Mind Mapping and How I Use This Tool to Help My Jiu-jitsu
- Todd Richards
- Jan 24
- 2 min read
Have you ever created a Mind Map? It is something I learned about in school and it can be a useful tool to process thoughts and organize ideas. However, how do we utilize this for Jiu-jitsu? In my experience this can be a very difficult task. When I first started trying to map things out on paper my mind map just ended up looking like a bunch of scribbles on paper like a caffeine-addicted spider making a web.
What did I do to adapt mind mapping into a useful tool? Limitation. Setting strict limits on how I utilize my mind maps was key in creating a system that I could define how I use a map to create a structure for my different processes in Jiu-jitsu
When I create a Mind Map I use what I like to call a three by three structure for my mind map. I included a diagram below of what that looks like. What it looks like in practice is I choose a starting point, and then I establish three options from that point. From there the second layer is one option for each of those specific options so if those fail I have a back up plan. The third layer is a backup option for each of my second options should they fail. The second and third layer of options can be inter-related but they do not have to be. You can also re-use different options from previous layers as backups. This is especially useful if you are newer to Jiu-jitsu and do not know as many moves. Here is an example I created starting in Side Control Top.
In the example I adapted from a handwritten version, because my handwriting is terrible and I am not putting that on the internet. I start in Side Control Top and you can see I have several simple options, but they are all different, an arm lock, advancing my position, and a choke. Then if the move I choose fails, then I have a backup option for each one, based on how I like to grapple, then each of those moves has a backup option.
I use this limited format to keep my thought processes simple and not compound the issue. This can be a good after training exercise to map out how you train or grapple. It acts as a good reflection tool to identify issues with your grappling or mistakes you made while you were rolling. It is a tool I have used for years to improve and simplify my grappling and improve my reactions. Also, I include these mind maps as part of my training journal I created that you can find here.
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