Why do our students get better faster?

The reason our students get better so much faster is that we use the constraints-led approach (CLA) for skill development in Jiu-Jitsu. Instead of relying on repetitive drills that only work in isolated scenarios, we create realistic training environments where students are forced to adapt and solve problems on the fly—just like they would in a real roll or competition.

Here’s why it works:

1. Real-world Scenarios: Students train in situations that mimic actual competition. They're constantly exposed to unpredictable circumstances, which helps them transfer their skills directly to live sparring.

2. Problem-Solving Focus: Instead of spoon-feeding "correct" techniques, we let them explore different solutions within set constraints (like limiting options or focusing on specific positions). This makes them more creative and adaptable in their Jiu-Jitsu.

3. Faster Decision-Making: By adjusting the environment or task, students have to make decisions under pressure, which sharpens their ability to think and react quickly during live rolls.

4. Adaptation Through Variety: The CLA approach introduces constant variability, so my students don’t get stuck in rigid patterns. This helps them develop skills that are adaptable to any situation, making them more effective, faster.

5. Natural Learning: CLA is aligned with how we naturally learn—through exploration and adapting to different contexts. Students aren’t just memorizing moves; they’re learning how to think and move fluidly in any scenario.

That’s why, at SYSTEM Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll see students progressing faster and becoming well-rounded grapplers in less time than traditional training methods. In addition to this we have 5 coaches focused on looking for Affordances (Opportunities for action) and work collaboratively to create the best possible training environment for our students. At the end of the day our team loves jiu-jitsu and we are still heavily invested in getting better.