Ways to be a good jiu jitsu student.

1. Pay attention to where you stand in relation to the instructor.

I know not all classes are a full as this Renzo one, but where you stand is important. Think of a baseball diamond with your instructor's head being home plate. If you are not in between the baselines (yellow in the above picture) you are not in the prime spot to see what is going on. Almost always moving to this location will give you the best vantage point for viewing the demonstrated technique. I don't think the power of where you view the move from can be overstated.

2. Mental imagery. If you've been in jiu jitsu any length of time you have already heard, "OK, let me show you one more time," from your instructor. Normally a move is shown three times and during that third time you should be actively visualizing yourself successfully completing the technique. Even go so far as to slightly move your hips, hands or whatever. Open and close hands to match the various grips you will be using.

3. It takes two to roll, so pick your training partner carefully. Unless you are in a class entirely of white belts try not to pair yourself up white belt with white belt. Try to snag the technical person, a person with game you admire. You are there to learn at this stage of class, so pick someone who will help you optimize this. What you look for in a drilling partner is different than the criteria of choosing a sparring partner.

4. Already got it down? Then do it perfectly in practice. Do both sides. Do it quickly. Do it with your eyes closed. And after that then pair yourself up with a lower belt when you do this. Don't be the person who coaches people constantly. If you're doing it that awesome chances are they will ask you for help. Then give it, but until then just be an example of how the tech is done.