can't remember learned techniques?

You really want to give up just because you can't memorize more than one move? That doesn't seem like a lot of dedication.

I have the same problem, I remember a few moves, but I never remember them all. The key is to keep training and keep practicing. That is why there is repetition in moves, to develop and then it becomes second nature. But learning at least ONE move is better than not learning anything at all. Even if all you can remember is one move, just keep practicing it. It's more effective to use one effective move, than 20 ineffective moves.

The key is to never give up. If it means a lot to you, you won't. Don't give up something great because you can't remember more than one move. Eventually, you'll learn more of the moves, one by one. Believe me, I know how annoying it is to learn a lot, and only remember a little. But like I'm told, as long as I learn SOMETHING, it's worth my while. I may not be as great in memory as other people, but that's not going to stop me. I'll take what I know, improve myself, and always learn something new.

In time, you WILL learn more. Take it from someone with the same issues!

I can assure you that giving up won't help matters.

Memory is a funny thing. They've written entire volumes on the brain and its functions and still can't figure it all out. But one thing is for certain. The brain is a lot like a muscle, and as such, it can be exercised and developed in much the same ways. Slowly at first, but as you get up there, it can do more and more.

If you're a religious person at all, memorizing verses in the Bible, or whatever can be helpful in developing memory.

Also, stress has been known to cause short term memory loss, so finding ways to reduce stress is very helpful. Not to mention you'll sleep better and live longer.

Cramming can often times have counter effects than what we desire. I told you that the brain is like a muscle and often has to be treated like one. Well, cramming, can sometimes be like trying to run a marathon cold turkey. It's just not going to happen.

You memorize a little a now and don't stress. Just get good at what you do remember. Remember, there's always next class.

Either it's something you've seen and just subconsciously recalled, or you're understanding of body mechanics and how the techniques work allowed you to improvise. Most martial artists are able to make it up as they go after a while of training. It doesn't always work but at the very least it's a sign that you're understanding the fundamentals behind techniques and looking for different ways to apply them. Keep up the training.

First off, you've been to one class. Don't worry about it. Mentally remembering things is not the key anyway, committing the technique to muscle memory is. Repitition is the key to muscle memory. The more you do it, the more it retains in your muscle memory and your subconscience. After 23 years in the martial arts, there has been plenty of times where I did a technique at the spur of the moment that I had completely forgotten about.

BJJ is all about time on the mat.

I'm only a 1st degree whitebelt so a lot of the lessons go in one ear and out the other. Hell I only know a handful of different moves but I keep on practicing them over and over, also I don't struggle against the blue belts anymore, I just let them do their thing and I try to defend against it.

I guess my point is you don't go to 1 workshop and suddenly you're a BJJ blue belt. You have to roll day in day out with a ton of different people and eventually things start to click

Everyone has trouble remembering new material - BJJ, or History or Algebra. What do history and algebra students have that you don't?

They have a notebook and a pen.

I have been doing martial arts since 1985 and in my opinion the most important equipment you can get is a notebook and pen.

If you write it down, it helps you remember. When you read it it helps you remember.

Your friend may remember better than you, but I promise he forgets details too.

The good news is, if you take notes in class you can practice with your friend. Then when questions or ideas come up, you can write them down. Next time you go to class, bring up your questions or ideas. Then you get to write down the answers. Then you practice more and write more...

I know one guy who is a skilled and quick artist. He sketches his notes. He makes me jealous.

I do not have clean mind when you studding , practicing martial art .

Think martial art for 2 hours a day ,enough .

Leave all problems behind martial art entry door .

Think like most important person for yourself and think this is useful for you .

You may also just quit , but what you gonna do then ?

No you shouldnt give up. Its hard for the first couple of months. But after that you will start remembering them. Even if it has to be one at a time you will slowly progress higher. Just practice one move and when you remember that practice another.

I have to agree with the notebook and pen comments. If you're serious, record what you learn. Use video if it is allowed.

Did you know that Rickson Gracie videos himself and also records private classes he teaches? He uses them for his own edification.

it takes a lot more than one class to remember anything from any style.

if you expect to get it in a handful of classes, then you are sadly mistaken.