BJJ Open Mat Guide

Contents

What Is Open Mat?

Open mat is a session with no instructor-led technique or drilling. Mats are open, partners choose each other, and everyone trains at their own pace. Some gyms hold open mat weekly; others offer it as a drop-in option for students from other schools.

Open Mat Etiquette

Ask, don't demand: Approach someone and say "Would you like to roll?" — accept a "no" gracefully.
Match your partner's intensity: If a higher belt rolls light with you, don't go 100%.
Tap early, tap often: Open mat is not the place to ego-protect submissions. Tap and learn.
No coaching during the roll: Save feedback for after the round, not during.
Clean gear: Wash your gi/rash guard. Open mat brings people from various schools.
Respect the clock: When time is called, stop — don't keep going for "just one more second".

Who Should You Roll With at Open Mat?

Higher Belts

Rolling with higher belts reveals your gaps. You'll be submitted — that's the point. Pay attention to how they get to those positions, not just the submissions themselves.

Same Level

Competitive rolls where both people are pushing. Good for competition prep and testing techniques under pressure.

Lower Belts

Rolling with lower belts lets you work specific techniques without full pressure. Try to set up that armbar from mount 10 times rather than just winning.

What to Work on at Open Mat

💡 Have a plan: Walking into open mat with "I'm going to work my guard passing tonight" is 10× more productive than just rolling with no goal.

Weak areas: If you always get your guard passed from the same side, work that.
New techniques from recent classes — try them in live rolling.
A specific submission entry chain you want to build.
Defensive drilling: give up bad positions and practice escaping.

Visiting Other Gyms' Open Mats

Many gyms welcome visiting students. If you visit another school's open mat:

Introduce yourself to the instructor first.
Be humble — you're a guest. Even if you're a higher belt, roll controlled.
Don't go hard against beginners at a gym you're visiting.
Leave your ego at the door — getting tapped by a local is normal.

⚕️ Training Safety & Performance

🛡️ Injury Prevention 🔥 Warm-Up 🥊 Sparring Tips 💪 Conditioning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can white belts go to open mat?

Yes — open mat is great for white belts. Be upfront about your experience level when asking to roll, and most training partners will adjust their intensity appropriately.

Is open mat good for competition prep?

Absolutely. Open mat lets you choose training partners who simulate your competition category, and you can work specific scenarios repeatedly without a class structure limiting your time.

How long should I stay at open mat?

Quality over quantity. 4–6 good rounds with intentional focus is more productive than 12 exhausted rounds with no goal. Listen to your body and stop before you're too fatigued to learn.