It does not matter whether you are new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or have been rolling for a while. One of the most important aspects of progress is communication with your BJJ instructor. A good student does not just show up and drill. They actively engage, ask questions and seek clarity. But with so much happening on the mat—Gi grips, No-Gi transitions, submissions, escapes—it can be hard to know what to ask your BJJ instructor during class.

This guide explores everything you should be asking during BJJ training. Clear explanations from your instructor makes your journey through the BJJ Gi or No-Gi BJJ world smoother, smarter and more successful.

Why Asking Questions in BJJ Class Matters

Before diving into the specific questions, let’s understand why asking your instructor questions is essential:

• Faster Progression: Clarifying small technical details can fix major holes in your game.
• Injury Prevention: Understanding proper mechanics reduces the risk of injuries.
• Builds Mental Awareness: BJJ is as much mental as it is physical. Thus, asking questions helps develop your fight IQ.
• Deepens Knowledge: Questions open the door to advanced concepts like leverage, timing and positional strategy.

1- Clarify Technique: “Can You Break Down That Move Again?”

Every Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class involves learning new techniques, whether it is a triangle choke from guard or a knee slice pass in No-Gi BJJ. If you do not fully understand it—ask!

Ask things like:

• "Where should my weight be during this pass?"
• "Is this grip different in Gi vs No-Gi BJJ?"
• "Can you demonstrate the finishing detail again?"

These questions help reinforce proper form. Thus, prevent bad habits from forming, especially when working with BJJ Gis, where grip placement matters deeply.

2- Positional Concepts: “What Should I Be Aiming For in This Position?”

Many BJJ practitioners go through the motions without understanding why they are doing a certain move.

Good questions to ask:

• "What’s the main goal from side control?"
• "Is posture more important than pressure here?"
• "How do I control my opponent better in closed guard with the Gi?"

Understanding positional hierarchy in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—like why mount is more dominant than half guard—is key to success.

3- Timing & Transitions: “When Should I Use This Technique?”

Technique alone does not win matches—timing and transitions do. This is especially important when switching between Gi and No-Gi BJJ, where grips and speed vary.

Ask:

• "When should I transition from half guard to deep half?"
• "Can I use this arm drag in No-Gi too?"
• "When is the best time to go for the submission vs maintaining position?"

Learning how to chain attacks is the secret sauce of high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

4- Defense and Escapes: “What If I’m Stuck Here?”

Learning how to escape bad positions is arguably more important than learning submissions, especially for beginners.

Ask:

• "How do I escape mount if my arms are trapped?"
• "What’s the best way to prevent a choke when they have my back?"
• "Is the escape different in No-Gi without the collar grip?"

Defense in BJJ builds confidence. And asking these questions shows your instructor that you are serious about becoming well-rounded.

5- Drilling Advice: “How Should I Be Drilling This?”

Not all drilling is equal. Some students mindlessly repeat moves without thinking about mechanics, pressure or resistance.

Smart questions include:

• "Should I go slow or fast while drilling this submission?"
• "How do I add resistance gradually?"
• "What’s the best way to drill this in No-Gi where grips are limited?"

Your BJJ instructor can guide you on deliberate practice, which is proven to accelerate learning.

6- Sparring Tips: “Why Did I Get Caught in That Roll?”

After rolling (sparring), many students feel frustrated by mistakes but never ask what went wrong. Your instructor can help you analyze what happened.

Ask:

• "What mistake led to that sweep?"
• "Was I too aggressive with my grips in Gi?"
• "How do I avoid that armbar setup in the future?"

Breakdowns like these are incredibly useful for BJJ competition preparation as well.

7- Gi vs No-Gi: “How Does This Change Without the Gi?”

With the rise of No-Gi BJJ tournaments, it is crucial to understand how techniques differ between Gi and No-Gi training.

Ask:

• "Can this pass be modified for No-Gi BJJ?"
• "How do I control posture without lapel grips?"
• "What are the best No-Gi alternatives to collar chokes?"

These questions help you build a hybrid game. That is effective in both disciplines—especially if you train for both IBJJF BJJ Gi tournaments and ADCC-style No-Gi competitions.

8- Competition Strategy: “What Should I Focus on in a Match?”

If you are preparing for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament, ask your instructor for guidance on strategy.

Examples:

• "Should I pull guard or go for takedowns in this rule set?"
• "How do I manage points and advantages in IBJJF format?"
• "What’s a smart game plan based on my strengths?"

Many BJJ instructors have competition experience, so tap into their wisdom.

9- BJJ Gi Selection: “What Type of Gi Should I Wear?”

While this may seem unrelated to technique, asking your instructor about BJJ Gi selection matters for performance and comfort.

Ask:

• "Is a lightweight or heavyweight Gi better for summer training?"
• "Which BJJ Gi brands are IBJJF legal?"
• "What’s the right fit for my body type?"

A properly fitting Gi enhances your movement and makes it harder for opponents to grip.

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10- Progress & Belt Promotion: “What Do I Need to Improve for My Next Belt?”

Promotion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is based on skill, consistency, and attitude. If you're curious about where you stand, ask with humility.

Ask:

• "What should I focus on to improve my blue belt game?"
• "What are the key traits of a purple belt?"
• "Am I on the right path with my current training schedule?"

Your instructor will appreciate your honesty and dedication to growth.

Read guide about > Belt Levels in Jiu-Jitsu: A Comprehensive Guide to BJJ Belts and Ranking System

11- Injury Management: “How Should I Train Around This Injury?”

Unfortunately, injuries happen in BJJ. If you are dealing with one, do not just skip class—ask your instructor how to train smart.

Ask:

• "Can I still drill with a shoulder injury?"
• "What positions should I avoid with a sore knee?"
• "How do I keep learning while injured?"

Most BJJ instructors can help you modify your training, ensuring you stay on track safely.

5 Most Common Jiu-Jitsu Injuries, Causes, and Prevention

Conclusion: Communication is Key in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The journey through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, whether you're training in the Gi or No-Gi, is filled with nuance, layers and endless growth. The best way to unlock these layers? Ask your BJJ instructor. Your curiosity, combined with their experience, is a powerful combination. This leads to faster improvement, deeper understanding and stronger performance on the mat.
So next time you are in class—do not just drill—ask the right questions. Whether it's about BJJ Gi grips, No-Gi transitions, positional hierarchy or competition mindset, your path to mastery begins with curiosity.

Ready to Level Up Your Game?

Start asking smarter questions today! And see how your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey transforms—Gi or No-Gi, white belt or black belt, every question brings you closer to mastery. 

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