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Review: The Practitioner's Journal
It’s been a while since I’ve purchased a journal for Jiu-Jitsu, but I decided to give it a try again in order to track both my own training and what I’m teaching.
One of the issues that I have is remembering everything I teach, specifically when it’s been a few months ago. My hope is that I can keep track of it all so I can better serves my students and keep track of my own progress as a student.
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Their Story
Tim, the founder of The Practitioner’s Journal, started Jiu-Jitsu after leaving his cooperate job. After a difficult summit attempt in the Rocky Mountains, Tim, started to evaluate what he would have done differently about in terms of the climb.
Tim started recording all of the details pertaining to his initial attempt. Everything about the physical climb, along with how he himself felt, the time he started the climb, and even the amount of sleep he managed.
After making the connection between what he had done for this climb, he pursued adapting the approach to Jiu-Jitsu, and now we have The Practitioner’s Journal.
Initial Thoughts
I once briefly looked through this journal back in 2023, after a student order a copy for himself. I remember being surprised by the quality, but it was just a quick preview.
After finally ordering it a few days ago, I’ve been able to really go through the journal and see all of it’s well thought out features.
My immediate reaction was how well this journal is made.
I absolutely love that it’s hardcover. You can throw this thing into your bag with little regard for damaging it. The journal is stitched really well, and the pages feel like they can withstand the grind.
What I love most is that there’s a genuine artistic feel to the design of the entire journal. From the logo, the quotes, and even the inside covers art. It’s all beautifully designed with genuine thought.
The Details
This journal is of the highest quality that I’ve come across. When you open it, you feel, see, and even smell the quality behind the product. Honestly, part of me doesn’t want to ruin it with my terrible penmanship.
Hardcover, Cowhide Leather
200 Pages
120 GSM White Paper
Wood-Free Paper
Uncoated Wood-Free Paper
Inside the Covers
Everything about this book has clear intention and purpose. Like I mentioned before, there’s an amazing artistic feel to every page you find yourself working through.
It really is an EXCELLENT product.
Sections:
Discovery - The book starts off with six important questions to help you frame your approach to Jiu-Jitsu.
Training Log - You can log a massive amount of metrics.
Instructor, Date, Gi/NoGi, type of training, objective, health levels, and technique notes.
Post Training analytics like drilling mastery, rolling duration, a short questionnaire, external factors, key takeaways, and overall rating.
Reflection - This section comes up strategically throughout the book to help you refocus as students.
Milestones - Capture the important dates and what the accomplishments were.
Training Partners - Tracking your training partners, their belts, match up rating, along with any other quick references.
Competitions - Dates, Affiliation, Location, Division, Weight, Belt, Degree, along with match details.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a quality journal, invest in this one. I’m telling you, you will not be disappointed. It’s amazingly put together and an excellent training to anyone’s Jiu-Jitsu Journal.
If you’re interested and would like to take advantage of one of a few scholarship spots that I’m giving out for free, comment and ask to be added.
You’ll have full access to:
General Discussion – Connect with other members, share experiences, and exchange ideas.
Ask Me Anything – Post your questions about training, mindset, or anything BJJ-related and get my direct input.
Technique Breakdowns – Detailed explanations and coaching notes on key positions and movements.
Video Reviews – Upload your training footage for personalized feedback.
Courses – Structured lessons and training plans to guide your progress.
All I ask is that you participate, ask questions, and make the most of the space. The more you engage, the more you will get out of it.
Thank you for reading.
David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching
Coach | Writer | Grappler
DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!