Building Your Technique Library

Adding techniques to your Competency Matrix with meaningful details.

The Goal

By the end of this course, you should have a documented library of every technique you've learned. This becomes an invaluable reference as you progress.

Think of it like a personal BJJ encyclopedia that grows with you.

Starting Your Technique Library

Initial Brain Dump

Before tracking new techniques, capture what you already know:

1. Set aside 15-20 minutes
2. Go through each major position mentally
3. List every technique you can remember
4. Assign initial competency levels
5. Don't worry about being comprehensive - you'll add more over time

Organizing Your List

You can organize techniques by:

By Position (Recommended)

• Closed Guard: Armbar, Triangle, Scissor Sweep...
• Mount: Americana, Armbar, Ezekiel...

By Type

• Submissions: Armbar, Triangle, Kimura...
• Sweeps: Scissor, Hip Bump, Butterfly...
• Escapes: Mount escape, Side escape, Back escape...

By Level First

• Level 4 techniques
• Level 3 techniques
• Level 2 techniques
• Level 1 techniques

Choose whatever makes most sense to you. Position-based is most common.

What Details to Record

Minimum Information

For each technique, record:

• Name
• Position it's from
• Type (submission, sweep, pass, escape)
• Current competency level

Enhanced Information (Optional)

As you have time, add:

• Key details / steps to remember
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Related techniques (chains/combos)
• Who taught it to you
• When you learned it

Example Entry

Scissor Sweep

Adding New Techniques

After Class

When you learn something new:

1. Immediately record the name and position (don't trust your memory)
2. Add it to your library at Level 1 (Seen)
3. If you drilled it significantly, mark it Level 2
4. Add key details while fresh

Weekly Review Process

During your weekly review:

1. Check Daily Training Logs for techniques drilled
2. Add any missing techniques to your library
3. Update levels for techniques you've practiced
4. Note techniques you want to level up

Monthly Review Process

Once per month:

1. Review entire technique library
2. Demote techniques that have become rusty
3. Promote techniques that have improved
4. Identify techniques you want to focus on next month

The Master Technique Checklist

For comprehensive tracking, use the Master Technique Checklist worksheet.

How It Differs from Position Trackers

When to Use Each

Position Trackers: For deep work on specific positions Master Checklist: For seeing your entire game at a glance

Many students use both - Position Trackers for active work, Master Checklist as a reference.

Technique Naming

Use Names That Work for You

You don't need to use official Portuguese names. Use whatever helps you remember:

• "That sweep where you kick the leg" = valid
• "Kimura" = valid
• "Double-under pass" = valid
• "The one Mike showed us in December" = less useful later

Be Consistent

Whatever naming you choose, be consistent. Don't call the same technique different things on different pages.

Add Aliases

If a technique has multiple names:

Flower Sweep (aka Pendulum Sweep)

This helps if different instructors use different names.

Tracking Variations

Many techniques have variations. How to handle them:

Option 1: Group Them

Armbar

• From closed guard
• From mount
• From back
• Flying armbar

All counted as one technique with noted variations.

Option 2: Separate Them

• Armbar from closed guard
• Armbar from mount
• Armbar from back

Each counted as distinct technique.

Recommendation: Start with grouping. Split them out when variations require different competency levels.

Building Technique Chains

As your library grows, start connecting techniques:

Example Chain

Starting Position: Closed Guard

1. Break posture (control)
2. Threaten triangle (sub attempt)
3. They posture → Hip bump sweep (sweep)
4. They post arm → Kimura (sub)
5. They base → Mount transition (position)

Document these chains as they emerge from your sparring.

Where to Record Chains

• In the "Notes" section of Position Trackers
• On a separate chain-planning page
• In your Monthly Review observations

Common Technique Library Mistakes

Recording Everything

Don't try to track every micro-detail. Focus on techniques you're actually developing.

Not Recording Anything

Some students resist documentation. Even minimal tracking beats none.

Letting It Get Stale

A library that's not maintained loses value. Regular updates are essential.

Counting Techniques as "Known" Too Early

Be honest about competency levels. Seeing something once isn't knowing it.

Your Week 3 Task

1. Do an initial brain dump of techniques you know
2. Add them to your Competency Matrix
3. Assign honest competency levels
4. Start adding new techniques as you learn them
5. Notice gaps in your positional coverage

Next lesson: Using your technique documentation to identify gaps in your game.