The Core

If I can make one recommendation for work to do outside of class to make your Jiu-Jitsu better, it’s work on your core. Make your abs and back strong. When I first started BJJ, my instructor was really fond of 1/2 hour warmups with a minimum 500 abs. I didn’t understand it at the time, but the more I rolled with people who didn’t go through that rigorous conditioning, the more I understood it. The stronger you make your core muscles, the longer you’re able to play guard, hold posture, and roll in general. The nice part of this is you don’t need equipment or a partner, and it will make a difference.