The template
Copy and fill in
1. Class focus: What did the instructor teach?
2. Starting position: Where did drilling or sparring begin?
3. My observation: What happened when I tried it?
4. Coach note: What did a coach specifically tell me?
5. Next focus: What single thing will I revisit or ask about?
Why these five prompts work
The class focus makes the entry searchable. The starting position gives the observation context. Your observation preserves your experience without pretending it proves the technique. The coach-note label protects the source of instruction. The final prompt makes the record actionable.
Example entry
Class focus: Closed-guard scissor sweep.
Starting position: Partner kneeling in closed guard.
My observation: I lost the angle whenever my partner widened their base.
Coach note: Ask me next class about the angle before trying to finish.
Next focus: Bring that question to the coach and drill the reviewed lesson.
What to leave out
A useful entry does not need every score, tap, or minute. Avoid diagnosing an injury in the log or treating a remembered phrase as universal technical instruction. If a detail affects safety, finishing mechanics, or pressure, record the question and confirm it with your coach.
Review older entries without guessing
Older notes may use shorthand. Map an entry to a fundamental only when the note gives enough evidence, such as a named position or technique. If the evidence is ambiguous, leave it unmapped and add a review question. Jits presents proposed connections for you to confirm rather than silently rewriting history.