Patrick Robinson BJJ GAME PLANNING

Welcome to BJJ Game Planning

Our mission is to empower Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to unlock their full potential through strategic game planning. By offering expert guidance through our blog, online coaching, comprehensive course, books, and seminars, we aim to help athletes of all levels sharpen their skills, build confidence, and achieve success on and off the mats.

Online Game Planning Course

Coming soon for 2025, my online game planning course for BJJ.

Elevate your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition game with our expert guides and strategic insights. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned competitor, our content is crafted to help you refine your skills, build winning strategies, and master the art of game planning for success on the mats.

Patrick L. Robinson

Patrick L. Robinson is a renowned BJJ black belt and the head instructor at Choke U BJJ in Valparaiso, USA. With over two decades of experience, Patrick has dedicated his career to teaching and mentoring students in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His innovative approach to game planning has helped countless practitioners achieve their goals and excel in competitions.

“Success in BJJ is not just about strength, but strategy.”

Hear Patrick Robinson on Top BJJ Podcasts

Featured Conversations: Insights from the Mats.

Discover expert strategies and stories as Patrick Robinson shares his journey and game-planning wisdom on two standout BJJ podcasts. Gain valuable insights into competition preparation, mindset, and the art of crafting a winning strategy straight from the source. Listen in and take your understanding of the sport to the next level!

1-800-BJJ Help - Episode #103

by Patrick Robinson | Practice Design, Comp Prep, Recovery, and Sports Psychology

1-800-BJJ Help - Episode #112

by Patrick Robinson | Assessing Your 'A' Game for BJJ Competition.

Latest Updates from The BJJ Game Planning Blog

Should You Go Up in Weight or Down in Age? A BJJ Competitor’s Dilemma

One of the most common questions I get from my BJJ game planning clients is what to do when there are no opponents in their Master division weight class. This situation happens often, especially in smaller tournaments. The question is simple but tricky: Is...

How to Choose the Right Takedowns for Your BJJ Game Plan

Do You Even Want to Take the Fight to the Ground? Before we dive into selecting takedowns, let’s ask a basic but important question: Do you want to take your opponent down at all?In my book Roll to the Top and throughout my coaching, I emphasize designing a game plan...

Don’t Just Roll — Experiment! A Research-Based Approach to Sparring

Rolling as a Laboratory: A Smarter Way to Train Far too many students treat rolling in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as if it were a weekly competition, with every sparring session reduced to a frantic attempt to rack up taps and “win” against their teammates. They chase...

Prioritize Scoring Points Over Submissions for Wins!

Why a Points-Based Strategy is Superior in IBJJF Tournaments In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, everyone loves a finisher. Spectators, coaches, and competitors all admire the athlete who relentlessly chases submissions and ends every match decisively. However, the reality of...

You Don’t Need Judo or Wrestling—You Need Better Takedowns

Why BJJ Practitioners Should Say "I Need to Work on My Takedown Skills" Instead of "I Need to Work on My Judo or Wrestling" As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and coach, one of my biggest pet peeves is when athletes in BJJ say they want to work on their "judo" or...

“There’s No Such Thing as a Scramble” – A New Way to Understand Chaos in BJJ

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we often hear people say things like, “There was a scramble, and then he mounted me.” But when one of my clients tells me that, I like to stop them right there. Because in my coaching philosophy, there’s no such thing as a scramble. Yes, I know...

Common Challenges in Designing a BJJ Game Plan and How to Overcome Them

Designing an effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) game plan is a critical step for any serious competitor. A well-structured game plan maximizes your strengths, minimizes your weaknesses, and provides a roadmap for success on the mats. However, many athletes struggle...

Navy SEAL Mental Toughness and Its Value in BJJ Training

Mental toughness is one of the most powerful tools a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor can develop. It can mean the difference between pushing through exhaustion to secure a victory or mentally breaking when the pressure is on. While few people will ever experience the...

Playing to Win vs. Playing to Not Lose in BJJ: Smart Strategy or Playing It Safe?

In the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition, we often hear the phrase: "Are you playing to win, or playing to not lose?" It’s usually delivered with a tone of judgment—implying that playing to win is bold, courageous, and honorable, while playing to not lose is...

The Hail Mary: A Last-Ditch Weapon in Your BJJ Game Plan

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, game planning revolves around high-percentage techniques that maximize efficiency and effectiveness. However, what happens when time is running out, and you’re behind on the scoreboard? This is where a ‘Hail Mary’ technique can come into play;...

Discover Patrick’s Books

Discover the ultimate playbook for martial artists! In Roll to the Top, unlock the secrets to mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu strategy and outmaneuvering the competition with precision.

For MMA enthusiasts, Climbing the Cage: Game Planning for Mixed Martial Arts dives deep into fight preparation, giving you the tools to dominate in the cage.

Whether you’re rolling on the mats or stepping into the octagon, these must-read guides will sharpen your skills and elevate your game to the next level.