Solving Complex Problems

Jiu-Jitsu is an art of solving complex problems under pressure. Whether you’re a white belt trying to survive or a black belt refining the smallest details, the process is the same. Mastery isn’t about avoiding problems; it’s about learning how to approach them with clarity and composure.

1. What is happening?

The first step is awareness. Are you getting passed? Are you always stuck in side control? Observe without panic. Understand the pattern, not just the moment. If you can’t define the problem, you can’t solve it.

2. What do you know?

Review your knowledge. What have you been taught? What concepts apply here—frames, angles, base, timing? Knowing the tools in your arsenal is essential before trying to use them.

3. What are the root causes?

Surface issues often hide a deeper flaw. Maybe the real problem isn’t your escape—it’s your posture. Perhaps you’re not late on your defense; you’re early in giving up position. Learn to dig below the obvious.

4. What can you do?

Begin with options. Multiple paths often lead to the same outcome. Can you reframe, counter, or reset? The key is not just reacting, but responding with intention.

5. What is the best thing to do?

Efficiency is the essence of Jiu-Jitsu. Don’t just act—prioritize. Choose the option that conserves energy, controls risk, and applies pressure. Learn to favor high-percentage decisions over flashy improvisation.

6. How will you do it?

Execution. You’ve selected your path—now walk it. Precision matters. Position before submission, structure before speed. Trust the mechanics and refine them through repetition.

7. Did you solve the problem?

Test the result. Did your guard improve? Did you stop giving up the underhook? Progress requires feedback. Results don’t lie—either it worked or it didn’t.

8. Can you improve what you did?

Good is not the end. Even at black belt, the question shifts from “did it work?” to “can it be cleaner, tighter, more fluid?” This pursuit of refinement is what turns movement into art.

Approach each day with this mindset—not as a battle to be won, but as a puzzle to be solved. Do this enough times, and your game won’t just evolve. It will transform.