Why You Should Take a Private Lesson in Jiu-Jitsu

Group classes are essential for building a foundation in jiu-jitsu, but if you’re serious about improving faster, private lessons (a.k.a. “pla-re” in Japan) can be a total game-changer.
Many people assume private lessons are expensive luxuries reserved for pros or high-level competitors—but in reality, they’re valuable for everyone, from beginners to veterans.

In this article, I’ll explain why private lessons are worth it, what to keep in mind before taking one, and share a few memorable experiences from my own training.

1. Personalized Instruction Tailored to You

In group classes, instructors must teach the entire room—it’s impossible to address every student’s individual needs.
In a private lesson, however, the instructor focuses 100% on your goals, body type, weaknesses, and technical challenges.

For example, if you struggle with passing guard, your instructor can analyze your movement frame by frame—where your weight is off, how you’re losing balance, or how to distribute pressure better.
You can even work on specific match situations, recovery plans after injury, or create a customized training menu that fits your competition goals.

It’s one of the most efficient ways to improve rapidly and correct mistakes before they become habits.

2. Better Questions, Better Feedback

In group settings, many people hesitate to ask questions like,

“Is it okay to ask something this basic?”

Even when you do ask, time is limited.

In a private lesson, you can ask anything, at your own pace.
You get detailed, real-time feedback on every movement — why a technique isn’t working and exactly how to fix it.
You can troubleshoot and refine on the spot, preventing bad habits and deepening your understanding faster than any YouTube binge ever could.

3. Flexible Scheduling

Not everyone can attend regular class times due to work or family commitments.
You can schedule private lessons directly with the instructor at a time that works for you.

They’re also great for short, focused learning blocks — for example:

• Sharpening your defence against a specific opponent before a tournament,
• Mastering a new position in a few weeks, or
• Reviewing details after a long break.

Of course, using private lessons purely for schedule convenience is a bit of a luxury — but if you can afford it, it’s worth every yen (or dollar).

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Private Lesson

You’re investing your time and money — here’s how to make sure it pays off:

1) Come with Clear Goals

A vague “please teach me something” wastes the session.
Think in advance about what you want to improve.
Examples:

• “I always get stuck in half guard — can you show me some escape options?”
• “I want to work on breaking grips during passing.”

Being specific helps your instructor build a session that’s laser-focused and memorable.

2) Pick an Instructor That Fits You

Compatibility matters.
If someone shares your body type or fighting style, their techniques will likely be more suitable for you.
For master's-level practitioners, a coach from the same age group can often better understand the physical realities and priorities you face.

Other Fun Ways to Use Private Lessons

1) Two-Person Private Lessons

Many instructors allow up to two students per session.
If you’re shy about going solo or want to train with your usual partner on a specific scenario, this is perfect.
It also helps reinforce what you’ve learned later when drilling together.

2) Fan Experience (But With Respect)

Getting to learn directly from your favourite athlete is a special kind of motivation.
Hearing the details of a technique in their own words makes watching their matches later even more fun.
Just remember — it’s still a learning environment, not a meet-and-greet. Respect their time and keep the focus on training, not selfies.

My Favorite Private Lesson Experiences

I’ve taken several private lessons over the years — here are three that left the biggest impression:

1) Masakazu Imanari

The legendary “Ashikan Juudan” (Tenth Dan of Leg Locks).
For a lifelong fight nerd like me, this was a dream come true.
I took three sessions, learning the famous Imanari Roll directly from the man himself.

His drills are tried and tested, having been developed over years of teaching worldwide, so they flowed naturally.
And yes — I got to feel the Imanari Roll firsthand. The moment he rolled in on my leg was… indescribable.
We even sparred — he twisted every joint in my body with a Twister. It was awesome.
He’s incredibly kind in person, and yes, we took the iconic two-shot photo afterwards.

2) Daiki Yonekura

Known for his performances in AIGA and international grappling events — and his upcoming match facing Diogo “Baby Shark” Reis at ONE Championship.

While he’s famous for his heel hooks, his top and bottom games are both elite.
He answers every question with clear logic — the “why” and the “how.”
If you’re struggling with a specific position or match situation, his lessons are gold.
He’s excellent at verbalizing techniques, so I always take notes during his sessions.
I often find myself quoting his explanations to my training partners later (sorry, Yonekura-san!).
If you plan to roll with him, go in on an empty stomach — the man’s top pressure will squeeze your organs.

3) Kaiki Shimomae

Representative of MeWe Fight Sports Club Mejiro, which opened in May 2025.
We came from the same original gym, so I already knew how good his teaching was.
He’s tall with long limbs — similar build to mine — so his details translate well for my body type.
I took a semi-private lesson with a friend, and we had fun problem-solving situations together.

Kaiki’s follow-up is also top-tier: he sends recap videos summarising key techniques afterwards, making review super efficient.
His communication style is structured and professional — if you’re a business-minded person, you’ll vibe with his approach.

Final Thoughts: Private Lessons Are an Investment in Your Future

A private lesson isn’t just about learning a move — it’s an investment in your understanding of jiu-jitsu.
For anyone seeking faster progress, overcoming specific challenges, or simply training smarter and longer without injuries, private lessons are absolutely worth it.

Start by checking whether your favorite athletes or instructors offer private sessions — it might be the single best step you take this year for your jiu-jitsu.