In BJJ, practicing your technique against a live opponent is one of the crucial foundations to getting better. Rolling, coupled with drilling technique, is how one evolves and gets better.

But how can you refine your technique if you’re going 100% every time?

The answer is that you can’t. Much like a car can’t go from 0-100mph instantaneously, neither can your jiu-jitsu game if you don’t take the time to break it down. You’ve got to slows things down to see the necessary details. Sometimes this means breaking down all the steps of a particular technique but it applies to rolling as well.

Rather than going 100%, take the time to flow with your partner when rolling. Flowing is a training method where you roll in a relaxed manner, setting aside strength to focus on the technical aspects of your moves. There is give and take on both sides of the mat, with the main emphasis on positions, technique, and proper transition.

Try it sometime. You’ll find that it will benefit you in many ways.

• you can experiment easier with your moves, seeing which ones work and which ones don’t.
• you won’t have to worry so much about strength and size differences.
• its a safe way to practice, ensuring you’ll be back the next day.
• it allows you to break down your game, and that of others.
• it will allow you to see the clear sequencing of moves, forcing you to concentrate on individual applications.
• it’s like chess and not checkers.

This is what Rickson meant with his famous quote, “flow with the go.” For more information on rolling this way, check out this excellent blog on flowing by Ben Langford.

And as an added bonus, watch the below video emphasizing this type of rolling. It’s one I found on the UGof Alliance stalwarts Fabio “The General” Gurgel and Leozinho Viera rolling from way back in 1997. Pay close attention to their transitions and the speed of their grappling. Talk about some beautiful rolling

!