Am I Getting Any Better At Jiu-Jitsu?
One common question students ask on the mats is:
“Am I actually getting better at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?”
It’s natural to wonder about progress, especially in an art that takes years to master. Belts don’t come quickly, and improvement isn’t always obvious. But here’s the truth: the best way to measure your BJJ progress isn’t by comparing yourself to others — it’s by comparing yourself to you.
The Best Person to Measure Yourself Against: You
Instead of chasing your training partners or comparing yourself to the toughest person in the room, ask this question:
“If I rolled against myself from six months ago, would I win?”
That’s the real test of improvement in Jiu-Jitsu.
Six months ago, maybe you panicked under mount — today you escape with composure.
Six months ago, you couldn’t hold side control — today you stabilize and attack.
Six months ago, your guard was getting passed — today you recover and counter.
That’s progress. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t about sudden transformations; it’s about steady growth over time. You can’t accurately compare yourself to others because, they may be training more or less than you on a weekly basis. They may be bigger, smaller, stronger or weaker. They may have trained longer than you or less overall. It’s good to create goals against others but the only person you can truly compare yourself with is your past self.
Why You Need Training Partners at Every Level
Your progress in BJJ is shaped by who you train with. Rolling with partners of different skill levels challenges you in unique ways. Goal setting looks different with each level:
More Skilled Training Partners
They force you to fix weaknesses and sharpen your defense. Rolling with higher belts may feel overwhelming, but it accelerates your defensive learning. Set survival goals.Less Skilled Training Partners
These rounds allow you to practice control and execution. They also build leadership and confidence, helping you refine your fundamentals without relying on survival mode. Set submission goals.Equally Skilled Training Partners
This is where you test yourself. These rolls show you how well your timing, reactions, and strategies hold up against someone on your level. You’re not sure who is going to win so it’s more emotional. Set mental goals & strategic goals.
You really can’t accurately compare yourself with others because you don’t know what they are working on and what they are or aren’t allowing you to get away with. However, a balanced mix of partners — more skilled, less skilled, and equally skilled, — gives you the complete training experience and allows you to focus on specific goals at each level so you can effectively measure your progress.
Setting Little Goals to Measure BJJ Progress
Big goals like earning your next belt are motivating, but the small goals are where real progress is measured. Setting micro-goals for sparring gives you focus and helps you track your growth week by week.
Examples include:
Survive longer before getting submitted. (Against higher belts)
Hit a sweep or submission you’ve been working. (Against lower belts)
Maintain mount or side control for longer periods. (Against bigger opponents)
Focus on controlled breathing and staying calm. (Against equal opponents)
These small victories build confidence and prove that your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is improving — even if the big milestones feel far away. It is important to be smart about your goals. If your goal is to get a higher belt in armbar, you may not be able to measure your success very well as it may not be a current possibility. Be smart and set goals according to training partners.
Final Thoughts: Am I Getting Good at Jiu-Jitsu?
The answer is simple: if you can beat your old self, you’re getting better.
Compare yourself to who you were six months ago.
Train with people above, below, and at your level.
Set small goals and celebrate the progress.
At Clinch Academy, we teach our students that progress is personal. Your journey is unique, and every step forward matters. Whether you’re brand new to the mats or a seasoned grappler, the key is to keep showing up, learning, and improving.
So, the next time you wonder if you’re getting good at Jiu-Jitsu, ask yourself: “Could I beat the old me?” Chances are, the answer is yes.
Ready to Test Yourself?
If you want to experience steady improvement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while training in a family-friendly, encouraging environment, Clinch Academy is here for you.
✅ Learn principle-based Jiu-Jitsu that accelerates your growth
✅ Train with skilled partners at every level
✅ Build confidence, discipline, and community
👉 Apply today for our 30-Day Free Trial and start your journey with Clinch Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Frederick, Maryland!