a single “correct” method – only that adaptability and deliberate learning are critical:
If you can train it live, you’re gonna get more out of it.
I think there is value in being taught and learning that way.I study mostly if I’ve got a problem I’m having. I’m trying to work my North-South passing and it’s not happening. (So I ask myself:) who’s good at North-South?
That study process is deliberate and problem-focused:
If you wanted to work your Berimbolo, you’d study Levi…
If I wanted to work my K-guard, I would study Jozef…
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.
