Understanding Competency Levels

The progression from Seen to Drilled to Execute to Live, and what each level means.

The Four Levels

Not all techniques you "know" are equally reliable. The competency level system helps you honestly assess where each technique stands.

Level 1: Seen

Definition: You've been shown or taught the technique at least once.

What This Looks Like

• Coach demonstrated it in class
• You watched an instructional video
• A training partner showed you something
• You read about it / saw it at a competition

What This Means

You know the technique exists and have a general idea of how it works. You probably couldn't execute it smoothly without guidance.

Common Mistakes

• Counting something as "Drilled" when you only saw it once
• Not recording techniques you've seen (they're easy to forget)

Action Item

Techniques at Level 1 should be drilled when possible. The jump from "seen" to "drilled" is where real learning begins.

Level 2: Drilled

Definition: You've practiced the technique with a cooperative partner.

What This Looks Like

• You've repped it multiple times with a partner
• You understand the steps and can execute without prompting
• You've done it on both sides (if applicable)
• You've worked through at least some basic troubleshooting

What This Means

You can do the technique when someone lets you. You understand the mechanics, but you haven't tested it against resistance.

Markers of True Level 2

• Can explain the key steps to someone else
• Can execute without thinking through each step
• Know at least one common mistake to avoid
• Have done meaningful reps (not just 2-3 times)

Common Mistakes

• Claiming Level 2 after just a few reps
• Not noting when drilling was recent vs. months ago
• Forgetting that "drilled" requires real practice, not just observation with a few attempts

Level 3: Execute

Definition: You can do the technique in controlled/positional sparring.

What This Looks Like

• Successfully hit the technique in positional sparring
• Works when starting from the relevant position
• Partner is resisting but sparring is structured
• You've done it more than once in these conditions

What This Means

The technique works when someone knows it's coming and the context is limited. You're not yet hitting it in full sparring, but it's more than just drilling.

Types of Training That Count

• Positional sparring (starting from specific position)
• Specific training (win/reset conditions)
• "Start from here" rounds
• Flow rolling with technique focus

Common Mistakes

• Jumping to Level 4 too quickly
• Not counting partial successes (you almost had it = still Level 2)
• Forgetting that "execute" requires real resistance, not a cooperative partner

Level 4: Live

Definition: You've hit the technique in full, live sparring.

What This Looks Like

• Successfully completed the technique in regular rolling
• Partner was fully resisting
• It happened organically, not from a set starting position
• You've done it at least once (ideally multiple times)

What This Means

This technique is part of your functional game. You can create the opportunity and finish the technique against a resisting opponent.

Levels of Live Success

Some practitioners further break down Level 4:

For most tracking purposes, basic Level 4 (hit it in sparring) is sufficient.

Common Mistakes

• Claiming Level 4 when you've only done it against much less experienced partners
• Not distinguishing between lucky catches and reliable techniques

Using the Competency Matrix

The Competency Matrix worksheet organizes all your techniques by level:

How It Works

List all techniques you know, grouped by current level:

Level 4 - Live

• Scissor sweep
• Armbar from mount
• Americana

Level 3 - Execute

• Hip bump sweep
• Triangle
• Back take from turtle

Level 2 - Drilled

• Kimura from guard
• Omoplata
• Loop choke

Level 1 - Seen

• Berimbolo
• Worm guard sweep
• Various leg locks

Updating Your Matrix

Techniques should move between levels as your skills develop:

• Promotion: Technique moves up (drilled → execute)
• Demotion: Technique moves down (forgot, rusty, stopped working)

Review and update monthly or when significant changes happen.

Choosing the Right Competency Matrix

Three versions are available:

Beginner Matrix (4 Levels)

Use this if:

• You're new to journaling
• You're in your first year of BJJ
• You want simple tracking

Intermediate Matrix (5 Levels)

Adds a split between slow and fast execution. Use this if:

• You've been training 1-2 years
• Basic 4 levels feel too simple
• You want to distinguish between techniques you can do slowly vs. smoothly

Advanced Matrix (6 Levels)

Adds rep counting and consistency tracking. Use this if:

• You're purple belt or above
• You're very data-oriented
• You want detailed analysis of technique reliability

Recommendation: Start with the Beginner Matrix. Upgrade when it feels too limited.

Honest Self-Assessment

The system only works if you're honest:

Don't Inflate Levels

It's tempting to claim higher levels. Resist this. A technique you "almost" hit in sparring is still Level 2 or 3, not Level 4.

Don't Be Too Harsh

Similarly, don't discount your progress. If you hit a sweep in live sparring, that's Level 4 - even if your partner was newer than you.

Calibrate with Your Coach

If you're unsure where a technique stands, ask your coach. "Is my armbar at a point where I should be hitting it in sparring?"

Next Step

Now that you understand competency levels, the next lesson covers how to systematically build your technique library using the Competency Matrix.