The Fast Way to Get Faster

Have you ever noticed that Coach sometimes tells everyone to slow down?

That can seem a little confusing.

Isn't jiu jitsu supposed to be fast?

Not at first.

When we're learning something new, trying to go as fast as we can usually causes problems.

We skip steps.

We lose our balance.

We forget our grips.

We make mistakes.

Imagine trying to build a LEGO set as fast as possible without looking at the instructions.

You might finish quickly...

But it probably wouldn't look the way it was supposed to.

Jiu jitsu is a lot like that.

When you slow down, you have time to pay attention to the little details.

Where your hands go.

Where your feet go.

Where your weight should be.

The more times you do it correctly, the easier it becomes.

Then something funny happens.

You don't have to think about every little step anymore.

Your body starts to remember.

And without even trying to be faster...

You are.

That's why you'll sometimes hear people say:

"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast."

It doesn't mean you should always move slowly.

It means learning to do something correctly is the fastest way to become fast later.

The same thing happens outside of jiu jitsu.

When you're learning to read...

Play an instrument...

Ride a bike...

Or solve a hard math problem...

Taking your time at the beginning usually helps you learn it faster in the end.

Sometimes the fastest way to get better...

Is to slow down first.

Words We Use in Class

Grip – How we hold onto our partner's gi or body to help control movement.

Balance – Staying steady so it's harder for your partner to knock you over.

Technique – The correct way to do a movement by using good body mechanics instead of just strength.

Parent Note

Children often believe that moving faster means they're improving. In reality, rushing usually leads to skipped steps and repeated mistakes. Encouraging children to slow down while learning helps them build confidence, accuracy, and good habits that eventually become speed. It's a lesson that applies not only on the mats, but in school, sports, music, and almost every new skill they'll learn.