Ken Ravizza, a pioneer in applied sport psychology, transformed how athletes and coaches think about performance, mental resilience, and leadership. His philosophy offers invaluable lessons for coaches in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where mental toughness and focus are as critical as physical skills.

1. Stay in the Moment

One of Ravizza’s core teachings is the importance of staying present. In his book Heads-Up Baseball, Ravizza emphasized focusing on the current play, not past mistakes or future outcomes. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, this mindset can be applied during sparring or competition. Encouraging students to focus on each roll or exchange, rather than dwelling on errors, fosters adaptability and keeps their minds clear.

2. Trust the Process

Ravizza advocated for athletes to trust their training and preparation, even under pressure. As a coach, this means reinforcing confidence in students’ techniques and game plans. By consistently building skills and emphasizing discipline in practice, students develop trust in their abilities, especially in high-stress moments like tournaments.

3. Embrace Mental Skills Training

Ravizza’s approach involved teaching athletes to manage stress and maintain composure. Techniques such as controlled breathing, visualization, and creating pre-competition routines can help students perform at their best. Incorporating these tools into warm-ups or post-class discussions can benefit Jiu Jitsu practitioners of all levels.

4. Control the Controllables

In Ravizza’s philosophy, athletes are taught to focus only on what they can control—such as their attitude, effort, and reactions. For Jiu Jitsu, this could mean staying calm in difficult positions and focusing on technique rather than external factors like the referee or opponent’s behavior.

5. Develop Leadership and Resilience

Ravizza contributed to the Positive Coaching Alliance’s concept of the Triple-Impact Competitor®, which emphasizes personal mastery, leadership, and honoring the game. Coaches can encourage these values by modeling respect, fostering teamwork, and holding students accountable for their behavior both on and off the mats.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in cultivating not just skilled grapplers, but well-rounded individuals. Integrating Ravizza’s principles into coaching can inspire students to achieve personal growth, resilience, and excellence—qualities that extend beyond the mat.

For more on Ravizza’s approach to coaching and performance, explore resources like his book Heads-Up Baseball or the Positive Coaching Alliance.