Jiu Jitsu perfection is a destination that all practitioners are forever in pursuit.

Three to four group classes per week, every week will get you there no doubt. Yet for a lot of people it can be difficult to make that many classes due to their busy lifestyle and commitments.

So what can you do about it? There are a number of ways to augment group classes but there are few that are as effective as private 1 on 1 coaching.

In the same way that someone hires a personal trainer to reach their fitness goals. A student can hire a personal Jiu Jitsu coach to meeting their Jiu Jitsu goals.

“Since I started working with him [Brendan], my game has exploded. He has an understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, and has worked with me to make my Jiu Jitsu better in every way”

So you have made the decision to get private coaching, great! Yet there are two common mistakes made when taking advantage of private coaching. First is wanting to learn the wrong things. Students don’t always have the objective ability to see what they need to improve. Often wanting to learn the latest technique they saw on Facebook. This is not a productive use of their time or money and does not assist in progressing their entire game.

An experience instructor has the ability to analyse your strengths and weakness. To work with you to identify and create a suitable training program. One that builds a sequence of techniques covering positions, submission, sweep and counters. Providing a holistic foundation that you can continue to develop during group classes. This measured, premeditated approach is essential for evolving in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“Regular private tuition allows my instructor [Eduardo & Anton] to better analyse my technique and game and develop strategies for me to improve”

The second common mistake is the one and done mentality. Going back to the personal trainer comparison. One would not have a single session with their PT and expect to succeed in their goals. Well, it is no difference with Jiu Jitsu.

We’re not saying that one private lesson cannot yield benefits. It can and is absolutely worth the investment. We are saying a there is more benefit committing to a longer-term training plan.

The question here that is often raised “what is that going to cost?” A fair question, and one that begs further analysis. Private classes generally speaking are not cheap and will average between $90 – $150 per one hour session. Yet a better question would be “what benefits do I get out of my investment?” This is what private coaching is about, an investment in yourself.

So, what does one get from committing to regular private classes? There are many benefits but here are the key ones to consider.

• Tailored training plan to build your knowledge and application of techniques. Laying a proper foundation that will improve your entire game.
• Detailed technique breakdowns. Covering concepts, philosophy and practical demonstration and application. Something that that cannot be achieved in group classes due to time.
• Increases knowledge & technique retention. Meaning you learn faster and remember how, why and when to execute what you have learnt.
• A skilled training partner. One that can apply the necessary level of resistance and reaction. This allows you to better practice and perfect the techniques.
• Convenient times that fit into your busy schedule.

Private training is very common in Brazil and the US. With a growing number of students taking advantage of this specialised option. Regardless of your rank or age, private training is for any student wanting to progress their game… even black belts!

Whether you’re a new student wanting to accelerate your knowledge and ability or a seasoned competitor wanting to fine-tune your skills. Private coaching has something to offer everyone.

“Choosing to take consistent private lessons was the best decision for my BJJ. The private sessions with him [Tie] has definitely helped fast track my understanding of the art of Jiu Jitsu”

All coaches at Garra BJJ offer private 1 on 1 or small group coaching. You can book session by speaking with the coach of your choice. Contacting Garra HQ Kelvin Grove reception on 0488 216 881. Private Message on the Garra Facebook page or by emailing training@garrabjj.com.au

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Student Testimonials

JIM MARDI

IT MANAGER, PERSONAL TRAINER & BJJ BLACK BELT

An important and alternative form of BJJ training is Private tuition. i.e. one on one training with an instructor. Private tuition allows your instructor to analyse your technique/game in depth and hence develop strategies for you to improve your game. I have found this form of training invaluable in developing my own game and understanding of Jiu Jitsu. Whether you are a regular BJJ competitor looking to gain an edge at your next tournament, or just trying to improve your game, or have an injury that prevents you from participating in a normal class, you can absolutely benefit from private tuition. Not only would I recommend it but I would say it is essential to incorporate it in your training as part of your BJJ journey.

A/PROF. DAVID WARD (MBBS MPH&TM FACEM FACTM pjrcsp)

EMERGENCY MEDICAL PHYSICIAN, ADF COLONEL (GRes) & BJJ PURPLE BELT

I have been training with Brendan for the last 6 years, but initially we were just training partners on the mat. When I first met him, he was a technical blue belt, and I have watched him progress to brown belt as I have progressed to purple. For the last 6 months, I have taken weekly private lessons with Brendan. I chose him because I have always admired his BJJ game, his technicality, and his enthusiasm – it mirrors the way I want to roll.

Since I started working with him, my game has exploded. He has an understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, and has worked with me to make my Jiu Jitsu better in every way. He communicates technique clearly, both through explanation and demonstration, and builds on each technique in an appropriate timeframe to help me remember and grow on and off the mat. As an older grappler, my confidence has built and my enjoyment of rolling has increased. I look forward to every training session, and I know my BJJ game would not be as strong as it is without his input. I will continue to train with Brendan as long as he will have me.

RAE LEHMANN

SITE ENGINEER & BJJ WHITE BELT

“Choosing to take private lessons at the gym was the best decision for my BJJ. I had been dabbling in Jiu Jitsu for 2 1/2 years but it wasn’t till I started to get lessons from coach Tie that my game started to go somewhere. In a few months he helped me progress and grade up 3 stripes and encouraged me to compete where I have consistently placed due to his solid coaching and support.

Another important thing to note is coach Tie takes an interest in your game outside the private as well. He constantly studies and critiques you so he knows what you excel in and builds on that and knows what you’re lacking and fills in the gaps. The private sessions with him has definitely helped fast track my understanding of the art of Jiu Jitsu and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get more serious in the sport.”