When I first started training one of the things I'd hear all the time is about how you should get in as much mat time as possible, 'train, train and train some more!'. While it's true that more time on the mats means better Jiu Jitsu, it can sometimes come at a cost. Depending on how you train, it can be easy to get burnt out, mentally and physically.
The first six months of training was both the best and worst time of my experience with BJJ. The more I learned, the more I realisd I knew nothing. At the same time I felt myself becoming stronger, and felt the effects of a calmer, keener mind. The flip side to this was the countless days of feeling beat up and worn out. The indecision and the fear of being hurt or not being able to keep up. I started going less and worrying more and started asking my team mates to keep nagging me to train.
One of the guys from the gym, Darren, was quick to point out some very important points when I hit this stage. He helped me realise that getting people to force you into something does nothing but pile pressure onto yourself. It forces confrontations with people you should be excited to see and to train with. Darren helped me remember that I started training to prove to myself that I could do it and that forcing myself to go would only cause trouble. It doesn't matter if you go to class 10 times a week, or once. You should measure yourself against nothing but your own expectations. In the last few weeks I've been to 3-4 classes. I've had crazy stuff happening at work and at home, and I've barely had time for reflection, let alone training, but that's OK.
I will point out here that there's a big difference between being lazy and being injured or having other commitments. At the end of the day, it you're happy with how many classes you're attending then you're doing it right. I'm sad that I wasn't able to get to more classes in the last few weeks, but I made up for it where I could.
This weekend gone I went to a no-gi submission only competition to watch. I went with my good friend Floyd (shed days) and another friend, who's been training for around a month. Afterwards we headed back to Floyds and did some drilling, as well as some rolling. It was interesting to roll with people with limited training and it highlighted how far I've come with my own skills.
In one of my recent posts I mentioned Floyd's interest in martial arts increasing and last night he had his first ever BJJ class in a gym. Its incredible to have such a good friend dive into something I love and I'm very excited for the many years of grappling that lay ahead us.
Hopefully stuff at works eases off soon and I'll be able to jump back into class more regularly. I'm hoping to really dive right into training this year and I'm extremely excited for what a to come.
Until next time, stay safe friends
The first six months of training was both the best and worst time of my experience with BJJ. The more I learned, the more I realisd I knew nothing. At the same time I felt myself becoming stronger, and felt the effects of a calmer, keener mind. The flip side to this was the countless days of feeling beat up and worn out. The indecision and the fear of being hurt or not being able to keep up. I started going less and worrying more and started asking my team mates to keep nagging me to train.
One of the guys from the gym, Darren, was quick to point out some very important points when I hit this stage. He helped me realise that getting people to force you into something does nothing but pile pressure onto yourself. It forces confrontations with people you should be excited to see and to train with. Darren helped me remember that I started training to prove to myself that I could do it and that forcing myself to go would only cause trouble. It doesn't matter if you go to class 10 times a week, or once. You should measure yourself against nothing but your own expectations. In the last few weeks I've been to 3-4 classes. I've had crazy stuff happening at work and at home, and I've barely had time for reflection, let alone training, but that's OK.
I will point out here that there's a big difference between being lazy and being injured or having other commitments. At the end of the day, it you're happy with how many classes you're attending then you're doing it right. I'm sad that I wasn't able to get to more classes in the last few weeks, but I made up for it where I could.
This weekend gone I went to a no-gi submission only competition to watch. I went with my good friend Floyd (shed days) and another friend, who's been training for around a month. Afterwards we headed back to Floyds and did some drilling, as well as some rolling. It was interesting to roll with people with limited training and it highlighted how far I've come with my own skills.
In one of my recent posts I mentioned Floyd's interest in martial arts increasing and last night he had his first ever BJJ class in a gym. Its incredible to have such a good friend dive into something I love and I'm very excited for the many years of grappling that lay ahead us.
Hopefully stuff at works eases off soon and I'll be able to jump back into class more regularly. I'm hoping to really dive right into training this year and I'm extremely excited for what a to come.
Until next time, stay safe friends