I have been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a long time now — over 25 years running my own academy and coaching hundreds of adults and kids here in Fort Worth.

One thing I’ve noticed is that almost every beginner makes the same few mistakes when they first start training. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Avoiding them will help you progress faster, stay safer, and actually enjoy your time on the mats.

Here are the top 3 mistakes I see most often, plus simple ways to avoid them.

1. Trying to Muscle Everything Instead of Using Technique

This is the biggest one. New students often rely on strength and athleticism because they haven’t learned the proper leverage and positioning yet. You end up gassing out quick, getting frustrated, and sometimes even hurting yourself or your training partner.

How to avoid it:

Focus on learning the fundamentals first. Pay close attention during technique instruction. Ask questions if something doesn’t make sense. Remember — good Jiu-Jitsu is about being efficient, not being the strongest guy in the room. Even at my age, I still remind myself to slow down and use proper technique instead of powering through.

2. Not Tapping Early Enough (or at All).

I talk about this a lot because safety matters. Some beginners feel embarrassed to tap, so they hold on too long and end up with a sore neck, tweaked elbow, or worse. Others get caught in a bad spot and panic instead of tapping.

How to avoid it:

Tapping is not losing — it’s learning. It’s how you stay on the mats for years instead of weeks. Tap early and often. Every time you tap, you get to reset and try again. That’s how real improvement happens. We keep the environment safe here at Team Lutter so you never have to worry about anyone cranking on you.

3. Showing Up Inconsistent.

You come a few times, feel the excitement, then life gets busy and you miss a couple weeks. Before you know it, a month has gone by and you feel like you’re starting over.

How to avoid it:

Make training part of your routine, not something you do only when you feel motivated. Even one or two consistent classes per week will add up faster than you think. Show up, put in the work, and trust the process. The people who stick around are the ones who see the biggest changes in fitness, confidence, and skill.

Bonus Tip: Just Keep Showing Up

If I had to pick one thing that separates the students who improve quickly from the ones who don’t, it’s consistency and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Nobody gets good overnight. I made plenty of my own mistakes when I started, and I still make adjustments today.

At Team Lutter BJJ, we’re set up to help you avoid these common pitfalls. We have dedicated beginner classes so you can learn the basics in a safe, low-pressure environment before jumping into the more advanced groups. Our coaches focus on building good habits from day one.

If you’re thinking about starting Jiu-Jitsu (or coming back after some time away), don’t let these beginner mistakes hold you back. Just show up. We’ll take care of the rest.

Ready to get on the mats? Book your free trial class today. No experience needed, and no pressure.

Call or text 817-781-4243 or reach out through the website. I’d love to see you in class.

Travis Lutter

Team Lutter Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Fort Worth, Texas