How to Maximize BJJ Private Lessons | BJJ App Wiki
BJJBJJ App TeamΒ·β±οΈ 3 min readΒ·π May 21, 2026
β°Contents
Get the most out of BJJ private lessons: how to prepare, what to ask, how to structure your session, and how to integrate what you learn into your game.
Contents
Why Private Lessons Accelerate Progress
In a group class, an instructor must pace to the average student. In a private lesson, 100% of the attention is on your specific gaps, habits, and goals. A well-structured 60-minute private can address problems that might take months to diagnose in regular training.
Before the Lesson: Prepare
π‘ The single biggest mistake: Showing up without a specific question. "I just want to get better" gives the instructor nothing to work with β and you'll likely review things you already know.
- Identify your #1 problem: What gets you in trouble most consistently? Where do your rounds break down?
- Record yourself: If possible, record a sparring session before the private. Watch it. Find the moment things go wrong.
- Write down 2β3 specific questions: E.g., "I always lose the back when they turn into me β what am I missing?"
- Tell the instructor your goals upfront: Competition prep? Self-defense? Specific technique? They need context.
During the Lesson
- Take notes or video: Ask permission to record the session. You will not remember 80% of verbal details 24 hours later.
- Ask "why" not just "what": Understanding the principle (not just the technique) lets you apply it in new situations.
- Ask to repeat: If you don't get something after the second demo, say so. Don't nod and hope it clicks later.
- Drill the key points at the end: Ask the instructor to drill the 1β2 most important points so they're in muscle memory.
After the Lesson: Integrate
The lesson is worthless if you don't integrate it into training. Most students return to old habits within a week because they never bridge the private to their regular rolls.
- Review your notes within 24 hours while memory is fresh.
- Create a "positional goal" for your next 5 training sessions: prioritize the new technique in every round.
- Do solo drilling of the key movements before each class for 2 weeks.
- Ask training partners to give you the specific position so you can work it live.
How Often Should You Take Privates?
- White belt: Once every 4β8 weeks to address foundational gaps.
- Blue/Purple: Monthly or before competitions β to sharpen specific aspects of your game.
- Brown/Black: As needed when hitting a specific plateau or refining high-level details.
π‘ Budget tip: One private every 2 months with a black belt is more valuable than the same money spent on extra class sessions, if you prepare properly.
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a BJJ private lesson be?
60 minutes is the standard and optimal length for most students. 90 minutes is possible but fatigue reduces retention in the final third. 30-minute sessions can work for very specific drilling goals.
Should I take privates with my regular instructor or someone else?
Your regular instructor already knows your game and can target your specific weaknesses. Taking occasional privates with a specialist (e.g., a leg lock expert) for specific skills is also valuable.
How do I find a good private lesson instructor?
Start with your own coaches. For specialized instruction, look at competition results β an instructor with competition pedigree in your target area (e.g., no-gi leg locks) will give more specific insight than a generalist.