Why Cross Training is Important

As we’ve seen from the positive results of the World Clan movement, training with others is important for your development and character in BJJ.

First and foremost, if you are training at a school that vehemently does not allow cross training with other academies in your area or even your own affiliation – that is absolutely ridiculous. Many refer to that as being “old school,” but in reality, it is really about insecurity on the higher ups part that promotes cult-like behavior within the academy by controlling who you can or cannot train with.

Cross training opens yourself up to learning new techniques. Not all schools are the same, nor do they teach the same style or techniques. With that being said, your school should never be “the end all” of your learning. BJJ is constantly evolving so if you want to stay ahead of the curve, cross train. Check out other academies when you’re on vacation (if your significant other allows it), attend seminars at other academies, drive a couple hours to train with another academy during their open mat, and especially take advantage of a World Clan event in your area (you will thank me later).

World Clan/Black Belts for Butterflies hosted at Foster Jiu-Jitsu in August 2016. Over 5 states and 10+ academies represented.

You will expand your circle of friends. The BJJ community is big… but it is small also. The more friends you make, the more couches you’ll be able to crash on when you’re rolling through (no pun intended) a new area. The level of hospitality in the BJJ community is second to none. With social media ever present, it is even easier to make friends before you meet them in real life. Not only have I opened up my home to others, the same kind of hospitality was extended to me – in Brazil, nonetheless. And with a language barrier.

You will build confidence. Being a new person in an unfamiliar environment can be stressful, but the more opportunities you expose yourself to, the more confidence you will build. Which also means less insecurities as well – namely how you compare to others from different academies. Believe me, some people actually build complexes in their head with this – which are the same people who refuse to cross train or let their students cross train.

If you take a look at the best in the sport, they train everywhere with anyone. Whether they are on vacation or in the area, they will train. The perfect example is Marcus Buchecha training with Leandro Lo. They met in the absolute finals at Worlds this year… but they still consider each other good friends and training partners.

If you limit where you train and who you train with, you are seriously limiting your potential for growth. If you can let go of your insecurities with training with new people, you will open yourself up to new opportunities, great training, and increasing your BJJ squad.