Strength & Conditioning for BJJ

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Train Strength & Power for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Strength and conditioning for BJJ is a vital component of any serious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner’s training regime. While technical skills and drilling are crucial, having the necessary strength, endurance, and power can significantly enhance your grappling performance, improve injury resilience, and accelerate recovery times. A well-structured strength and conditioning plan tailored specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can give you the edge over your opponents by improving grip strength, explosive power, muscular endurance, and flexibility.

Training strength and power for BJJ isn’t just about lifting heavy weights; it involves functional movements that translate directly to your grappling ability. Exercises such as kettlebell swings, deadlifts, pull-ups, and bodyweight drills build the necessary strength to execute takedowns, maintain control, and escape from difficult positions. Additionally, conditioning plays a crucial role in maintaining high levels of energy throughout long sparring sessions and competition rounds.

On this page, you’ll find expert-led strength and conditioning videos designed specifically for Jiu-Jitsu athletes. Whether you’re a white belt looking to build a strong foundation or a seasoned competitor aiming to refine your power and endurance, these videos will provide the knowledge and exercises to enhance your game.

Category Ambassador

Name: Rich Thompson
Belt: 1st Degree BJJ Black belt
Accolades: Gi & No Gi British Champion
Qualifications:
Qualified Personal Trainer
27 years strength and conditioning
Bsc (degree) psychology

"Take your time off the BJJ mats to the next level so when you’re on the mats you’ll be unstoppable."

Find out if Rich can help improve your BJJ Game on the links below.

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Filter Technique Type: Strength & Conditioning

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Attack or Defence
Gi, NoGi, MMA
The Best Stretch for Jiu Jitsu Back Pain: Expert Tips from The BJJ Strength Coach
0:39
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Belt Level: Blue Belt
How to Alleviate Jiu Jitsu Neck Pain – Part 2 // Expert Tips by The BJJ Strength Coach
0:26
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Belt Level: White Belt
Top 3 Essential Exercises for Jiu Jitsu Athletes: Boost Your BJJ Strength
0:27
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Belt Level: Purple Belt
Improve Strength and Conditioning for the Standing Position: 8 Essential Tips for Wrestling in BJJ
0:55
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Belt Level: White Belt
The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Knees in Jiu Jitsu – Part 1 // Jiu Jitsu Strength Workout
0:34
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Belt Level: Purple Belt
6 Essential Exercises for Relieving BJJ Shoulder Pain and Strengthening the Scapula
15:5
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Belt Level: White Belt
How to Eliminate Jiu Jitsu Knee Pain: Effective BJJ Strength Workout
0:20
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Belt Level: Purple Belt
Boost Your BJJ Strength with the Best 4 Jiu Jitsu Grip Strength Exercises
0:34
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Belt Level: Purple Belt
Boost Your Grip Strength with the Strongest Techniques
0:50
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Belt Level: Black Belt
Strength & Conditioning

Key Components of Strength and Conditioning for BJJ

  1. Strength Training: Strength development should focus on compound movements that mimic BJJ-specific actions. Squats, deadlifts, kettlebell swings, and pull-ups are highly effective for improving overall grappling strength.
  2. Explosive Power: Power is essential for executing fast transitions, takedowns, and submissions. Plyometric drills such as box jumps, medicine ball slams, and explosive push-ups help develop the fast-twitch muscle fibres necessary for these movements.
  3. Endurance & Cardio Conditioning: Rolling and competing in BJJ demand high levels of cardiovascular endurance. Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and battle rope exercises can build the stamina required for long rounds of sparring.
  4. Grip Strength: A strong grip is crucial in controlling your opponent, securing submissions, and maintaining dominant positions. Exercises such as farmer’s carries, towel pull-ups, and gi-specific drills improve grip endurance.
  5. Mobility & Flexibility: Flexibility and mobility are often overlooked yet play a critical role in preventing injuries and enhancing movement efficiency. Dynamic stretching, yoga, and joint mobility drills help maintain range of motion and fluid transitions.
  6. Recovery & Injury Prevention: Strength training for BJJ should always be balanced with proper recovery techniques. Foam rolling, massage, adequate sleep, and active recovery days ensure that your body adapts and grows stronger over time.

By integrating strength and conditioning into your BJJ schedule, you’ll build a more resilient body capable of handling the physical demands of grappling. Whether you’re looking to gain explosive power, increase endurance, or simply prevent injuries, the videos in this section will guide you through the best training techniques to complement your Jiu-Jitsu journey. Following these principles and integrating the BJJ strength and conditioning videos available on this page, you’ll enhance your BJJ performance, reduce injury risks, and gain a physical advantage over your opponents. Whether you're just starting or an advanced practitioner, developing strength, power, and endurance will take your grappling game to the next level.

Strength & Conditioning FAQs

Yes, strength and conditioning are essential for BJJ practitioners. While technique is the foundation of Jiu-Jitsu, strength, power, and endurance improve your ability to execute techniques effectively, resist opponent pressure, and recover from intense training sessions.

To build strength for BJJ, focus on compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, and kettlebell exercises. These movements develop full-body strength, which translates directly to grappling. Additionally, incorporating grip training and bodyweight exercises like push-ups and core work enhances overall strength.

The best conditioning for Jiu-Jitsu includes a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), steady-state cardio, and circuit training. Exercises such as battle ropes, sled pushes, rowers, and sprint intervals help improve endurance, ensuring you have the stamina for long rounds of rolling and competition.

Strength training for BJJ should be incorporated 2-4 times per week, depending on your experience level and training schedule. It’s important to balance strength sessions with Jiu-Jitsu practice to avoid overtraining. Lower-frequency, high-intensity sessions with adequate recovery are ideal for maintaining strength gains without negatively impacting technique and flexibility.