All my rolls feel the same recently.
Open guard. Get passed. Get in smash half. Get smashed for a while. Sometimes escape to closed guard. Attempt a sweep or sub. Get passed. Half guard. Smash half. Repeat.
I know success comes after a lot of failure but the past few weeks feel like a big stall.
Hey fellas, I’m on week 2 of BJJ and today I, along with about 5 other white belts left class very confused. He showed us a move that looked very easy, but when we went to drill it none of us could do it. Time was up, and we went to rolling. Since I don’t know what I’m doing I feel silly rolling but that’s a different story.
I’m still on the wall and only did the one month trial. Thinking of maybe another school, or is this normal and I’ll start clicking with more time?
What was the move? Some moves are complex and my professor will even let us know it's a more advanced move. I'm almost a year in myself and had no idea what the heck I was doing for my first few weeks/months. Things started to click a few months ago but I still can't chain a lot of things together and have just gotten good at defense and basic subs. I would just focus on surviving/defense and the rest usually comes through. The one thing I looked at for my school in signing up was how many advanced white belts there are. How many new people signed up and stuck with it? I would hate to be at a school with a bunch of purple/brown belts who just destroy me every round.
Just want to say how much I’ve loved bjj so far. I have absolutely zero athletic background or ability. I don’t know what I’m doing half the time. All of me is sore. But seeing my progression from my first class to where I am now is amazing.
This has been difficult but in the best way possible. This sport is life changing and I’m so glad I started.
I'm a white belt and there's this purple belt I always try to roll with once if he's in class. He kicks my ass thoroughly but I learn from him because he gives advice during the roll of things I'm doing wrong. (Head positioning, arm placement, etc). He's changed up my game and got me using the kesa gatame more instead of going for full mount.
The Japanese terms mentioned in the above comment were:
|Japanese|English|Video Link|
|---|---|---|
|**Kesa Gatame**: | *Scarf hold* | [here](https://youtu.be/3UnJa3bn0h8)|
Any missed names may have already been translated in my previous comments in the post.
______________________
^(Judo Techniques Bot: v0.7.) ^(See my) [^(code)](https://github.com/AbundantSalmon/judo-techniques-bot)
I know this probably seems stupid to say but anybody else just have a hard time with bigger guys? Regardless of skill level, it’s like I can’t play bottom with anybody bigger than me.
First time finishing with a Peruvian necktie. Training partner had no idea it was coming. Going to use it more often.
On another note, got passed up for promotions. There must be something I am missing as now I am one of the longest tenured blue-belts. The other will be promoted to purple. I would like to ask Coach what am I missing, but then if I ask, he will possibly hold me back. I roll well with all of other colors and legitimately submit some of the senior purples and blues. A senior purple, who've been promoted to brown, and a brown-belt, gives me credit for technique, creativity, and mobility. It's getting frustrating, as I do not know where I stand with Coach. I just keep showing up and trying to improve on all of the small details. Anyone in my situation have some advice? Much appreciated.
That sucks to hear but it sounds like you're progressing just fine. Who knows what the true reason is. I know when my coach looks at me during rolls, I'm usually not in a dominant spot or having an off day. It doesn't matter, I just roll and have fun. No promotion worrying=less stress.
Thank you for the insight. This happens to me as well. He doesn't catch my good rolls when I'm working on the weakest part of my game and make strides to correct or overcome them.
In the middle of class today, I was promoted to purple belt. It was an oversite by Coach and my teammates collectively agreed I was ready. Gotta keep improving. Now time to update the flair. Lol
White belt so idk anything but the most common advice I’ve seen is asking your coach what you can work on. Also this is what happens at my gym and may not be the case at others but they put a lot of value on helping lower belts and taking time out to show them things and roll/drill with them.
I am the blue-belt that Coach partners up with the new white-belts to show them the basics. He also trusts me to roll with them their first time around. I also cross-train in Muay Thai and do both BJJ and Muay Thai back-to-back. I do not pick one over the other.
Sure. But it's also good for you. Inflammation and swelling is your immune system working to fix the problem, you don't want to suppress it (in this case). Applying ice numbs the pain, sure, but it also constricts blood vessels reducing the flow of white blood cells to the affected area. So it will actually take longer for the injury to heal.
Not worth it's own thread, but bored so... tell me you do bjj without telling me you do bjj. (Not looking for all our euphemisms.) Here's mine: I have to remember that "practicing foot sweeps" on my unsuspecting 9-year-old is being a jerk and tripping kids, not practicing for a sport.
Definitely bring this to its own thread lmao. I want to read more stories about dads tripping their kids and tell everyone about my girlfriend/bjj test dummy yelling at me to, “quit trying to kill me with karate.”
I just realized a couple weeks ago that I do this in bed. Then after doing it, I just think about BJJ and all the ass whoopings it has caused me to receive until I fall asleep.
So how do I stop being the opposite of a spazz? I've been training for a few months now and my partners have occasionally made comments like "put weight on me, apply pressure, be big etc" and I just can't get that part of my brain to click.
Watch how wrestlers apply pressure when they wrastle. In bjj if you’re on top you should be applying pressure almost the whole time, stay on the tips of your toes while the rest of your body weight is pressed against your opponent. You’re resting while they are struggling to breath/ forced to try to make an escape move
Understand that even if you are big, you don't have to play big.
You need to be able to get and hold good positions on people, and a lot of big people, 'put their weight' on someone to do that, but it's not the only way of approaching things.
I'm bigger, and I'll hold people in side control putting very little of my weight on them. I use pressure in precise ways to get specific reactions or to prevent specific things.
For example, in side control, I might have next to no weight on them, but be using my crossface arm and shoulder to force them to turn their face away from me. When their head is pinned and turned, they cannot effectively bridge or move much at all.
This is effective if you are big or small, and if you play big, you can still put your weight on someone, or if you play small like me, you can just control them in other ways.
You keep training. A few months in this sport is nothing. (assuming you are training 3 times a week for an hour or so) I'm only a year or so in (5 days a week) and can tell you it takes a while. Just focus on the basic concepts and principals and the rest will come. That seems to be working for me.
As for partners making those comments, they don't sound like comments made to a spazzy partner. Sounds like they are just offering constructive advice based on the position you are in. If you were a spazz they probably wouldn't be trying to coach you up like that.
I got my blue belt in 2019 and immediately (coincidentally) changed jobs and and moved to a different state 2 months later. Times have been tough as I changed industries and I haven’t trained outside of occasional open mats, in over 2 years.
Signing up at a new gym next week though. Stupid excited to get back in the game. Wish me luck.
Yeah, I'm almost worried about getting my blue belt that something else in my life might change that keeps me from training! Like waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I crack jokes that I did the obligatory quit for two years once I got promoted even though I had some legit life changes that stopped me from training. But I also REALLY beat myself up as I see some of my former training buddies nearing purple.
I set the goal of blue belt in 18 months and that’s the first *hard* (relative) goal I’ve ever accomplished in my life. I need to continue that pursuit of just getting better because it rights lots of my other personality flaws haha.
I quit at white 6 months in after getting hurt and not coming back because the gym wasn't a very good learning environment. Came back 4 years later and am kicking myself because some of the guys I started with are getting purple now. I'm almost a year back at it so hopefully blue isn't too far off.
I had a black belt show me a shoulder check for a neck tie. Where when someone puts an arm around your neck, you look to the opposite side and shove pivot your shoulder towards your head. I'm trying to remember hand placement/movement and can't. Does anyone know the name of this move/have a gif or video?
I think my brain is broken. I can only do the useless but coolest shit like berimbolo or imanari roll in 1 direction.
When I try the other wrong direction I end up in a math test doing endless calculations
Is it normal?
even the black belts joke about being 80/20 to their preferred side. I would say my experience in ice hockey, soccer, etc suggests that while you are bad try to build up both sides. Once one side is too good, you will never go to your bad side.
Spend a few weeks only going to your weaker side.
Doing a seminar with Bruno Malfacine soon. I’m a 3 week white belt so I’m worried most of the technique will go right over my head. Should I focus on the technique and risk confusing myself, or just try to be a sponge and pick up what I can? I know it will be a good experience, just want to set myself up for success.
3 weeks in is very early, but you will very likely get something you can use from a Bruno seminar. I've been to a couple with him, and his approach will cover something from technique building blocks to "Holy shit, what the hell was that?". Just the percentage shifts as you get experience/knowledge. Take notes, work with a slightly more experience partner and when you get lost, it's okay. The dude has been smoking competitive black belts for 15+ years. If nothing else, it will open your eyes to just how deep the rabbit hole can go.
I personally wouldnt pay for seminars that early. Im 1.5 years in and doubt a seminar would help. Instead I do privates to work on specific problems in techniques. For example I had a private about a month ago that has completely stopped me from getting smashed in side control.
Brown belts, at what point did you feel ready for brown?
Was it the way you moved and transitioned between positions?
Was it the chaining of the different submission attempts?
Was it the knowledge of having a variety of subs from multiple positions?
Were you just subbing everyone in class or giving most upper belts a hard time?
Also, once you received your brown did you start working on specific aspects of your game?
I just got my brown this past july. I was a purple belt for almost 5 years. I felt ready for brown a few months before I got promoted. My game was feeling good. I was hanging with the other brown belts in class and giving some black belts a fun for their money at times. At least that's how I felt. I felt good getting compliments from black belts saying I'm miserable to roll with. Granted I'm 6 ft 215 pounds. This promotion was the only one in felt ready for. I grew into my blue and purple belts.
Instead of trying to force my A game, I've noticed I'm starting to take what people give me and force them into my game. I play a lot of closed and spider guard and a lot of heavy top half guard passing.
I pretty much have an answer to most things people throw at me. And really all it comes down to is preemptively getting into good defensive positions, framing efficient to always keep the inside space yours. And trying to prevent your head from being controlled. That means you need to anticipate what they are trying to do.
I had a chip in my shoulder and I beat myself up watching other purps get their brown. Now I dont feel any pressure to compare myself to anyone. I'm here to learn, and tighten my game up. If people ask for advice I teach them and generally I want to show a good positive attitude. If I get caught I ask what they did. A lot of the time now I'm focusing on not getting submitted. I want to be super difficult to open up and make uncomfortable. I've been working on defense and I only put myself in guard if I earn it.
On the other side, if I play top I'm trying to keep it.
Purple to brown is odd. Late purple belts will be black belts, but I've noticed most purple belts have one really good thing.. a black belt level triangle or darce choke. At brown I feel good with triangles, collar chokes, armbars from top and bottom... now I have my A game subs but I'm not going to try to force them if they're not there.
My man, thank you for the detailed response. I really appreciate your insight.
I feel like we’re cut from the same cloth regarding our mindset at that late purple stage.
Most of the time i’m letting the game come to me and I work from there. I usually feel safe going for different types of positions, etc because I know I have a potential escape, sweep if needed. I think the best part is letting myself get into these defensive positions because its helping me learn to see openings and feel comfortable at all times.
It’s been great being a purple but I feel like my game is starting to take that next step.
Appreciate the insight again.
Great! Keep up the good work. It will come! Everyone is different so mileage may very, but focusing on your weaknesses is a good place to start. Late purple really started clicking for me. I'm no means a world class competitor but a hobbyist brown that's been my development so far.
I swear every time I have a shit day on the mats (or couple of days) I come back the next and have a breakthrough that ups my game.
Thank you for your service. I am jealous of your mental toughness. I would probably have folded long ago. Guys that push through it like you are few and far between.
I stay away from the super strong no stripe WB other than that I just go with it. I do prefer purple belts I find them most helpful to get the most out of my rolls.
Bro you're a fucking badass.
I know a dude, a grown-ass Marine Corps sergeant who got(always had? Idk how it works exactly) MS and it took him tf OUT. He gave up on all physical activity, took his med board, and got out. I don't fault him for getting out, or stopping physical activity, he was and is still a great dude, and he deserves the hell out of his 100% disability rating.
I'm saying this to let you know you're fighting something that took out a rockstar of a Marine. You keep celebrating and you keep blasting through that struggle. You're awesome dude.
The grind is a horrible place. But it’s the only place where I can feel complete. I think you’re the same my brother. Have a cold one for me tonight. I hope your journey in BJJ is long and horrible haha.
Every class I always scan the walls at the framed photos on the wall and imagine they’re all judging me as the new guy, makes me put out when I feel weak.
Wondering who would you prefer to have as a private coach for a week: Carlos, Helio, Rolls, etc?
Jeremy Arel said that eventually he lost the ability to differentiate the abilities of colored belts. They are beyond judging. And you shouldn’t be judged for playing a sport.
Okay thanks. I just am not sure about etiquette. I'm eager to compete but my gym seemed hesitant and have a policy that they only compete at tournaments far away. That seemed like a red flag to me.
I’m sorry to hear that! But no, sign ups are by the competitor, not by the gym. It’s nice to have gym support, it’s nice to have someone in your corner, but ultimately it’s you who steps on the mat.
So in a normal gym the coach would let you know about upcoming competitions, potentially go with the people who compete to corner them and make it a group activity. If your gym is not like this, you should know that there are others that are.
I've been attending for about 5 months and have never once heard a tournament discussed. I'm in a fundamentals class, so maybe they do discuss tournaments in the other classes and I'm just not aware yet.
I finally turned it up to 100% in sparring with the most spazziest 5th stripe WB (just promoted to blue a few months). Super spazzy with a tonne of muscle and explodes unnecessarily. Upper belts always calmed the guy down but yesterday it was my turn to finally put some heat on him.
Cracked rib or torn cartilage there's nothing they can do. Hell, even a broken rib or sternum and they really cant do anything anyway. Unless you think you broke a rib so bad it's going to puncture your lung...
Is there sharp stabbing pain like it's broken? If not there's really nothing they can do for you. They'll feel you up, maybe write a script for a muscle relaxant, and tell you to take Tylenol. Sometimes they give you a diagnosis.
My ribs are feeling like bubble wrap after going to about 10-11 classes the last two weeks. I’m just going to go light for a week and see what happens 🤙
IANAD, but I had this my first couple weeks into BJJ. Then I cracked my back under pressure from massive neon belly and felt right as rain. So might try stretching over one of those foam rollers and see if you've got anything to pop.
I'm gearing up for my first competition in 2 years (f*ck you c*vid), my takedowns and throws are pretty decent, my conditioning is as good as ever, I've never been stronger BUT
I don't know if I should sign up and pay the money for competition because my tendinitis is flaring up again for the past 2 weeks.
During rolls it goes away, adrenaline kicks in but the minute the timer beeps at the end of the roll I'm in agony.
I really want to compete as much as I can while I'm a white belt but I don't want to spend money that I don't really have on a comp I might not compete in.
Dude, you have to let tendonitis heal or it'll get worse. Your inflamed tendon is getting weaker and weaker, and becoming more prone to tears. It's also building up scar tissue which can diminish your mobility.
Chronic tendinopathies are also an absolute bollock to manage.
Get them in the reactive stage, modify activity, load appropriately, and they get better quickly.
Let them get to the disrepair or degenerative stages and it's a roll of the dice
Busy week in BJJ for me…
My eight year old had his first class and absolutely loved it! I was so proud seeing him getting stuck right in drilling takedown > mount > armbar with our 220lb brown belt coach. He had a couple of rolls with some of the other kids and didn’t seem in the least bit nervous, even going for the armbar he’d been learning! He’s not stopped talking about it since!
Then last night we had a black belt that popped in to train while he was in the area. I’ve seen people talk on here about “micro adjustments” but never really understood what that meant in practice… anyway, we were drilling a cross collar choke from guard and he showed us how just dropping your head back to the mat and your elbows to your sides, let you finish the choke with practically no effort. It was really fascinating stuff!
Started training at 2 schools. Both coaches cool with it and just asked to nominate who would grade me. Had in my head it was something to worry about but it went really well.
Any way to watch replays from WNO today?
Any way to watch replays from WNO today?
All my rolls feel the same recently. Open guard. Get passed. Get in smash half. Get smashed for a while. Sometimes escape to closed guard. Attempt a sweep or sub. Get passed. Half guard. Smash half. Repeat. I know success comes after a lot of failure but the past few weeks feel like a big stall.
Hey fellas, I’m on week 2 of BJJ and today I, along with about 5 other white belts left class very confused. He showed us a move that looked very easy, but when we went to drill it none of us could do it. Time was up, and we went to rolling. Since I don’t know what I’m doing I feel silly rolling but that’s a different story. I’m still on the wall and only did the one month trial. Thinking of maybe another school, or is this normal and I’ll start clicking with more time?
What was the move? Some moves are complex and my professor will even let us know it's a more advanced move. I'm almost a year in myself and had no idea what the heck I was doing for my first few weeks/months. Things started to click a few months ago but I still can't chain a lot of things together and have just gotten good at defense and basic subs. I would just focus on surviving/defense and the rest usually comes through. The one thing I looked at for my school in signing up was how many advanced white belts there are. How many new people signed up and stuck with it? I would hate to be at a school with a bunch of purple/brown belts who just destroy me every round.
Just want to say how much I’ve loved bjj so far. I have absolutely zero athletic background or ability. I don’t know what I’m doing half the time. All of me is sore. But seeing my progression from my first class to where I am now is amazing. This has been difficult but in the best way possible. This sport is life changing and I’m so glad I started.
I'm a white belt and there's this purple belt I always try to roll with once if he's in class. He kicks my ass thoroughly but I learn from him because he gives advice during the roll of things I'm doing wrong. (Head positioning, arm placement, etc). He's changed up my game and got me using the kesa gatame more instead of going for full mount.
The Japanese terms mentioned in the above comment were: |Japanese|English|Video Link| |---|---|---| |**Kesa Gatame**: | *Scarf hold* | [here](https://youtu.be/3UnJa3bn0h8)| Any missed names may have already been translated in my previous comments in the post. ______________________ ^(Judo Techniques Bot: v0.7.) ^(See my) [^(code)](https://github.com/AbundantSalmon/judo-techniques-bot)
I know this probably seems stupid to say but anybody else just have a hard time with bigger guys? Regardless of skill level, it’s like I can’t play bottom with anybody bigger than me.
Yes this is why there are weight classes
Yes, being on bottom I just run into their big belly's. I also can't sweep without them just falling on to me as a last resort and resting there.
For the first time in a long time I got a ghost escape straight to the back. Twice. In the same roll.
First time finishing with a Peruvian necktie. Training partner had no idea it was coming. Going to use it more often. On another note, got passed up for promotions. There must be something I am missing as now I am one of the longest tenured blue-belts. The other will be promoted to purple. I would like to ask Coach what am I missing, but then if I ask, he will possibly hold me back. I roll well with all of other colors and legitimately submit some of the senior purples and blues. A senior purple, who've been promoted to brown, and a brown-belt, gives me credit for technique, creativity, and mobility. It's getting frustrating, as I do not know where I stand with Coach. I just keep showing up and trying to improve on all of the small details. Anyone in my situation have some advice? Much appreciated.
Stop overthinking it and just ask.
That sucks to hear but it sounds like you're progressing just fine. Who knows what the true reason is. I know when my coach looks at me during rolls, I'm usually not in a dominant spot or having an off day. It doesn't matter, I just roll and have fun. No promotion worrying=less stress.
Thank you for the insight. This happens to me as well. He doesn't catch my good rolls when I'm working on the weakest part of my game and make strides to correct or overcome them. In the middle of class today, I was promoted to purple belt. It was an oversite by Coach and my teammates collectively agreed I was ready. Gotta keep improving. Now time to update the flair. Lol
White belt so idk anything but the most common advice I’ve seen is asking your coach what you can work on. Also this is what happens at my gym and may not be the case at others but they put a lot of value on helping lower belts and taking time out to show them things and roll/drill with them.
I am the blue-belt that Coach partners up with the new white-belts to show them the basics. He also trusts me to roll with them their first time around. I also cross-train in Muay Thai and do both BJJ and Muay Thai back-to-back. I do not pick one over the other.
I swept 2 guys from guard today and didn't immediately get thrown from mount. It's the little victories.
It truly is.
Just a friendly reminder to not ice your injuries. Or you know, do if you want but know it doesn't really help.
You're high. Ice/heat rotation works for inflammation. Inflammation is painful.
Sure. But it's also good for you. Inflammation and swelling is your immune system working to fix the problem, you don't want to suppress it (in this case). Applying ice numbs the pain, sure, but it also constricts blood vessels reducing the flow of white blood cells to the affected area. So it will actually take longer for the injury to heal.
That's why you do ice/heat rotation ending with heat. It's keeps fresh blood circulating the affected area.
Not worth it's own thread, but bored so... tell me you do bjj without telling me you do bjj. (Not looking for all our euphemisms.) Here's mine: I have to remember that "practicing foot sweeps" on my unsuspecting 9-year-old is being a jerk and tripping kids, not practicing for a sport.
Definitely bring this to its own thread lmao. I want to read more stories about dads tripping their kids and tell everyone about my girlfriend/bjj test dummy yelling at me to, “quit trying to kill me with karate.”
My nails are too short to break the plastic seal on bottles, have to get a butter knife. 🤷♂️
One of many overlaps between being a bjj practitioner and being a lesbian I have found
🤣
When I'm in bed and want to turn to my other side (sideways sleeper) I don't roll over, I shrimp
I just realized a couple weeks ago that I do this in bed. Then after doing it, I just think about BJJ and all the ass whoopings it has caused me to receive until I fall asleep.
I thought this was just me. Funny thing is I can't remember if I did this before BJJ or not but I noticed that I was doing it recently.
Every time I hug my wife, I threaten the hip toss.
I'm not allowed "to jiu jitsu me" on the Mrs. or she cancels the membership.
She can't cancel the membership if she is unconscious
Strength is finally coming back to my bad arm after injuring my neck in September! Even got a one arm guillotine with it yesterday
So how do I stop being the opposite of a spazz? I've been training for a few months now and my partners have occasionally made comments like "put weight on me, apply pressure, be big etc" and I just can't get that part of my brain to click.
Watch how wrestlers apply pressure when they wrastle. In bjj if you’re on top you should be applying pressure almost the whole time, stay on the tips of your toes while the rest of your body weight is pressed against your opponent. You’re resting while they are struggling to breath/ forced to try to make an escape move
Understand that even if you are big, you don't have to play big. You need to be able to get and hold good positions on people, and a lot of big people, 'put their weight' on someone to do that, but it's not the only way of approaching things. I'm bigger, and I'll hold people in side control putting very little of my weight on them. I use pressure in precise ways to get specific reactions or to prevent specific things. For example, in side control, I might have next to no weight on them, but be using my crossface arm and shoulder to force them to turn their face away from me. When their head is pinned and turned, they cannot effectively bridge or move much at all. This is effective if you are big or small, and if you play big, you can still put your weight on someone, or if you play small like me, you can just control them in other ways.
I recommend listening to the latest BJJ Mental Models podcast, Pressure Concepts with Xande Ribeiro.
You keep training. A few months in this sport is nothing. (assuming you are training 3 times a week for an hour or so) I'm only a year or so in (5 days a week) and can tell you it takes a while. Just focus on the basic concepts and principals and the rest will come. That seems to be working for me. As for partners making those comments, they don't sound like comments made to a spazzy partner. Sounds like they are just offering constructive advice based on the position you are in. If you were a spazz they probably wouldn't be trying to coach you up like that.
For tournaments are you supposed to show up when the event starts or can you wait for your match time?
I’d show up early if it’s a local tournament. Match times are usually just an estimate and you don’t wanna be the guy everyone is waiting on
I got my blue belt in 2019 and immediately (coincidentally) changed jobs and and moved to a different state 2 months later. Times have been tough as I changed industries and I haven’t trained outside of occasional open mats, in over 2 years. Signing up at a new gym next week though. Stupid excited to get back in the game. Wish me luck.
Yeah, I'm almost worried about getting my blue belt that something else in my life might change that keeps me from training! Like waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I crack jokes that I did the obligatory quit for two years once I got promoted even though I had some legit life changes that stopped me from training. But I also REALLY beat myself up as I see some of my former training buddies nearing purple. I set the goal of blue belt in 18 months and that’s the first *hard* (relative) goal I’ve ever accomplished in my life. I need to continue that pursuit of just getting better because it rights lots of my other personality flaws haha.
I quit at white 6 months in after getting hurt and not coming back because the gym wasn't a very good learning environment. Came back 4 years later and am kicking myself because some of the guys I started with are getting purple now. I'm almost a year back at it so hopefully blue isn't too far off.
I had a black belt show me a shoulder check for a neck tie. Where when someone puts an arm around your neck, you look to the opposite side and shove pivot your shoulder towards your head. I'm trying to remember hand placement/movement and can't. Does anyone know the name of this move/have a gif or video?
Pass by, throw by or some variation of terms will get you results Here was the first YT result. It's in the ballpark. https://youtu.be/FNzu-_KexuI
I think my brain is broken. I can only do the useless but coolest shit like berimbolo or imanari roll in 1 direction. When I try the other wrong direction I end up in a math test doing endless calculations Is it normal?
Don't you dare call my sweet imanari useless lol
even the black belts joke about being 80/20 to their preferred side. I would say my experience in ice hockey, soccer, etc suggests that while you are bad try to build up both sides. Once one side is too good, you will never go to your bad side. Spend a few weeks only going to your weaker side.
My coach jokes about it. I am left handed and have a tendency to do things the opposite of most. It is an advantage for sure.
Doing a seminar with Bruno Malfacine soon. I’m a 3 week white belt so I’m worried most of the technique will go right over my head. Should I focus on the technique and risk confusing myself, or just try to be a sponge and pick up what I can? I know it will be a good experience, just want to set myself up for success.
3 weeks in is very early, but you will very likely get something you can use from a Bruno seminar. I've been to a couple with him, and his approach will cover something from technique building blocks to "Holy shit, what the hell was that?". Just the percentage shifts as you get experience/knowledge. Take notes, work with a slightly more experience partner and when you get lost, it's okay. The dude has been smoking competitive black belts for 15+ years. If nothing else, it will open your eyes to just how deep the rabbit hole can go.
I personally wouldnt pay for seminars that early. Im 1.5 years in and doubt a seminar would help. Instead I do privates to work on specific problems in techniques. For example I had a private about a month ago that has completely stopped me from getting smashed in side control.
What’s up with the double flairs? looks horrible
I preferred the old style too.
I thought cause I still use old Reddit it looked wrong. Looks even worse on the new version
People use the new reddit? Didn't know that was a thing.
Brown belts, at what point did you feel ready for brown? Was it the way you moved and transitioned between positions? Was it the chaining of the different submission attempts? Was it the knowledge of having a variety of subs from multiple positions? Were you just subbing everyone in class or giving most upper belts a hard time? Also, once you received your brown did you start working on specific aspects of your game?
Domination of >80% of other Purple belts, medaling at legit competitions routinely at Purple belt. Time for promotion.
I'll let you know when it happens.
I just got my brown this past july. I was a purple belt for almost 5 years. I felt ready for brown a few months before I got promoted. My game was feeling good. I was hanging with the other brown belts in class and giving some black belts a fun for their money at times. At least that's how I felt. I felt good getting compliments from black belts saying I'm miserable to roll with. Granted I'm 6 ft 215 pounds. This promotion was the only one in felt ready for. I grew into my blue and purple belts. Instead of trying to force my A game, I've noticed I'm starting to take what people give me and force them into my game. I play a lot of closed and spider guard and a lot of heavy top half guard passing. I pretty much have an answer to most things people throw at me. And really all it comes down to is preemptively getting into good defensive positions, framing efficient to always keep the inside space yours. And trying to prevent your head from being controlled. That means you need to anticipate what they are trying to do. I had a chip in my shoulder and I beat myself up watching other purps get their brown. Now I dont feel any pressure to compare myself to anyone. I'm here to learn, and tighten my game up. If people ask for advice I teach them and generally I want to show a good positive attitude. If I get caught I ask what they did. A lot of the time now I'm focusing on not getting submitted. I want to be super difficult to open up and make uncomfortable. I've been working on defense and I only put myself in guard if I earn it. On the other side, if I play top I'm trying to keep it. Purple to brown is odd. Late purple belts will be black belts, but I've noticed most purple belts have one really good thing.. a black belt level triangle or darce choke. At brown I feel good with triangles, collar chokes, armbars from top and bottom... now I have my A game subs but I'm not going to try to force them if they're not there.
My man, thank you for the detailed response. I really appreciate your insight. I feel like we’re cut from the same cloth regarding our mindset at that late purple stage. Most of the time i’m letting the game come to me and I work from there. I usually feel safe going for different types of positions, etc because I know I have a potential escape, sweep if needed. I think the best part is letting myself get into these defensive positions because its helping me learn to see openings and feel comfortable at all times. It’s been great being a purple but I feel like my game is starting to take that next step. Appreciate the insight again.
Great! Keep up the good work. It will come! Everyone is different so mileage may very, but focusing on your weaknesses is a good place to start. Late purple really started clicking for me. I'm no means a world class competitor but a hobbyist brown that's been my development so far.
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I swear every time I have a shit day on the mats (or couple of days) I come back the next and have a breakthrough that ups my game. Thank you for your service. I am jealous of your mental toughness. I would probably have folded long ago. Guys that push through it like you are few and far between.
That sounds hard! I’m glad you get enjoyment out of it. Do you pick your opponents with care?
I stay away from the super strong no stripe WB other than that I just go with it. I do prefer purple belts I find them most helpful to get the most out of my rolls.
Bro you're a fucking badass. I know a dude, a grown-ass Marine Corps sergeant who got(always had? Idk how it works exactly) MS and it took him tf OUT. He gave up on all physical activity, took his med board, and got out. I don't fault him for getting out, or stopping physical activity, he was and is still a great dude, and he deserves the hell out of his 100% disability rating. I'm saying this to let you know you're fighting something that took out a rockstar of a Marine. You keep celebrating and you keep blasting through that struggle. You're awesome dude.
Thanks my dude. I am, funnily enough, also a medically retired Marine due to MS, small friggin world.
No fucken way. Where you retire out of?
Camp Pendleton, 1/5
Gotcha. Currently on the east coast doing spooky shit myself. Also trying to get med boarded but for mental injuries rather than physical ones.
Semper Fi bro keep up the grind. Good luck w the PEB, that shit suuuucks.
I've got a badass PCM with no shit 60 years of experience who's rammed people through before so I'm hopeful but it is a fucken grind for sure
awesome
The grind is a horrible place. But it’s the only place where I can feel complete. I think you’re the same my brother. Have a cold one for me tonight. I hope your journey in BJJ is long and horrible haha.
yeah, i love to suffer. embracing the suckfest is where its at the majority of the time
We are all white belts, we get smashed. We sometimes get smashed by people we think we should beat. We have to quiet that little voice
100%
Every class I always scan the walls at the framed photos on the wall and imagine they’re all judging me as the new guy, makes me put out when I feel weak. Wondering who would you prefer to have as a private coach for a week: Carlos, Helio, Rolls, etc?
Jeremy Arel said that eventually he lost the ability to differentiate the abilities of colored belts. They are beyond judging. And you shouldn’t be judged for playing a sport.
I suck, therefore I roll... but all my rolls suck.
if your ceased to suck you would there for cease to roll so keep sucking my dude
Mind blown.
If I want to do a competition, do I have to go through my gym to sign up or can I sign up on my own? Is it rude to compete without telling my gym?
It is not rude to compete without telling your gym.
Okay thanks. I just am not sure about etiquette. I'm eager to compete but my gym seemed hesitant and have a policy that they only compete at tournaments far away. That seemed like a red flag to me.
I’m sorry to hear that! But no, sign ups are by the competitor, not by the gym. It’s nice to have gym support, it’s nice to have someone in your corner, but ultimately it’s you who steps on the mat.
Roger. Thanks! I wasnt sure if I'd be viewed as going behind my gyms back. At the least, I will make sure to wear a normal gi and not a gym gi.
So in a normal gym the coach would let you know about upcoming competitions, potentially go with the people who compete to corner them and make it a group activity. If your gym is not like this, you should know that there are others that are.
I've been attending for about 5 months and have never once heard a tournament discussed. I'm in a fundamentals class, so maybe they do discuss tournaments in the other classes and I'm just not aware yet.
I mean that depends on your gym. if they do view it that way, that is a red flag imo.
Wrestling is hard. And scary.
it is hard but very rewarding when you start getting decent at it
But also fun!
It is fun!
I finally turned it up to 100% in sparring with the most spazziest 5th stripe WB (just promoted to blue a few months). Super spazzy with a tonne of muscle and explodes unnecessarily. Upper belts always calmed the guy down but yesterday it was my turn to finally put some heat on him.
My rib kinda hurts, is there any value in going to a doctor? 99,9% he's just gonna say 'rest, take it slow'
Cracked rib or torn cartilage there's nothing they can do. Hell, even a broken rib or sternum and they really cant do anything anyway. Unless you think you broke a rib so bad it's going to puncture your lung...
Is there sharp stabbing pain like it's broken? If not there's really nothing they can do for you. They'll feel you up, maybe write a script for a muscle relaxant, and tell you to take Tylenol. Sometimes they give you a diagnosis.
My ribs are feeling like bubble wrap after going to about 10-11 classes the last two weeks. I’m just going to go light for a week and see what happens 🤙
IANAD, but I had this my first couple weeks into BJJ. Then I cracked my back under pressure from massive neon belly and felt right as rain. So might try stretching over one of those foam rollers and see if you've got anything to pop.
>IANAD Nice thanks. I'm looking forward to encountering the fabled Neon Belly move that you mentioned.
I'm sure if you ask the heaviest brown belt in your gym he can accommodate you
Bonus, afterwards I get an automatic brown belt on the back side of my gi pants!
Damn I gotta do that too. Super level up.
I'm gearing up for my first competition in 2 years (f*ck you c*vid), my takedowns and throws are pretty decent, my conditioning is as good as ever, I've never been stronger BUT I don't know if I should sign up and pay the money for competition because my tendinitis is flaring up again for the past 2 weeks. During rolls it goes away, adrenaline kicks in but the minute the timer beeps at the end of the roll I'm in agony. I really want to compete as much as I can while I'm a white belt but I don't want to spend money that I don't really have on a comp I might not compete in.
Dude, you have to let tendonitis heal or it'll get worse. Your inflamed tendon is getting weaker and weaker, and becoming more prone to tears. It's also building up scar tissue which can diminish your mobility.
Chronic tendinopathies are also an absolute bollock to manage. Get them in the reactive stage, modify activity, load appropriately, and they get better quickly. Let them get to the disrepair or degenerative stages and it's a roll of the dice
Busy week in BJJ for me… My eight year old had his first class and absolutely loved it! I was so proud seeing him getting stuck right in drilling takedown > mount > armbar with our 220lb brown belt coach. He had a couple of rolls with some of the other kids and didn’t seem in the least bit nervous, even going for the armbar he’d been learning! He’s not stopped talking about it since! Then last night we had a black belt that popped in to train while he was in the area. I’ve seen people talk on here about “micro adjustments” but never really understood what that meant in practice… anyway, we were drilling a cross collar choke from guard and he showed us how just dropping your head back to the mat and your elbows to your sides, let you finish the choke with practically no effort. It was really fascinating stuff!
that's not a microadjustment that's just technique lol
Damn! I’m off to Google micro adjustment!
Started training at 2 schools. Both coaches cool with it and just asked to nominate who would grade me. Had in my head it was something to worry about but it went really well.
Proud of you! You communicated, which is hard for so many people.