Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training
Well after thinking about my current situation I have decided to continue down the path I have already started. I love BJJ but I don't think I am at a point where I can give up more time to become competitive at the sport and take on competitions. I think I will continue training in and out of class but I think I am going to focus more on training consistently 4 times a week at the gym and focus less on trying to achieve a blue belt...not that I don't want it but I think I will do better at this point to focus on consistent training than on what belt I wear. I also am going to stop focusing on the relative level of my skill to those that started with me...this will be the difficult part of the plan for me as I tend to be very competitive but I think it will be better for me long term to keep myself from getting too discouraged with my improvement. If anyone else has ever gone through something similar to this in their training I would love to hear about it so leave a comment or two.
posted by Jits @ 10:01 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
One of the great things about BJJ is that at the end of the day, belt colour means not a great deal. I've seen 4 year white belts, that have trained consistently but chosen not to compete, absolutely school blue belts who have competed.
It is very possible that you will be able to train 4 times a week as you want and improve at a constant level. Competition BJJ is a different beast and demands a different sort of mind set really and isn't for everyone. You may find that in time, you will be able to put in the time to compete and your extra time at white belt will hold you in good stead.
Good luck
Your blog is extremely engrossing because it seems like a phantom narration of my BJJ journey. From the injuries, self doubt, skill envy, & self comparison. The only difference is that I started 1 year earlier than you. My instructor wants me to test for my Blue Dec '06 and I still don't think I'm worthy. Keep chugging along brother. I think the psychological coaster ride is what makes BJJ so grueling.
Yeah I also did some damage to the cartlidge and my doctor basically gave me the same advice your doctor did. I took a month off and it still hurts to this day when I have a lot of pressure on it. It isn't near as bad as the first week was. I had a minor fracture also but I couldnt breath heavy that first week with out major pain.
I wanna thank everyone for the words of encouragement as they are great motivation. Its also nice to hear others past successes and failures in this sport as it helps put everything in perspective.
Hey man, I'm 6 months into my BJJ training and I can totally relate to you.
There has been testing at my gym and I read your blue belt envy post. I was imagining myself with a blue as well. I haven't read all your posts but yeah...we're in a similar boat.
I dunno how big you are but I'm considered "small". I'm about 5'7 and 125lbs. Its so frustrating sometimes when other guys power you out...they're just so damn heavy. I'm at a point where I understand the BJJ game and I can see it. But I just gotta be able to do it.
I don't I've ever been able to actually tap someone in my beginners class yet...I do most of the tapping or get positionally dominated. My instructor who is about my size tells me to not give up and keep trying.
I think Royce Gracie said something like (paraphrased) "Your belt covers 2'' of your ass and you gotta cover the rest up yourself".
Keep bloggin' my friend. There are many of us white-belts. We can do it
I am in the 4th month of my BJJ journey and I to can really relate to your blog, however my situation is alittle different. I am 38 yrs old and had been a couch potatoe for about 8 yrs. Getting married and having kids had really slowed me down.
Starting BJJ is one of the best decisions of my life. I have lost 20 lbs and I feel so much better both mentally and physically.
Good luck to you sir.
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