Improvement: Small Steps, Big Results
- Stan Riser
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Improvement in martial arts isn’t about making giant leaps overnight. It’s about the small, consistent steps we take every day. This week, I want to spotlight a powerful philosophy I’ve learned from Professor Jeremy Anderson, owner of World Jiu Jitsu Academy in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Professor Anderson teaches the value of striving for just 1% improvement each day—a lesson that’s shaped my own training and teaching.
The 1% Improvement Philosophy
What does it mean to improve by 1% every day? It’s about focusing on small, obtainable gains—adding a little more detail, effort, or precision each time you train. Over time, these tiny improvements compound, leading to significant progress and big results. This mindset makes growth sustainable and achievable for everyone, no matter where you’re starting from.
A Personal Story: Reps, Reps, Reps
When I was a blue belt working toward my purple belt, Professor Anderson challenged me to perform over 7,000 repetitions of the single-leg X sweep. At first, it sounded daunting. But by breaking it down—focusing on a few reps each day—I built up not only my skill in that position, but also my confidence and ability to execute it under pressure. Now, the single-leg X sweep is so ingrained that I can hit it almost automatically, freeing up my mind to focus on other aspects of my training, even in high-stress situations.
Applying 1% Improvement Beyond the Mats
The beauty of the 1% improvement mindset is that it’s not just for jiu-jitsu—it’s a tool you can use in any area of your life. I’ve personally had to apply this approach when studying for exams that had nothing to do with martial arts. Instead of trying to master an overwhelming amount of material all at once, I focused on making small, consistent gains each day. Some days, that meant learning just one new concept or reviewing a few more flashcards than the day before. Over time, those little efforts added up, and I walked into the exam room with much more confidence and less stress.
This same strategy works in your career, your relationships, and any personal goal you set:
At work, try to improve one process, skill, or habit each day—even something as simple as organizing your inbox or learning a new shortcut.
In personal life, focus on small daily actions, like reading a few pages of a book, practicing gratitude, or taking a short walk.
No matter the field, those small, steady steps lead to big results over time—just like on the mats.
How You Can Apply This Mindset
Set Small, Specific Goals: Don’t aim to master everything at once. Pick one technique, detail, or habit, and work on it a little each day.
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or log of what you’re working on and how it’s going.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize when something that felt hard last month now feels natural.
Ask for Feedback: Talk to your coaches and teammates about where you can improve by just 1% this week.
Resource Credit
Special thanks to Professor Jeremy Anderson of World Jiu Jitsu Academy in Eden Prairie, Minnesota for inspiring this week’s theme and for his ongoing influence on my journey as both a student and an instructor.
Ready to start your own journey of improvement? Whether you’re new to martial arts or looking to take your skills to the next level, we’re here to help you grow—one step at a time. Sign up for a free trial class at United Jiu Jitsu today: https://kick.site/sknmckhx
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