The debate has raged for years, with no clear cut winner. But, now with the current world climate and everyone self-isolating, we have no choice but to do so. 

Pros and Cons

Pro: You can learn whatever you like, you aren't at the mercy of a non-curriculum based instructor only teaching his favourite techniques and concepts. 

Con: Information overload, now that you have free reign where do you start and stop? 

Pro: Given that we are all pretty much creating our own routines or lack thereof at the moment, you can train at any time you see fit. 

Con: Lack of resistance from a training partner/no training partner or no mats. 

I am sure you can come up with a longer list of pros and Cons if you wish, but the reality is unless you live with a BJJ instructor or have in-home training partners you are going to have to make do with what is available.

The Solution

1. Build or buy a grappling partner.

2. Join your academy's online classes. With the advent of modern technology, we can even have special guests join our class all the way from Virginia, USA!

3. Visit a BJJ Fanatics, Digitsu, YouTube or any of the other third-party resources for some BJJ instructionals.

4. Be flexible with your training; do solo drills, additional strength & conditioning and mobility.

Now is a great time to take advantage of the freedom in your schedule to try out some new techniques, principles and concepts. 

Remember, the story goes Grand Master Helio Gracie wasn't physically capable of joining in with the tradition Jiu-Jitsu classes being taught, so he watched for the sidelines and made adjustments mentally to formulate the art we practice today.

This too shall pass, and we will all back on the mats together again soon, use this time to heal, explore new concepts and improve your physical capabilities, you don't have the excuse of being too sore from rolling at the moment. 

In answer to the question, Can Your Learn BJJ Online? 

I say, YES!