How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
If you’re just getting started with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), you might be wondering: How long until I feel good at this? It's a common question—and the honest answer is: it depends.
Whether you live in Hanover, Pembroke, or anywhere on the South Shore of Massachusetts, BJJ is a long-term journey that pays off with consistency, patience, and the right environment.
In this post, we’ll break down what “getting good” really means, what kind of timeline to expect, and how you can accelerate your progress at a gym like Torrent BJJ.
What Does “Getting Good” Mean in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
For some people, “good” means earning a blue belt. For others, it’s being able to hold your own during live sparring, or feeling confident defending yourself. In BJJ, progress happens in layers:
1–3 months: You’re learning the language. Expect to feel a bit lost at first—that’s normal.
6–12 months: You start recognizing positions and can escape from bad spots.
1–2 years: You’re hitting sweeps and submissions more often. You know how to roll smart.
3–5 years: You’re probably a blue or purple belt and helping newer students. It clicks.
At Torrent BJJ, we make sure beginners feel supported at every step so they don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged.
What Affects How Fast You Progress?
Every BJJ journey is unique, but here are some major factors that influence how quickly you improve:
1. Training Frequency
Students who train 2–3 times per week consistently see noticeable growth. More isn’t always better—it's about quality and regularity.
2. Your Age and Fitness Level
You don’t need to be in top shape to start BJJ, but if you’re already active, you might pick things up faster. Still, we have students of all ages making progress every day.
3. Your Mindset
BJJ is humbling. Those who stick with it embrace mistakes, learn from losses, and stay patient. That mindset goes a long way.
4. The School You Train At
Having good coaches, a welcoming atmosphere, and reliable training partners makes all the difference. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Torrent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Hanover, MA.
Tips to Improve Faster
Ask questions. Our coaches are here to help.
Drill the fundamentals—you’ll use them for years.
Roll smart, not hard. Focus on learning, not “winning.”
Take notes or record your progress.
Be consistent—showing up is half the battle.
So… How Long Until I’m “Good”?
Most students say they start feeling confident around the 1-year mark—and from there, it just keeps building. But remember: BJJ isn’t a race. It’s a lifelong practice with benefits that go beyond the mats—like confidence, resilience, and stress relief.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you're near Hanover or Pembroke, MA and looking for a supportive, beginner-friendly place to start training, come check out Torrent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re new to martial arts or just curious, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
đź‘Š Try a free trial class and see what BJJ can do for you.