Jocko Willink, an school BJJ black belt and former Navy SEAL Commander, offers valuable advice to individuals seeking to find the right BJJ gym. Drawing on his extensive experience both in martial arts and military leadership, Jocko breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting a school, emphasizing practicality, the quality of instruction, and the overall culture of the gym.
Convenience Matters
One of Jocko’s first points centers around the practicality of the gym’s location. He emphasizes that convenience is essential to making BJJ a sustainable practice.
“The key to whether you’re going to go there is: Can you get there after work? Can you get there easily? Can you fit it into your schedule?” Jocko explains. He suggests that the closer a gym is to your home or work, the more likely you are to attend regularly, making it a key factor in long-term commitment to training.
Qualified Instruction
Jocko stresses the importance of ensuring that the BJJ school has qualified instructors. He notes that the instructor’s background and level of expertise significantly impact your learning experience.
“One of the most important things you need is a qualified instructor,” Jocko advises. He encourages potential students to do some research on the instructor’s lineage and ensure they have proper credentials. A skilled instructor ensures that you’re learning proper techniques and progressing safely in your training.
Understanding the Gym’s Culture
Another critical factor Jocko highlights is the culture and atmosphere of the gym. Some gyms are highly competition-focused, while others may emphasize self-defense or general fitness. Jocko emphasizes the importance of finding a school whose culture aligns with your personal goals.
“There’s gyms that are completely competition-focused, and there’s gyms that are more focused on self-defense and everything in between,” Jocko says. He advises students to reflect on what they want out of their BJJ journey—whether it’s preparing for competition, learning self-defense, or improving physical fitness.
Traditional vs. Modern Schools
Jocko also explains that some BJJ schools are more traditional, adhering to a structured format with a clear hierarchy led by a master or professor.
“Traditional schools are structured in a uniform way, with everyone wearing the same gi and following the same system under a professor or sensei,” Jocko explains. In contrast, some modern gyms may offer a more flexible training environment that emphasizes innovation or caters to specific student needs, such as fitness or competition training.
Try Before You Commit
Finally, Jocko recommends trying out a few different gyms to find the right fit. Many BJJ schools offer trial classes, which allows prospective students to experience the environment firsthand.
“I always recommend going in and taking some trial classes. See what the atmosphere is like and if you enjoy it,” Jocko advises. This hands-on experience can help you gauge whether the instructor, training style, and overall vibe of the gym are a good match for you.
Conclusion
Jocko Willink’s advice for choosing a BJJ school focuses on practical factors like proximity, qualified instructors, and finding a culture that aligns with your goals. By trying out different schools and understanding what you want from your training, you can ensure a long-lasting and rewarding BJJ journey.
As Jocko puts it, “You’ll find the right place when it feels right to you, and that’s when the real journey begins.”
