1% Better Mini Series | Kaizen Philosophy

Small Actions = Big Results — The Kaizen approach to getting better, in short, is to “Improve little by little each day.” That’s right. Improvements in small increments are the key to mastering more than just martial arts. Companies like Canon and Toyota have used this mantra in their operating processes.

Last week we started the mini series looking at the concept of “Marginal Gains” or “1% Better,” which is the focus of the Kaizen Philosophy. Taking daily steps towards greatness might seem challenging, especially for those impatient for progress. However, reflect on when you were starting as a white belt. 

Work slowly on specific goals. Keep them attainable and ideally much smaller than a future goal you’re looking to achieve. 

Fighting tooth and nail for some gigantic goal like winning gold is okay. However, looking for small tasks that contribute to your overall objective will improve your daily practice. 

That’s what separates great BJJ athletes from mediocre ones — constant improvement. Putting the Kaizen philosophy into practice may not be as challenging as you think. It takes patience and a lot of breaking down goals to the most attainable task. 

How To Practice the Kaizen Philosophy in BJJ, Martial Arts, and Life 

Improving every day may not seem sustainable, but this is why aiming small is so BIG. Aiming small daily will trick your brain into committing to tasks. There will be less psychological resistance since the daily objective can be as simple as making a cup of coffee. 

Follow these steps and begin your Jiu-Jitsu improvement by 1% every day: 

Step 1: Ask Yourself What You Want To Achieve

Everything starts with a goal. Ask yourself what is it that you want to achieve?

Whether it’s making it to the podium, getting a promotion, or losing some body fat, keep them in mind for the next step regardless of how far away these goals may be. 

Step 2: Identify What Needs To Be Done To Meet the Goal

Shrink down your larger goal to its more manageable components. Every dream comes with a set of actions that can lead you towards attaining it. 

For instance, if you’re planning to make weight for the next CompNet, you need to lose some body fat. Body fat loss is more specific than making weight.

Step 3: Identify and (Execute) the Easiest Action Towards the Goal

Once you’ve determined what you need to do to meet your ultimate goal, think of the most straightforward actions you can perform to attain it.  For example, what’s the most straightforward task you can perform to lose body fat? 

Here’s a clue, it’s NOT: 

• Going on a 24-hour fast three times a week
• Doing fasted cardio
• Training on a daily 500-calorie deficit every day leading up to the competition

Instead, DO the following every day: 

• Drink an extra bottle of water
• Roll an extra round or two or do longer rounds
• Eat half or less of that ice cream instead of the whole thing

You get the idea. The point is to start with whatever you can do daily and efficiently. It may be slower, but you’re more likely to meet your goals — both small and big. 

The smaller the goal, the easier the task. The easier it is, the more likely you’ll stick to it daily.

If you haven’t competed in a BJJ tournament yet, let CompNET be your stepping-off point. 

Check out our event calendar for the latest tournaments!

Blog Written by Veronica Street - Gracie Barra Blue Belt