The Importance of Journaling – Part 1

Why Journal? Part 1 of 2

I don’t always like to write. It was not my favorite subject in school but I have written a lot when it comes to Jiu Jitsu. Because of my passion for Jiu Jitsu, journaling has always been something that has felt natural as it was always easy to write down concepts and techniques to help me remember. I keep multiple journals (personal, business, & training).

Today’s Training Tip is about the importance of keeping a Training Journal to help retain the mass amounts of techniques that BJJ offers. I see many of you here in Calgary video tape class (which is awesome!), but I’d love to give some tips on how you can keep a journal (and how you can help your kids if they are younger).

Why Journal? 1st and foremost because keeping a journal accelerates the learning process!

A famous quote by Jim Rohn, “be a collector of good ideas, but don’t trust your memory. The best collecting place for all of the ideas and information that comes your way is your journal.” This rings true as I can remember many times when I forgot something and a quick glance at my journal and instantly I found what I had forgotten.

Jiu Jitsu literally has an infinite amount of moves. New moves are being created right now as you read this. Writing down the techniques that you or your child learns will help them to retain the information and give them a platform to look at if they have questions. If your child is not of the age to write out on their own – do it for them and/or help them. Drawing sketches and pictures will give you a sense of personalization.

For children, if they are able to write, supervise their writing and discuss it with them! Go a step further and practice with them!! (Make sure you tap when you feel Pressure, not Pain!

I’d suggest doing the following: video tape the technique in class, watch the technique, then write out the step by step instructions and do this right after class in the lobby or at home.

Writing it out is another form of repetition and will allow you to visualize the move in your mind as you write – which is super important!

Tomorrow, I will put out Part 2, which will explain EXACTLY what to put in your training journal and how to organize it! For now, go to the store and pick out your training journal – it should be something that “sings” to you!

To Your Success,
Professor Andell Alexander