Open mat in Jiu-Jitsu is when the gym opens up for everyone to come and roll with each other. I usually don’t go to open mat, mainly because of its “unpredictability”—since anyone can attend, including professional fighters, spazzy heavyweight white belts, people with high egos who only go for submissions or are too stubborn to tap, and others. Despite the fact that I’ve been training for one and a half years, I’m quite hesitant when rolling with new people, perhaps simply because I enjoy the comfort of familiarity. I also understand that rolling with new people can help you improve faster, as you must adapt to their style and think on your feet. You can encounter different fighting styles and reactions from partners you’re not used to in your regular class.

Only recently have I started attending open mat more often at the gym where I train with Coach Alan. It’s held at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, so carving out time from my weekend—when I could be lazy or catch up on the week’s work—takes extra effort. Today was my second time at an open mat. Since it’s already the rainy season in Saigon, the commute to the gym was a bit wet. I said hi to everyone; there were new faces as well as familiar ones from my previous gym. I stretched a bit and got to rolling. I managed some submissions and was submitted a couple of times—overall, a great experience. I successfully submitted a partner using the outside heel hook that I learned earlier this week (I forgot to bridge my hip, only rotating my body—I need to remember that detail next time).

Today’s open mat definitely boosted my confidence to continue going. Here are some tips that have helped me avoid injury and choose the right partner at an open mat. Keep in mind that these tips come from my experience—someone who has only attended open mat twice, haha—and can also be applied when going to any roll or visiting a new gym:

• Choose the right gym: Get to know the coach as well as the rule set or guidelines at the gym. I’d suggest getting an overview of whoever runs the gym and the open mat to see if they fit your vibe. This will also help you anticipate who might attend, as they’ll likely message the owner or coach beforehand. I’m lucky to know Coach Alan, who runs a great gym and has built a strong community. I also understand how he manages his gym, prioritizing safety concerns and avoiding hard submissions that could lead to serious injuries.
• Choose your partner carefully: Notice and ask if they have any injuries or skin infections, since anyone can come to open mat, and not everyone maintains the same hygiene standards. Be friendly, ask for their name, and disclose any injuries you might have. I usually ask them to go slowly when they attempt leg locks so I have time to tap—most people go super hard and fast, which can be quite dangerous, especially if that’s the pace they’re used to at their gym.
• Stretch thoroughly: Take time when you first arrive at the open mat to stretch, say hi, and look around to watch people roll. Take in the atmosphere and assess how your body feels before jumping into a roll. Start easily and slowly.
• Tap soon and often: If you’re unsure whether you should tap, tap. If there’s tension, a stretch you’re feeling, or even if something feels off or you’re unsure how to move, tap first. This gives you the chance to ask, learn, and practice later. You don’t know every submission, and the wrong escape or maneuver could injure you.
• Be friendly: Say hi, ask for people’s names, and maybe ask for feedback after a roll. Be respectful and leave your ego behind before stepping onto the mat—you don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
• Go easy and slow at first: Don’t be spazzy; people will likely match your intensity, especially in the early minutes. If you’re looking for 100%, let them know beforehand.

That’s all for now. I hope this has been helpful. If you see me at an open mat, feel free to come and say hi—I’d love to roll (easily, of course haha) and learn a thing or two.

Talk to you later, and thanks for reading!