BJJ

Mindset For BJJ White Belts Rolling With Coaches

Mindset For BJJ White Belts Rolling With Coaches

When starting in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), white belts are often apprehensive about rolling with their coaches. White belts are beginners in BJJ and have never trained in this sport before. Due to their lack of experience, it is common for white belts to roll with coaches instead of other students.


However, rolling with a coach instead of other students may cause anxiety, curiosity, and pressure for BJJ white belts. After all, the coach has a higher belt rank and is more experienced.


However, having the right mindset when rolling with the coach is essential. This article will elaborate on the ideal mindset when rolling with a coach.

1. What is Rolling in BJJ?

Rolling in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) refers to sparring or wrestling with a partner, typically in a Gi. During rolling, practitioners try to subdue each other using various techniques. Rolling provides an opportunity to practice and perfect techniques along with general training and fitness.


Rolling allows BJJ practitioners to test their skills in a safe and controlled environment. It also helps fighters improve the mastery of their techniques and timing. Additionally, rolling with multiple partners of different sizes and skill levels can help prepare you for fighting different types of opponents.

2. Why Rolling with BJJ Coaches can be Beneficial?

For many people, rolling with a coach can be intimidating. It can be hard to relax when someone more experienced and stronger than you is watching and correcting your mistakes. However, there are many benefits to rolling with coaches:

  • Coaches can help you learn new techniques faster.
  • Coaches can also give feedback on how you can improve your weak areas.
  • Rolling with BJJ coaches can help you better understand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) principles and how they apply to real-world situations.

Whether you are comfortable rolling with your coaches or not is entirely up to you. However, rolling with Jiu-Jitsu coaches is something to consider if you want to improve your BJJ skills quickly and efficiently.

3. What Mindset Should You Have When Rolling with Your Coach?

As a BJJ white belt, you must have the correct mindset when rolling with a coach. This means having the following characteristics:

3.1. Correct Attitude

Make sure to have the correct attitude toward your coach while rolling. Make sure you show good sportsmanship, respect your training partners, and always give 100%.


It can be easy to get discouraged when first starting in BJJ. You may be forced to tap out a lot and it can feel like you barely made any progress. However, keeping a positive attitude when going through this phase will be beneficial. Stick with it and keep training hard, and you will eventually start seeing potential improvements.

3.2. Respect Your Coach

Always respect your coach. She/he is there to help you learn and improve. That means they might do things differently than you are used to, but it is important to trust their experience and try to follow the instructions.


Sometimes, your coach will be teaching multiple classes in a single day. They might be tired or not in the mood to roll, so be respectful of their time and energy.


Though rolling is supposed to be fun, it is still a learning experience. So make sure you avoid getting rough or competitive with your coach.

3.3. Be Willing to Learn

Try to be open to suggestions on how you can improve your techniques and be willing to learn from your mistakes. Be obedient and listen to your coach's instructions carefully.

3.4. Accept & Implement Your Coach’s Instructions

Make sure to listen to your coach as they have a better understanding of BJJ and want to help you succeed. If they tell you to do something, it is for a reason.


Also, be willing to push yourself but also know when to stop. It is okay to tap out - that is how you learn. Nevertheless, do not hold back; give it your all and see what works and what doesn't.

3.5. Use Techniques Properly

Proper learning involves executing BJJ techniques correctly. Demonstrate proper BJJ techniques based on examples and instructions from the coach so that you do not accidentally injure the coach or yourself.

3.6. Be Safe

As a new BJJ student, you should take the time to learn how to roll safely. When done correctly, rolling can be an excellent way to improve your BJJ skills. You can use these tips to stay safe while rolling:

  • Make sure you have a good understanding of the basic techniques before attempting to roll. If you are having trouble understanding how to do certain moves, ask your instructor for help.
  • Pay attention to your body movements and be aware of any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. If something does not feel right, stop and seek professional or medical attention if necessary.
  • Always warm up thoroughly before rolling and cool down afterward to avoid complications.

3.7. Watch Your Strength

Many new BJJ students become stressed when rolling with a more experienced partner like the coaches. They do not want to be too meek and end up hurting their partner, but they also do not want to be too passive and get steamrolled.


Remember that everyone was a white belt once, so there is no need to be nervous. Just relax and try to be gentle when practicing. It is okay to be aggressive sometimes, but do not go overboard. Pay attention to your coach's body language; if they tense up or look uncomfortable, ease off the pressure.

3.8. Learn From Your Mistakes

As a BJJ white belt, you will make many mistakes. When you are rolling with your coach, they will often let you know when you are doing something wrong. Making mistakes early on is good since you can learn how to do better in the future.

4. Different Techniques Used in White Belt Rolling

During rolling, a white belt should focus on improving his/her technique. Here are some of the most common techniques used in white belt rolling:

4.1. Hip Escape

Hip escape is used to get out from the bottom position when your opponent has you on hold. You must shrimp your hips out to the sides and then use your legs to push off your opponent before turning over.

4.2. Guard Pass

You can apply the guard pass to bypass your opponent's guard and get into a dominant position. To pull this off, you need to control your opponent's legs and then use your weight to push through the guard.

4.3. Sweep

The sweep is a popular BJJ technique that attacks your opponent’s legs and knocks them off balance. You can use your legs to control your opponent's weight and then sweep their legs.

4.4. Submission

There are many ways to subdue an opponent, but the most common submissions used by BJJ white belts are the rear naked and triangle chokes.

  • The rear naked choke is a choke applied from behind an opponent. It is often used in street fights because it can be applied quickly and does not require much strength.
  • The triangle choke is applied by trapping an opponent's arm with your legs and then choking him/her with your other arm.

4.5. Transitions

A transition technique is when a person moves from one position to another, from standing to guard or mount to side control. Transitions are necessary because they allow you to maintain control over your opponent and let you move into a better position. They are also one of the most difficult techniques for white belts to master.

5. Takeaway

When entering the grappling world of BJJ as a white belt, you must have the right attitude towards your coach because she/he is going to guide you on your BJJ journey. Focus on the learning process and do not worry about winning or losing.


Respect and listen to the coach’s advice. Be optimistic and learn from your mistakes. Your positive attitude toward the coach will pave the way to being the best BJJ white belt.

Related Readings

Reading next

Advantages of Being Short for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
2022 IBJJF No-Gi Pans Recap and Black Belt Results

Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.