Choosing Your Journaling Medium
Printed worksheets in a binder, notebook templates, or digital options.
Three Approaches
There's no single "right" way to journal your BJJ training. What matters is choosing a method you'll actually use consistently. Let's explore the three main options.
Option 1: Printed Worksheets in a Binder
This is the recommended approach for most students, especially when starting out.
How It Works
- Print the worksheets from this course
- Organize them in a 3-ring binder
- Bring the binder to training or fill it out at home
- Each worksheet is purpose-built for a specific task
Advantages
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Structured format | No decisions about what to write - just fill in the blanks |
| Physical artifact | Something tangible you can flip through |
| No technology needed | Works anywhere, no battery or wifi required |
| Easy to review | Spread multiple pages out to see patterns |
Disadvantages
- Requires printer access
- Can get damaged or lost
- Takes up physical space
- Not searchable like digital
Best For
- Students new to journaling
- Those who prefer writing by hand
- Training environments where phones aren't welcome
- Anyone who finds blank pages intimidating
Option 2: Notebook with Templates
If you prefer the tactile experience of a notebook but want some structure, you can recreate the worksheet templates by hand.
How It Works
- Use a dedicated notebook for BJJ journaling
- Copy the template structures into your notebook
- Create headers, tables, and sections by hand
- Customize the format as you learn what works for you
Advantages
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Fully customizable | Adapt the format to your needs |
| Portable | Just one notebook to carry |
| Personal | Feels more like "your" journal |
| No printing needed | Just pen and paper |
Disadvantages
- More setup time initially
- Requires redrawing tables for each entry
- Inconsistent formatting can make review harder
- Easy to get unfocused without structure
Best For
- Experienced journalers
- Students who enjoy the writing process
- Those who want to add sketches or diagrams
- People who've used the worksheets and want to customize
Option 3: Digital (Coming Soon)
A web-based version of this journaling system is in development. For now, here's what to know about digital journaling.
Current Digital Options
If you want to go digital today, you could:
- Type into a notes app (Notion, Evernote, Apple Notes)
- Use a spreadsheet for tracking metrics
- Take photos of your handwritten logs for backup
Future Plans
The Ouchie Method digital system will include:
- Mobile-friendly worksheet entry
- Automatic calculations (success rates, trends)
- Visual charts of your progress
- Searchable technique library
Best For
- Tech-savvy students who dislike paper
- Those who want automatic calculations
- Students who lose or forget physical journals
- Data enthusiasts who want visualizations
Recommendation for This Course
Start with printed worksheets.
Here's why:
-
Lower friction: The worksheets are ready to use. Just print and fill in.
-
Proven format: The worksheet structure has been tested and refined. You'll learn the system faster by using it as designed.
-
Easy to switch later: Once you understand the system, you can migrate to notebook or digital. Starting there is harder.
-
Focus on the habit: Your goal in Week 1 is to establish the journaling habit. Printed worksheets remove barriers to that goal.
What You'll Need
For the printed worksheet approach:
- Access to a printer (home, office, or print shop)
- A 3-ring binder or folder
- Pens (black for main entries, colored for highlights optional)
For the notebook approach:
- A dedicated notebook (lined or grid paper works best)
- Ruler for drawing tables (optional but helpful)
- Reference copy of the worksheet templates
Next Step
In the next lesson, we'll set up your journal with the specific worksheets you need for Week 1.