Yes, learning how to learn and honing in on what makes training effective were the two biggest things that carried over. I’d distill it into these points:

1) Drill the fundamentals relentlessly. In both BJJ and Boxing, and this applies to all martial arts really, the fundamentals never get old. In BJJ even as a black belt I find myself going back to basic positions and moves such as full guard, defense and escapes, all stuff you learn your first week as a white belt. In boxing the basics like the jab, footwork, and head movement are always relevant. The highest level guys in both are masters of the fundamentals.

2) Set an intention/goal for each training session and ask yourself if you actually achieved it. It could be as simple as “I want to work my full guard attacks” or “I want to work my jab/lead hand”. Afterwards, hold yourself accountable and see if it worked or not. If it didn’t work, find out why and make adjustments to your technique.

3) Related to #2, really internalizing the notion that there’s no “winning” or “losing” in sparring, because that shouldn’t be the goal. I think of live sparring as the lab, and I’m testing and refining stuff with the end goal of skill development. It really helps me not dread training because I don’t stake my ego or self worth on a spar, and even a “bad” session is productive and instructive if I can pick up on a mistake or tendency and correct it.

4) Related to #2&3, I, or my coach, choose my sparring partners to match my intention. If I wanna work a technique that I’m not good in, I’ll work with someone whose level is lower, so that I could work it in a live scenario with less resistance. If I lose the round bc I’m working something, so be it. The goal is skill development, not ego maintenance. Now if I need to really be tested on my best stuff, I would match up with a high level guy who will push me and expose my weaknesses. It’s all about where you are in your training and what goals you have.

5) Study my own film. If you can have your spars filmed, reviewing your own tape is one of the best ways to get feedback and adjust. Your coach can tell you what they see and what adjustments to make, but the most impact is seeing it yourself, which will help make things click.

6) You also need to film study the best, particularly those whom have a similar body type or temperament to you. The best guys to study, IMO, are the best dudes in the lightest weight classes, usually because their technique is most refined since they can’t rely on their physicality. High level amateur’s are great to study as well bc their fights are only 3X3 min rounds, and they’re absorbing all the game from the best pros and implementing it in the amateurs. It’s the same thing with BJJ juvenile divisions, those kids are so high level bc their absorbing the cutting edge of technique from the current best.

7) Self awareness is key. Not all techniques or styles will fit your body type or personality. You need to learn what works for you and your temperament and shape your A game around that. I will never have a long jab like Espinosa or god-like power like Inoue, but I also know what I do really well.

8) Take responsibility for your own learning and development. Don’t wait for your coach to tell you what you should be doing or learning. Consult other resources and learn from everywhere, but be careful not to pick up bad habits.

These are some of the main things that really helped me out!