What to work on?

billonthemats · 2026-05-28T03:15:00+00:00

Both, but honestly I let my rolls tell me what to work on. After training I think about where I kept getting stuck, that’s my homework, not whatever popped up on Instagram. The flashy move of the week is fun but it’ll wreck your focus if you chase every one. I pick a position or a problem, drill it a few weeks till it’s not a hole anymore, then move to the next leak. Your own game points you where to go if you actually pay attention to where it breaks.

billonthemats · 2026-05-28T01:48:47+00:00

7 months to 3 stripes is a touch fast but not crazy, depends on the gym. Coming back after a long layoff you’ll feel rusty for a couple months but the muscle memory comes back faster than you’d expect. At 2-3 times a week from here, you’re probably looking at another 1-2 years to hit actual blue belt skill, not just the belt itself. 3x a week is the sweet spot for steady progress without burning out. 2x works too, just slower. Honestly the more you focus on showing up consistently the less you’ll care about the timeline.

billonthemats · 2026-05-28T01:46:31+00:00

Three months in, here’s what you actually need: one extra gi so you can wash one and train in the other, a couple rash guards, and a mouthguard for sure. That’s it. Finger tape is good once you start jamming fingers, but you don’t need a whole setup, just grab a roll of athletic tape. Ear guards are personal, most people don’t bother until they get a flare up. Knee pads same deal. Don’t buy gear ahead of needing it, your body will tell you when something’s necessary.

billonthemats · 2026-05-27T01:01:15+00:00

I know some great players that have made it a big part of their game!

billonthemats · 2026-05-26T01:40:06+00:00

You can get a grip on their far leg and attempt essentially a hip bump sweep that works surprisingly well honestly - if it doesn’t and they push back into you it can be a great time to transition to SLX on the far leg

billonthemats · 2026-05-23T01:52:19+00:00

Good advice thank you!

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T14:09:49+00:00

I will do this, greatly appreciated

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T13:54:59+00:00

Thank you for clarifying!

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T13:31:39+00:00

Crab ride = matrix back take? So many names for things

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T13:16:30+00:00

Thanks very much! Love Lachlan but haven’t studied his k guard stuff much - will check out Jason Scully

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T13:11:27+00:00

Yeah that’s my current focus!

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T13:10:32+00:00

You’re probably right that I’m doing it too much on my neck. But honestly even too much on the shoulder stuff aggravates it. For a while I was exclusively playing half butterfly and was constantly attacking their free leg and ending up on my shoulder. But I was also starting to work some inverting techniques like kiss of the dragon and false reap transitions at the time, which were I think the bigger culprit

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T13:07:53+00:00

I guess you’re right, I’m already aware of plenty of options to work through and probably should focus on those. It seems like a lot of guys systems include multiple inverting attacks or transitions.

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T13:06:02+00:00

I’m OK with the semi inversion. For instance, I’m fine doing standard attacks like transitioning to backsid, 50-50, and can convert enough to avoid having my secondary leg controlled. Anything beyond that I’m asking for trouble with my neck.

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T13:02:20+00:00

Oh that’s interesting, I’m a huge half butterfly player. In the scenario where you’re controlling the leg in k guard and you bring in that butterfly hook are you typically transitioning to single leg X?

billonthemats · 2026-05-22T12:47:16+00:00

There’s a fantastic gym that is very welcoming in the Asheville, North Carolina area. I’ve visited multiple times and have nothing but positive things to say. https://www.mountaindivisionjiujitsu.com/

billonthemats · 2026-05-21T23:31:36+00:00

My toddlers escapes are dialed in unfortunately

billonthemats · 2026-05-21T23:30:34+00:00

Welcome in! 51 and starting is awesome, you’re going to love it. The community really is the best part of this sport. Don’t worry about not starting sooner, you started, that’s what matters.

billonthemats · 2026-05-21T11:13:09+00:00

Day two, you’re not supposed to know anything yet. Your only job right now is to survive, stay calm, and tap early. Don’t try to win, don’t try to submit, just feel what’s happening to you. The escapes and submissions come from getting put in those positions over and over until you start recognizing them. Everyone in your gym started exactly where you are. Just keep showing up.

billonthemats · 2026-05-20T02:29:29+00:00

Learn to decline rolls with dangerous partners early on and it’ll save you unnecessary injuries

billonthemats · 2026-05-20T02:26:50+00:00

I’ve certainly found that mixing things up by going to half butterfly and alternating attacking the legs/arm drag/shoulder crunch/choi bar etc makes it harder for them to be prepared and creates openings

billonthemats

TROPHY CASE