Why You Shouldn't Miss Open Mat at Rough Hands BJJ
If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and have been training at Rough Hands BJJ for less than six months, you’ve probably heard people tossing around the term "open mat." Maybe you’ve wondered, "What exactly is it? Do I need to be super skilled to go?" The short answer: No, you don’t need to be an expert. In fact, open mat might be one of the best things you can do to speed up your progress. Let’s talk about why.
What Is Open Mat, Anyway?
Open mat isn’t a formal class. There’s no set warm-up, no instructor leading drills, and no strict agenda. It’s flexible, casual, and all about you. You can choose to roll (spar), drill specific techniques, or even just watch others to soak in some knowledge. Think of it as an open playground where you can explore and practice at your own pace.
Train with a Variety of People
One of the coolest things about open mat is the chance to roll with people you don’t usually train with in class. Maybe you’ve been paired with the same few partners during regular sessions. At open mat, you’ll meet teammates of all skill levels—from fellow beginners to experienced purple, brown, or even black belts.
Rolling with more advanced teammates might sound intimidating, but here’s the secret: they love helping newer students. Training with higher belts can feel like a cheat code because they’ll often point out little details you might miss. On the flip side, rolling with other beginners lets you practice what you’ve learned in class without feeling overwhelmed.
Experience Different Styles and Body Types
Everyone develops their own unique style in BJJ. Some people are fast and explosive; others are slow, methodical, and super technical. Some rely on flexibility, while others lean on pressure and strength. Open mat gives you the chance to experience all these different styles.
This is important because, in real rolling situations, you won’t always face someone your size, strength, or skill level. The more variety you encounter, the better you’ll get at adapting your techniques to different situations. Plus, it keeps things fresh and fun—you’ll always be learning something new.
Focus on What You Want to Improve
In regular classes, instructors guide the lesson based on a specific curriculum. But at open mat, the choice is yours. Struggling with guard retention? Ask a partner to help you drill guard passes and counters. Keep getting stuck in side control? Spend an entire open mat practicing escapes.
You can even pull aside a higher belt and say, "Hey, I’m having trouble with [insert problem here]. Can you show me something?" More often than not, they’ll be happy to help. This kind of focused, personalized practice is one of the fastest ways to improve.
Build Stronger Community Connections
BJJ isn’t just about techniques and submissions—it’s also about community. Open mats are a great way to meet more people at Rough Hands BJJ, build friendships, and feel more connected to the gym. The relaxed vibe makes it easy to strike up conversations, exchange tips, and learn from each other.
Final Thoughts
Open mat is for everyone—yes, even if you’ve only been training for a few weeks. It’s a low-pressure environment where you can experiment, make mistakes (that’s how we learn!), and grow as a grappler.
So next time you see an open mat on the schedule at Rough Hands BJJ, show up. Roll a little, drill a little, ask questions, and most importantly, have fun. You’ll be surprised at how much you can improve in just one session.
