Memory Tips for Martial Artists -How to Remember Jiu Jitsu Moves Easily

 

Mastering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu takes more than just strength and technique -it demands memory. With hundreds of moves, transitions, and submissions to learn, many martial artists struggle to retain everything they’re taught on the mat. Whether you’re a white belt or black belt, remembering Jiu Jitsu techniques can feel overwhelming.

But what if there were proven memory techniques -straight from the world of accelerated learning -that could make it easier?

In this blog, we’ll break down how to remember Jiu Jitsu moves more effectively using smart memory tools, mental training, and a few speed reading techniques adapted for physical learning.

1. Why Jiu Jitsu Is a Memory Game (Not Just a Muscle Game)

Every time you step onto the mat, you’re solving problems -where to grip, when to sweep, how to escape. But as you climb the ranks, the mental load grows. You’re not just learning moves -you’re learning sequences, setups, and counters.

This is where memory becomes your superpower.

Using memory tools similar to those taught to students who want to learn speed reading or how to memorize Bible verses, martial artists can absorb and recall complex sequences with greater ease.

2. Visualization: See the Move Before You Do It

One of the most effective ways to improve memory is to visualize the technique immediately after learning it. Close your eyes and mentally replay the move -step by step.

This technique is often used by those who want to improve reading speed and comprehension. By mentally walking through a process (whether reading or rolling), you reinforce the neural pathways needed to recall it later.

Tip: Do this visualization practice before bed for better memory retention.

3. Use Chunking to Group Movements

Just like speed reading techniques teach you to read groups of words instead of one word at a time, you can chunk your Jiu Jitsu moves.

Instead of memorizing 8 individual steps, group them into 2 or 3 “chunks” or mini-sequences. For example:

• Chunk 1: Break guard + establish grips
• Chunk 2: Pass + settle into side control
• Chunk 3: Transition to mount + submit

This method reduces overload and makes it easier to recall moves during sparring.

4. Repetition with a Twist: Active Recall

Repetition is important -but active recall makes it stick. After drilling a technique, quiz yourself:

• What was step 2 again?
• What grip did I use before the sweep?
• Where was my weight during the transition?

This is the same principle used by students who practice how to speed read -they don’t just read faster, they recall faster because they engage actively with the content.

5. Use Storytelling to Remember Complex Sequences

If you struggle with long sequences, turn the move into a story.

Just like people memorize Bible verses using mnemonic devices or personal narratives, you can assign quirky or memorable associations to each part of the move.

Example: “I enter the castle (guard), kick open the door (hip bump), and claim the throne (mount).”

It may sound silly -but it works.

6. Speed Reading Principles for Martial Artists

While martial artists aren’t reading books on the mat, they are processing information quickly -visually and physically.

That’s where speed reading techniques come in:

• Use eye tracking to watch instructors’ body positioning
• Practice previewing new moves by watching videos before class
• Apply peripheral awareness to understand spacing and flow during rolls

These mental habits, rooted in how to learn speed reading, build faster decision-making on the mat.

7. Keep a Jiu Jitsu Journal

After class, write down what you learned -moves, reactions, mistakes. It’s not just about notes -it’s about memory.

This mirrors how students improve reading speed through active engagement and post-reading summaries. A journal helps you track progress, spot patterns, and improve recall over time.

Final Thoughts: Train the Brain, Not Just the Body

Jiu Jitsu is often called “human chess,” and just like in chess, memory makes the difference. By applying memory tools borrowed from speed reading, and even how to memorize Bible verses, you’ll become a smarter, faster, more adaptable martial artist.

Ready to sharpen your mind along with your techniques?
Explore our full guides on Speed Reading Techniques, How to Speed Read, and How to Memorize Bible Verses -because the best fighters aren’t just strong. They’re smart.