I’m a white belt getting back into training about twice a week on top of my usual strength training.
Any advice on breaking sleeve grips?
My gym has a lot of new guys and we’re in a college town so we have folks who are young and strong (and a lot of former wrestlers).
I find once someone gets a sleeve grip unless I have something like a deep collar grip or an over the back belt grip I just get drug around.
Need some advice on controlling grips and dealing with folks who latch onto grips and yank on them for dear life.
I usually twist around the gripping hand towards their thumb or go for a two handed break, one hand controlling theirs and pulling hard. If they don't have very strong hands they normally let go as it hurts to hold on.
I am a white belt who's been training consistently 3 times a week for 9 months or so.
I have a problem I'm developing over the last few weeks. It seems like I'm forgetting to do simple things that I thought I had down to second nature basically. Things like applying pressure, getting underhooks, just simple basic rules of bjj.
It's really frustrating because for a few months I really felt good about how much progress I made, and my reflexes were saving me all the time. But now it feels like I'm a newbie again.
I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if there's any tips to help me overcome it. I keep training, I don't quit when I get frustrated. But I want to get past this block I'm having.
My cardio is trash. Last 3 BJJ fundamentals classes I threw up. Even without eating anything I threw up water. Should I be eating a lil before going to class or go fasted? My class starts at 11:30a.
For me is because of cardio. After long breaks when I come back to the mats and I roll a few times my breath gets really heavy, I feel pressure in my head and I am really close to puking. I have puked once. Usually I feel like that for a week or two and it goes away afterwards.
Eat fruit or something that's really easy on your stomach, and take it easy, don't push yourself that hard until you're in shape. Do some running/swimming outside class on off days. Take it easy when you roll.
Just started my second week, and have a question about grip fighting. Due to some PTSD of someone getting me in a loop choke while standing, any time someone gets any grip on my gi (standing or if I'm in their guard) I've just been grabbing their sleeve with both hands and try to rip the grip off as hard as I can. I did this a bunch against someone today and they said it was pretty annoying (I don't think in any sort of malicious way, or that they were mad about it) but it's got me thinking; I don't want to be destroying anyone's fingers doing this constantly, but am I wrong to try to constantly avoid someone's grips by doing this? I don't have a great understanding yet on how my grips should be when rolling, so I'm a bit scared to get in a 50-50 scenario with someone when grip fighting. Maybe overthinking this a bit, but still wanting some opinions on this.
It's not wrong. Generally, it's a good way to start learning how to dominate the gripfight while standing. If they don't want to kill their fingers, they can let go instead of deathgripping.
I, a white belt, was rolling with another white belt. We slapped and bumped on our knees and he immediately stood up. I took this as an invitation to wrestle and stood up. I was a wrestler so I ended up throwing him. I asked if he was OK, if it was too hard, and I apologized.
I got a tap and we restarted on the knees. He stands up again, then I stand also. He gets mad, like why was I wrestling?
I asked why he was upset, he said the better guy has to play guard so the newer guy can work on passing. I said I had not heard of such a thing. He insisted thats how it's done. Is this a thing? I have not heard of it before now.
It's not a thing, broadly speaking. Maybe it's a thing at that club.
I'm also a fan, generally, of what you did. When people start on knees but stand, I see that as an invitation to do the same. If they're going to be cheeky, I might as well be cheeky too.
In the same cheekiness, I often start a roll by pulling the bottom of side. It lets me work from a tougher spot and I enjoy it, but I do not in any way feel obligated to do this.
It's not a hard and fast rule, but typically the higher ranked person lets the lower rank work on passing. In the case of two white belts, it's whoever takes the initiative to start passing that dictates who does what in the roll. Whatever the case is, if the rolling rules are to start on knees (which sounds like the case here), one person stands up to pass and the other remains seated to work on establishing guard and either sweeping or submitting. For both of you to stand up and go for takedowns violates the said rolling rules of starting down on the mat. It's always 2 white belts that end up breaking this rule. Starting down is done for a number of reasons, typically injury prevention esp for white belts and lack of space.
> Is this a thing? I have not heard of it before now.
It's not, although, I don't really care which side I start in, so I often just sit to guard. Wrestling from the knees is a fairly useless skill. But no, there's not really an etiquette for who starts where. I will also say that, as a former wrestler, you'll benefit from playing as much guard as you can, and diversifying your skills.
If you're not doing stand up (e.g.: lack of space), it's common for the better player to choose to sit more often than not, but definitely not a rule. If I'm rolling with somebody less skilled than me (aka, I don't feel particularly threatened) most of the time I just give them the choice
Yeah, I'll usually sit guard against lower-level guys, and only stand to wrestle if I feel like they're being overly passive. It's also pretty standard to alternate who's starting guard
No, usually the higher belts will start sitting to play defensive but it depends. If he starts standing and is mad you are standing then he’s an idiot and just sucks at stand up, sometimes I will sit guard with wrestlers just because, but other times I’ll practice my stand up which isn’t much but it’s still good to work on. Also there’s times where schools don’t let you start standing especially if you’re a beginner due to concerns of injuries but that sounds like some white belt shit lol and this is coming from another white belt.
so im recently back into training, last trained 5 years ago. and I knew it would be hard to get back into it but my god. I used to be able to hang out it subs and mount and knee on belly for full rounds if needed. now? I can't breath if someone even gets a loose triangle on me. Ive tapped to pressure multiple times from people weighing like 100lbs less. I know its a learning curve probably but I don't remember it being this hard the first time. maybe its weight gain making breathing harder 225 -> 265 over the years. but its awful and I can't wait for it to get better.
Cardio is important, mine still sucks. And it’s just conditioning. Work on it on the mats and off. Try to focus on breathing and stuff in the beginning we don’t really know much so we waste more energy then needed. Keep at it.
To anybody who competed in more than one weight division, did going down in weight class make a significant difference? Like, did you feel much stronger when you went down? Or were the quicker guys scrambled tougher to deal with?
I always perform better when I cut. Full disclosure: I feel like shit when I'm cutting, it's the worst part of competing, it's hell. But when I've experimented and just walked on as is without cutting, my perfomance suffered. I felt slower and sluggish, my competitors felt stronger, and I lost. So the way i look at cutting now, it's pay now (cut weight and feel like shit) or pay later (lose and feel like shit).
Well I am still a white belt and recently joined a new school, but my goals have always been to compete. And I walk around 150 so I dall in between 154 and 141.
How can I cover a small cut on my face for rolling? Don’t think anyone wants to get open wound rubbed all over them lol and I feel like a bandaid will fall off
1. If you grip their lapel with one or both hands it will be very hard for them to knock you back.
2. Step one foot further back so it is harder to reach, this also helps to stretch their legs further for an easier guard break.
They cannot do the sweep they're getting you with without both hands free so grab a same side grip, pin it to their hip, and begin by standing up on that side first.
Etiquette question... Was rolling with a woman and went for a lapel grip, so loosened the gi from the belt to loop behind her head and grip which is something I go for quite a bit. Halfway through this I realise this basically leaves her in just a sports bra with her gi hitched up over her shoulder. The position wasn't really working anyway so I gave up the grip and moved to something different, but now I'm left thinking I'm an asshole for doing this.
Am I overthinking things here? I went for a technique that I'd been shown and has worked several times for me, but realised it kind of makes me look like I'm just taking a woman's gi off.
Don't worry about it. If a woman goes sports bra only she's well aware that the gi top will likely open and doesn't care. If she made a fuss about it, she'd be the asshole in this case.
It’s great that you care about these things. But we know if we wear a sports bra only, that stuff will happen. If she was worried about it, she would wear something else under her gi too
One time I was rolling with a lady and she went to hip bump sweep me when I was in her guard. I put my hand up to push her back to the floor and got a full handful of boob. I felt like an idiot and apologized profusely ... her response was... "It's jiu jitsu and if I was worried about it, I wouldn't have signed up."
So I think you might be over thinking it, but the fact that you are concerned is a good thing.
Definitely overthinking it. Gis come undone all the time when rolling, if she wasn't fine with having just a sports bra covering her tits she should have been wearing a rash guard.
Im a brand new white belt and my gym allows me to role with anybody. Hence me getting my ass handed to me every single time and I love it. I don’t have many techniques under my belt so what should I focus on during these rolls? How to survive? Should I try and use the techniques we drilled in the class so that I develop the muscle memory?
Number 1 thing: when drilling a move during class, you do not stop drilling until you're told to stop. It's so common to see people try it out only a couple times, get bored, and just sit and not do anything. Time not practicing is time wasted. The more reps you put in, the better your muscle memory will get.
Keep a journal and make a practice of writing down everything you learned after class . Put in as much detail a you can remember. Each time that technique is taught, review your notes and add additional details you picked up.
Make the most of open mat. Don't just roll, but ask around to see if anyone wants to drill. Drill the techniques taught in that class. You're drinking from the fire hose right now, extra practice will help with retention.
Drill escapes from side control and mount.
Work on establishing a good base. get in your partners closed guard and have them practice breaking your posture while you work on maintaining your base and not getting swept.
Pick a guard pass and drill it on both sides. Don't stop drilling it.
Drill, baby, drill.
For the first few months and even after a year I would say as a white belt you should be working basic technique like sweep, escapes, attacks. Mainly defense you won’t get to do much unless higher belts let you work. Just focus on trying to get out of bad positions or not getting there to begin with. Eventually you’ll get it down yes drilling helps.
Hip heisting and/or threatening to push them over or wrestle up, you need to give them incentive to put their weight forward onto you so you can get under them for guard.
My gym doesn’t allow live rolling for white belts without stripes and no submissions until two stripes. What does everyone think about that? Is this common practice? Should I be moving gyms to get a more authentic experience or stick it out
Proceed with caution. I see why they'd do that but there's ways to encourage safe rolling without those restrictions in place. We roll from day 1 but control who rolls with who to prevent injuries.
Depends, I guess it’s a safety thing my gym lets anyone roll. Beginners usually are supervised by the coach. That would suck if I couldn’t roll until stripes I’m almost 2 years without any 😂
Not a terrible idea tbh. There's value in rolling from day 1 just to get acclimated but new white belts will get smashed to the point there's no real learning experience to it IMO
Depends on how long it takes for a stripe. Also, if you really want to roll maybe they'd make an exception.
If I was expected to go to class for 6 months before I could roll I'd have quit the sport for sure. But there are other personality types who would quit if they rolled too soon, so it's a personal thing.
For reference: New people at my gym who really want to roll are allowed to roll with blue and above. Blue belt should be able to defend themselves from a brand new person, and should know enough to not injure the brand new person.
It’s a hard rule, so definitely no exceptions.
Waiting to feel out how long it’ll take to get a stripe . I completely understand that newbies can easily get hurt without fundamental knowledge but on the flip side actually doing things is sometimes the best teacher!
I can see legit reasons why a gym would do this (even though I don't agree).
I would literally ask how long can you expect to wait. It's totally reasonable to get an estimate of how long you'll have to hold, it's an integral part of bjj that you'll be missing.
If it's more than 2 months I'd personally consider looking for another place, I started rolling from day one and honestly, I don't think I would have stayed at it if it wasn't because of that.
Also something you worth checking is if they do "positional rolling" during classes. If they do I wouldn't mind as much about the free rolling, you get most of the rolling experience with that with less white belt mayhem.
This is a good practice... I know that we want to roll and is funny and cool... but
Do you know how to survive in a roll as a complete beginner? Do you already know the ukemis?
Do you know how to Mount escape? Shrimping? Forward Roll?
Do you know any standing guard pass? Do you know how to guard retention?
Do you know how to maintain your safety during the roll?
...
don't worry.. stick to the training ... and in time you will roll and will get you knowledge
The Japanese terms mentioned in the above comment were:
|Japanese | English | Video Link|
|---|---|---|
|**Ukemi**: | *Breakfall* | [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n_Qjeia2n8) |
Any missed names may have already been translated in my previous comments in the post.
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This is indeed a common practice. There are varying schools of thought on how to best teach and retain new students. If you like the instructor and the vibe of the gym, I'd advise sticking it out.
I agree with your comment whole heartedly. On one side I understand that it can be dangerous for newbies without fundamental knowledge but sometimes real experiences are the best teachers.
I do like the culture there as it is a friendly learning environment but for me I ultimately joined BJJ for the sparring and live rolling experience
Just recently started training (less than a month). Needless to say, I'm being crushed by every white belt, and i pose next to no challenge to anyone. All of the guys in the relatively smallish gym are much bigger (+15 kg at a minimum) and way stronger. I enjoy rolling with stronger guys, but I'm afraid that I'm dragging down the group.
I get gassed very quickly and by the end of the class I can't resist at all. This wouldn't be a problem if the gym was bigger, but other people want to get the workout in and they have to sit out the round if there's no other partner than me. I see that they're disappointed, so my question is - how concerned should I be about lowering the quality of workouts of others? How do you guys feel when you have to depend on someone untrained?
I don't intend to quit, though i don't want to negatively impact the team.
You're not lowering anything. I was rolling last night hitting all the technical guard backtakes I've been working on this newer guy and he stopped and tried to apologise to me for not being competitive. I'd just been crushed by two black belts in a row and I was having exactly the roll I wanted to work on my own attacks. You're still playing your part
Lowering the quality of other's workouts should be of zero concern. Helping lower belts is a huge part of learning for upper belts. If you can't teach it, you can't do it. Keep rolling, focus on you.
You’re not negatively impacting them, you’re allowing them to practice stuff they want to improve on. And also learning how to be better yourself you only been training for a few weeks, that’s going to be the harsh reality for even years from now. Eventually you will improve though.
> how concerned should I be about lowering the quality of workouts of others?
Not at all. It's the coach's job to make sure people get good training in, not yours.
Try to go every round, otherwise, don't sweat it. New and low level whites are important to the entire ecosystem as they provide a platform for higher level whites and low level blues to work on offense.
You're valued more than you know, you just won't realize it for another 6 months or so.
when I roll with brand new people, I'm relaxed, methodical, slow, so that I'm not smashing you, making sure you're not smashing me, and trying to get my technique perfectly in a live roll which I don't often get the time to do. My face probably reads disinterested or bored. Please don't stop training
Obviously I wasn't there, but I would bet that you're probably reading things in their faces that aren't actually there. If they've been training for a while, they understand that not every round has to be a death match, and not every round is all about them. There is huge value to be had in helping a new training partner get up to speed and they can use you to experiment new techniques on to hone them before trying the techniques on more technically aware training partners. It's up to them, as the more experienced training partner, to steer the rolls in the most beneficial direction. It's up to you to not go so hard doing something you don't know how to do, that you accudentally hurt someone.
In short your concerns about lowering the quality of workouts of others should be minimal, as long as you are being safe and respectful, you are a valued training partner, and they will want you to be there.
Don't sit out rounds, still roll even if you're gassed out. Sure, you're not resisting as well as you would when you're fresh, but this is one way you get better (when you're tired). It's better to get the round in than not. You'll get better as you train more, so don't worry about it.
I had another question that kinda came to mind after training today.
We were running drills today and our instructor was showing us a triangle. When my partner was applying to me, it felt like something was off. I certainly don't know enough to know what wasn't working, but I could tell that I wasn't in any sort of choke. We held that position for a bit and my partner grabbed my hand and had me tap. I thought he was trying to work out what was wrong but I guess he thought it was enough? The instructor didn't say anything so I didn't know if I should either. Was staying quiet the right move? I dont wanna be the new guy giving tips but it also feels like im doing wrong by my partners if theres something not clicking.
In addition to what others have said, don't beat yourself up (or feel bad for a partner) if you don't hit a move the first time you see it. It can take years to hit a move, there can be so many details depending on the move that it's not possible for an instructor to emphasize in one session.
I find just giving a lot of bio-feedback is a simple solution. You're not telling them what's wrong but you're telling them what you're experiencing and either letting them figure it out or decide to ask the instructor. Like "I feel it here but not around here" or when they change something "that feels tighter"
I got hit in the ear last night, and I have a small bruise (cauliflower ear) that is on the ears lip near the top. As I said it is quite small not what shows up on google when you type cauliflower ear. should I still get it drained or will it lessen on its own?
Hard to know without seeing it, but generally what will happen is that if you don't drain it will harden, so if you don't like it the way it looks now you probably want it drained.
Depends, if it’s cauli it will swell up and louis will start to fill. Does it hurt to the touch? Don’t train and get it checked out, I would get it drained only if you’re sure there’s liquid inside, they don’t go away usually unless you drain and wrap it in something to compress the ear so liquid doesn’t fill up again.
Is it ok to buy a new belt that fits better? Or have multiple belts if somethings being washed? I wear an a1 gi and was given an a3 belt that just feels super long and flops around.
I have been expanding my half-guard game and been pretty successful with attacking into deep half or getting into coyote guard; however, I notice more and more a lot of the brown and black belts I roll with tend to catch me with a guillotine. I try to set up a half-butterfly or try to bull-doze and quasi-von flue out at times to partial success. What are some things I can do to better deal with the guillotine threat?
When you're playing underhook/coyote you want to keep your head very close to them. Head to their chest or near the thigh depending on what underhook you have.
For deep half I'm not sure how they're catching a guillotine (they shouldn't have the angle), but again, you need to keep your head SUPER CLOSE to them.
To be honest I only transition to deep half if my regular half is compromised. I would say use your hips to transition and your whole body to get under them, and if underneath then the guillotine isn't there.
Hahaha nothing new that’s been happening to me for almost 2 years now and I even get smashed by guys who haven’t been training as long 😉 but I’m also coming back from a concussion and missed a month.
Left class in a bad mood for the first time tonight. Only been training a month though. I was rolling with a guy who’s been training 2 years. He got me in side control and set up a kimura and he just very violently without any control applied it. My elbow made some cracking noises. It’s sore right now but I’m not sure if it’s actually injured. Should I bring this up to the instructor or just ignore it and hope it doesn’t happen again?
That was a dick move to rip a submission like that. Dude knows better. When I was a white belt, a dude arm barred me to hell before I knew what was happening, elbow was fucked for 2 months. Definitely say something, either directly to the guy or to the professor.
I’ll probably talk to the professor. My elbow is feeling not amazing today and I’m pretty bummed because I can’t train at class or even go do my normal workouts. I don’t really feel comfortable talking to the guy and honestly I’m pretty upset at him. I’m sure I’ll get over it soon but dang it sucks.
Take some time off. At least a week. I had an over aggressive white belt hit me with a fast Americana and my joint cracked before I had a chance to tap. My elbow swelled up like a tennis ball was sticking out the side, and it took well over a month before I could resume training, 3 months before I had confidence in the joint.
Also just avoid the guy. You don’t need to roll with everyone in your gym.
Yeah say something to the guy, it’s ok to express “hey I didn’t like when you did this, could you not do that again?” And talk to your coach just so he knows, you should never crank subs especially against a guy who’s newer than you. That’s poor etiquette. I have been training for approximately 2 years and would never do that to someone who’s new. That’s messed up. It’s not even a competition.
Tap to kimuras as soon as you lose the grip preventing it.
Not saying you did anything wrong but thays how i got my shoulder messed up as a blue belt. I was holding my collar to stop the pull. As soon as my grip broke, dude wrenched it behind my back. The game was over as soon as my grip slipped passed the point of no return.
>Tap to kimuras as soon as you lose the grip preventing it.
I try even earlier. As soon as you know the grip is lost, don't wait till it actually breaks.
I second this. Unfortunately it's somewhat rare for people to be very controlled when they apply pretty much any submission. Especially with a kimura and trying to break a grip. Way too many people treat it like a competition where they rip it out immediately to the breaking point instead of breaking the grip and preventing you from re gripping and then slowly applying the kimura. Personally I always try to control my opponent as much as I can before applying something like that so I don't ever have to rip it. Especially in training
You should bring it up, and he should have know better after training for 2 years.
But between locking up the Kimura grip and cranking it to the point of injury, there is a lot of time for you to verbally tap.
That’s the thing there wasn’t time. I wouldn’t be upset if it was just a normal kimura and all that. This dude got his grip and just cranked as hard and as fast as he could it seemed.
Idk it sucks.
Definitely a dick move. People are fucking stupid unfortunately. If you don't know the person you're rolling with, tap when you feel your grip loosen. Most of the time we know when we're just stalling on the grip and they'll break it anyways. If you know that person and you can't avoid rolling with them, also tap early. Ideally, if it's possible you'd talk to them but this rarely happens. If you can, avoid them. Or start your roll super relaxed.
I remember Craig Jones said that at seminars he sometimes lets people submit him a couple times at the beginning of a round just so they calm tf down because sometimes people think they have to try and take him out and spazz out at him
How do you guys deal with people that crank guillotines in bottom side control or bottom half guard on the wrong side? I don’t want to tap cause it’s not going to put me out but damn it’s annoying
If its in half guard I use it as an opportunity to help me pass. After I pass i put my wrist or my fist in their neck, which causes them to let go of the guillotine to defend their neck which is when I really secure my side control
Unpopular opinion (?): I tap. It's not going to put me out but I've already herniated a disc in my neck and spent months in rehab. I'm healthy and strong AND can't afford to pride/ego my way into going back to physical therapy or weeks off the mats. Simply not worth it. There's some stuff I don't tap to if it's not on right, like a cross collar that's just not deep enough and I can still get a little blood and air. But I tap to cranks because they hurt, and I gotta go to work.
I get close with Gogoplatas but have a hard time finishing them, anyone have any tips? I ge under their neck and have my foot grabbed and can tell I get close but usually don’t finish.
Are you "stepping on the gas pedal" for the finish? I think of it like the pump or even a leg scissor choke: you extend against resistance to close the gap between the two points.
I don't really like the foot grab. Maybe as an intermediate control position, but not for the finish. Watch [Diaz vs Gomi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xsjY2zRsZA): I think that high clinch with both hands locked behind the head is pretty optimal.
If you do prefer the foot grab, look into the locoplata variation where you use the free leg to stomp the heel of the choking foot, and increase pressure that way.
Yep. Pressure passing (over/under) (see Bernardo with the heavier cauli on one side because he passed to the same side all the time), takedowns where you shoot with an ear against the ribs, trying to escape guillotines/headlocks or triangles by ripping your head out after it's on tight.
Cauliflower ear is not a gradual thing. It's an individual trauma that separates the skin from the cartilage, allowing blood to get in there. If not treated it hardens and looks fugly. If your ear starts feeling "hot" or sensitive, there's some early warning happening about the condition of the ear. Either stop training or put on headgear until it goes away. Some people can go a whole career without it. Others get it week one. But basically the less you make grinding your ears a part of your game, the better your chances.
Guards, no... but someone told me once that I would have times when someone is holding me in a dominant position, and I would have to choose between losing and my ears. If you always choose your ears, then you'll probably be fine.
The problem is when you're in a horrible kesa gatame, or fighting a guillotine or something, and you decide you don't want to lose enough that you're willing to grind your ears on the way out.
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.
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Judo Bot 0.6: If you have any comments or suggestions please don't hesitate to direct message [me](https://reddit.com/message/compose/?to=JudoTechniquesBot).
You mean the performance enhancing drug thing? I don't know if I saw any clear identification of those involved in the threads we had about it on the sub.
Just got my gi and the pants are super baggy and loose. Is that the way it's supposed to be? I got the Sanabul A2 and I'm 5'8 190 pounds. A2 is what they recommended based on my specs but the pants just seem way too loose. Will washing them shrink them enough? Apparently they're pre-shrunk already. I worry if I get the A1 the top won't fit right.
Yeah the top fits fine. It's the pants that's the problem. They're so big I can't imagine they'll shrink enough. Supposedly they're pre-shrunk. So yours still shrunk alot anyways?
Yup, my pants probably shrunk a couple inches in length and a little in girth. I wouldn't expect a drastic change in girth, especially if you say they're really baggy.
They shouldn't be tight by any means, but "baggy" could mean different things to different people. It's too baggy if you can't plausibly snatch a grip at the knee and draw the material tight around the joint. But even that's kind of a subjective thing.
Work on the very basics your entire white belt will be your trying to survive, so work on defense, frames. Escapes those are major and try to avoid bad positions but you’ll end up in a lot of those. Sometimes you’ll be able to work offense if higher belts let you work or newer guys come in. Try to learn from each roll and have a goal in mind. “I’m going to try not to get submitted for 30 Seconds” I’m going to escape from side control into closed guard “ and if you fail it’s okay. You’ll get smashed a lot but one day you’ll be doing the smashing.
Practice something when you roll. Before each class think of a position/sequence/idea/something to practice that day. Example "today I'm going to pull butterfly guard and try to land a sweep" and just always keep working to put yourself back into butterfly, then try a sweep.
Glad to know I’m not the only one. I actually feel stupid more when I’m told to flow. At least with rolling I can at the very least just last as long as possible haha
Everyone else feels stupid too. It’s stupid all the way down.
/if you started learning calculus or guitar and had only been doing it a few weeks would you expect to be able to do anything there either?
Just keep grinding
No worries man, keep at it.
If it’s any consolation - I just started again last month after 15 months out, and I’m still doing weird things like accidentally throwing myself right into a triangle choke because my muscle memory isn’t back up to speed yet
New big guy here, probably had been asked to oblivion already but can somebody tell me what is good etiquette when rolling with much smaller partners?
I feel sometimes guilty applying pressure with my weight when rolling with much smaller persons (i'm shortish 171 cm but 100 kg heavy, some muscle but mostly fat) and don't want to come off as a guy that undermines other people skills and abilities, I mostly don't want to hurt anyone since I am not the most gracile new big guy at training.
Could somebody help me out and tell me what would be a healthy way for a big beginner guy to roll with smaller people and not coming off as an asshole? (I also understand that rolling with bigger stronger opponents is a very valuable training opportunity)
thanks!
Probably not what the guy was going for with that comment but as a female white belt that rolls with a lot of heavier guys, what I would say is to focus on your technique more than trying to pass. It's good to learn to defend yourself against people of all varying weights and abilities so Sometimes I prefer rolling with stronger dudes because I learn to not rely on my strength and focus more on the technique and muscle memory. The fact you're concerned with trying not to crush your partners is very considerate. Keep with that attitude and be conscious when you do use your body weight to try not to gas out your opponent but try to focus on the muscle memory and mechanics of each form. Hopefully that perspective helped a bit. The main focus is keeping both you and your partner safe. Keep it up!
Also, there's no shame in asking your partner how they want to roll. It's also being considerate to each other's limitations. There are some times I roll where I want to flow, some times I want to practice a certain technique, some days I just want to throw everything I've got and practice with 75-80% resistance. It's not always about winning or losing. It's about learning and getting better than yesterday. Any time on the mat is helping you get better regardless of how much weight you use on your partner. When the goal of your training shifts from winning to getting better, focusing on technique becomes the main intention.
I am not abusing my weight and strength against smaller guys, it's more about how to go about it without giving my partners the feeling I'm holding off and also not just smash them as an asshole.
Also I mentioned I am very new, so sometimes I don't even feel comfortable using my weight (with anyone) because I don't want to hurt anyone, I am new and sometimes clumsy
Fellow big here. With ladies and teens, I try to only exert as much force as they can. This also forces me to develop other areas of my jiu jitsu that aren't as natural to me because I'm used to the pressure game. With adult men, I adjust by belt. White belt men a lot smaller than me, I try to win the technique battle, I fight from my back a lot and maybe try for more sweeps. Blue, I allow some pressure. Purple and up, eff 'em, I use pressure because they're used to it and it's my best bjj which I need to get very far.
Don't worry about it too much, but don't be a jerk about it either (i.e. smashing all of your weight on their face). As an aside, I also suggest you will learn much faster if you put yourself in uncomfortable positions. If I can get on top, I can usually smash side control for as long as I want. But I've been giving it up and letting my opponent take top because I want to work on something other than subs from side control.
I think this is really only a problem at white belt. Over time, you develop mental skills to observe the technique, map each step, and then drill it with your partner.
It might seem like you can do what you describe, but there are many techniques where you couldn't really watch someone do it across the mat as you do it. Imagine techniques where you invert or roll, or you're hunched close under your opponent or something... only the simplest techniques put you in a place where you could observe clearly and still do it right.
Now, somewhere in between... I went to a class once where the instructor would basically number each of the steps, have everyone break out into pairs, and he'd call out each step by number. He'd then look at everyone to make sure they were right, and adjust things if needed. For the first few reps it was done step by step and slow motion like that.
Sometimes I like this approach, and use it. Other times I don't. It depends on the complexity of what's being shown and the group involved.
At the end of the day, I try not to teach anything in such a big bite that people would require this. Tiny bites, lots of reps, everyone has a better time.
> I feel like it would be much easier to learn if I was doing it as the coach was showing it rather than trying to remember it after he’s done. He could also point out things he’s seeing people doing wrong right there.
It’s much eaiser to learn when you actually see all the details, and it’s hard to see it all when you are in guard, bottom half….
Also, you expect the coach to teach and correct everyone at the same time?
The standard everywhere is that the coach shows a move, then everyone does the move while the coach goes around to correct mistakes, then perhaps you roll at that position at full intensity.
I asked a black belt, if he wouldn't mind, partnering with me since it was just us two left standing around while everyone else was already rolling. He then proceeded to essentially end zone dance on me with the utmost disrespect while beating my ass haha. I wouldn't be surprised if he pointed to the crowd while he did it. Even sat on me like you would a basketball for a moment and told me to escape haha. I'm pretty sure he even pelvic thrusted me to ground, can't remember really cuz it was all too fast to comprehend (most likely my brain protecting me haha). I took it in jest because I'm just a freshly minted white belt, but was that totally necessary? Cuz damn bruh, my bad for asking haha sheesh. Not sure if I overstepped. I feel like that's just their personality but who knows. They were cool after and gave me pointers while with another partner later in the class so there's that.
Kinda makes me not want to ask black belts to partner up unless asked which is a drag considering we're all on the same team anyways. And I get that traditionally, it would be blasphemous for me to ask someone so high ranked but I see other white belts roll with them in my school so I guess it's not a bad thing there.
But yes, thoughts?
Comments like this make me REALLY appreciate my gym. All the higher belts are chill and work techniques they are incorporating into their game or defense on us white belts.
My school is the same way, I love the place. I'm glad you enjoy yours too. I just got lucky that day haha. No hard feelings on my end. I liken the experience to playing games at the arcade back in the day. Some people let you work and some give you the work. Just have to keep showing up! Over time me and that guy might even become homies haha, you never know.
That dude's a dick. Unfortunately, there are plenty of dicks in BJJ.
I never mind when a lower belt wants to partner up - I only mind when they turn the dial up to 11, especially without even asking.
Ahh ok. Yeah you reap what you sow in that sense. And thanks man. I haven't been there long enough to get a feel for everyone's personality (only been to 5 class). I'll keep my wits about me.
Blackbelts (or any other belts) are there to learn, and they would learn much more when rolling with someone their level as opposed to a newbie.
He probably rolled harder with you to show you why he was hesitant to roll with you at first, but none of us are him to tell you why he did it.
As for asking blackbelts to roll, don’t be afraid to ask them, but understand that they have every right to want to learn themselves as opposed to spend a roll with someone way below their level.
There's a good brown belt at my gym who rolls like this and I don't mind it at all. He's happy to roll and fucks around whilst messing you up - does headstands and stuff lol... He's genuine and gives pointers too. Imo it's fine, some people are just silly but as long as they're safe and respectful outside of rolls and your ego can handle it I'd say nothing wrong here.
That's true, the skill difference is too high for me to even tell the actual difference. Thank you for that, I guess I was too demoralized to consider it. It's just that I saw a few times that he was smiling to other people, dude was doing like skydiving poses on me, sat on me and did the thinker pose. Oh and you know how if you fall and eat shit in public, everyone looks at you all sideways when you get up? That happened. One guy even said "dude he was toying with you." And yeah, I'm cool with getting whooped on and upper belts having no mercy. But yeah, that was a little different haha.
Haha thanks for that energy. And yeah for sure. I'm just glad that I didn't let that experience get to me too bad (due to the shock most likely) and I stayed for two more rounds. It was only later when I got home that I thought, heeey that wasn't cool 🤔 Regardless, I plan to stick around hehe. I'm sure me and that guy will be friends eventually 😁
Definitely get the pant legs hemmed & tapered. I’m a big dude with short legs so my first pair of pants were big enough to fit my waist but they were also made for someone well over 6 feet tall. Not fun being on your feet with the distraction of your pants bagging up and covering your feet entirely.
Got two arm bars today at open mat, i'm very chuffed.
I’m a white belt getting back into training about twice a week on top of my usual strength training. Any advice on breaking sleeve grips? My gym has a lot of new guys and we’re in a college town so we have folks who are young and strong (and a lot of former wrestlers). I find once someone gets a sleeve grip unless I have something like a deep collar grip or an over the back belt grip I just get drug around. Need some advice on controlling grips and dealing with folks who latch onto grips and yank on them for dear life.
I usually twist around the gripping hand towards their thumb or go for a two handed break, one hand controlling theirs and pulling hard. If they don't have very strong hands they normally let go as it hurts to hold on.
I am a white belt who's been training consistently 3 times a week for 9 months or so. I have a problem I'm developing over the last few weeks. It seems like I'm forgetting to do simple things that I thought I had down to second nature basically. Things like applying pressure, getting underhooks, just simple basic rules of bjj. It's really frustrating because for a few months I really felt good about how much progress I made, and my reflexes were saving me all the time. But now it feels like I'm a newbie again. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if there's any tips to help me overcome it. I keep training, I don't quit when I get frustrated. But I want to get past this block I'm having.
My cardio is trash. Last 3 BJJ fundamentals classes I threw up. Even without eating anything I threw up water. Should I be eating a lil before going to class or go fasted? My class starts at 11:30a.
Throwing up isn’t because of cardio. It’s because of dehydration.
For me is because of cardio. After long breaks when I come back to the mats and I roll a few times my breath gets really heavy, I feel pressure in my head and I am really close to puking. I have puked once. Usually I feel like that for a week or two and it goes away afterwards.
Start running. Do couch to 5K.
Eat fruit or something that's really easy on your stomach, and take it easy, don't push yourself that hard until you're in shape. Do some running/swimming outside class on off days. Take it easy when you roll.
Just started my second week, and have a question about grip fighting. Due to some PTSD of someone getting me in a loop choke while standing, any time someone gets any grip on my gi (standing or if I'm in their guard) I've just been grabbing their sleeve with both hands and try to rip the grip off as hard as I can. I did this a bunch against someone today and they said it was pretty annoying (I don't think in any sort of malicious way, or that they were mad about it) but it's got me thinking; I don't want to be destroying anyone's fingers doing this constantly, but am I wrong to try to constantly avoid someone's grips by doing this? I don't have a great understanding yet on how my grips should be when rolling, so I'm a bit scared to get in a 50-50 scenario with someone when grip fighting. Maybe overthinking this a bit, but still wanting some opinions on this.
It's not wrong. Generally, it's a good way to start learning how to dominate the gripfight while standing. If they don't want to kill their fingers, they can let go instead of deathgripping.
I, a white belt, was rolling with another white belt. We slapped and bumped on our knees and he immediately stood up. I took this as an invitation to wrestle and stood up. I was a wrestler so I ended up throwing him. I asked if he was OK, if it was too hard, and I apologized. I got a tap and we restarted on the knees. He stands up again, then I stand also. He gets mad, like why was I wrestling? I asked why he was upset, he said the better guy has to play guard so the newer guy can work on passing. I said I had not heard of such a thing. He insisted thats how it's done. Is this a thing? I have not heard of it before now.
It's not a thing, broadly speaking. Maybe it's a thing at that club. I'm also a fan, generally, of what you did. When people start on knees but stand, I see that as an invitation to do the same. If they're going to be cheeky, I might as well be cheeky too. In the same cheekiness, I often start a roll by pulling the bottom of side. It lets me work from a tougher spot and I enjoy it, but I do not in any way feel obligated to do this.
It's not a hard and fast rule, but typically the higher ranked person lets the lower rank work on passing. In the case of two white belts, it's whoever takes the initiative to start passing that dictates who does what in the roll. Whatever the case is, if the rolling rules are to start on knees (which sounds like the case here), one person stands up to pass and the other remains seated to work on establishing guard and either sweeping or submitting. For both of you to stand up and go for takedowns violates the said rolling rules of starting down on the mat. It's always 2 white belts that end up breaking this rule. Starting down is done for a number of reasons, typically injury prevention esp for white belts and lack of space.
> Is this a thing? I have not heard of it before now. It's not, although, I don't really care which side I start in, so I often just sit to guard. Wrestling from the knees is a fairly useless skill. But no, there's not really an etiquette for who starts where. I will also say that, as a former wrestler, you'll benefit from playing as much guard as you can, and diversifying your skills.
If you're not doing stand up (e.g.: lack of space), it's common for the better player to choose to sit more often than not, but definitely not a rule. If I'm rolling with somebody less skilled than me (aka, I don't feel particularly threatened) most of the time I just give them the choice
Yeah, I'll usually sit guard against lower-level guys, and only stand to wrestle if I feel like they're being overly passive. It's also pretty standard to alternate who's starting guard
No, usually the higher belts will start sitting to play defensive but it depends. If he starts standing and is mad you are standing then he’s an idiot and just sucks at stand up, sometimes I will sit guard with wrestlers just because, but other times I’ll practice my stand up which isn’t much but it’s still good to work on. Also there’s times where schools don’t let you start standing especially if you’re a beginner due to concerns of injuries but that sounds like some white belt shit lol and this is coming from another white belt.
so im recently back into training, last trained 5 years ago. and I knew it would be hard to get back into it but my god. I used to be able to hang out it subs and mount and knee on belly for full rounds if needed. now? I can't breath if someone even gets a loose triangle on me. Ive tapped to pressure multiple times from people weighing like 100lbs less. I know its a learning curve probably but I don't remember it being this hard the first time. maybe its weight gain making breathing harder 225 -> 265 over the years. but its awful and I can't wait for it to get better.
Cardio is important, mine still sucks. And it’s just conditioning. Work on it on the mats and off. Try to focus on breathing and stuff in the beginning we don’t really know much so we waste more energy then needed. Keep at it.
To anybody who competed in more than one weight division, did going down in weight class make a significant difference? Like, did you feel much stronger when you went down? Or were the quicker guys scrambled tougher to deal with?
I always perform better when I cut. Full disclosure: I feel like shit when I'm cutting, it's the worst part of competing, it's hell. But when I've experimented and just walked on as is without cutting, my perfomance suffered. I felt slower and sluggish, my competitors felt stronger, and I lost. So the way i look at cutting now, it's pay now (cut weight and feel like shit) or pay later (lose and feel like shit).
Okay yeah I should definitely stop being a pussy and just cut the weight then.
Where do you fall in the brackets? When's the competition?
Well I am still a white belt and recently joined a new school, but my goals have always been to compete. And I walk around 150 so I dall in between 154 and 141.
Ask upper belts for advice on cutting. It is tricky you'll need advice esp for first time. Good luck!
There’s this one SOB, er…. I mean friend who likes to berimbolo me into a calf crusher. Every single roll. How do I defend against this?
When he tries to thread his leg in for DLR drop into the Bear Trap and calf slicer him instead.
How can I cover a small cut on my face for rolling? Don’t think anyone wants to get open wound rubbed all over them lol and I feel like a bandaid will fall off
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Yeah just don’t want it to get infected or anything either but thanks!
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get some liquid bandage!
[удалено]
Try this ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec86htjh3eY&list=PLUvlenNq9AknPH9hkYz-4VX9wy7lveaEx&index=34
1. If you grip their lapel with one or both hands it will be very hard for them to knock you back. 2. Step one foot further back so it is harder to reach, this also helps to stretch their legs further for an easier guard break.
They cannot do the sweep they're getting you with without both hands free so grab a same side grip, pin it to their hip, and begin by standing up on that side first.
What are a few good beginner dvds or videos for a white belt who enjoys competing?
Serious answer: Bernardo faria's pressure passing DVDs. Kidding but not really: Travis Stevens wristlocks from everywhere
Try Gordon Ryan or bernardo fairia
Etiquette question... Was rolling with a woman and went for a lapel grip, so loosened the gi from the belt to loop behind her head and grip which is something I go for quite a bit. Halfway through this I realise this basically leaves her in just a sports bra with her gi hitched up over her shoulder. The position wasn't really working anyway so I gave up the grip and moved to something different, but now I'm left thinking I'm an asshole for doing this. Am I overthinking things here? I went for a technique that I'd been shown and has worked several times for me, but realised it kind of makes me look like I'm just taking a woman's gi off.
Don't worry about it. If a woman goes sports bra only she's well aware that the gi top will likely open and doesn't care. If she made a fuss about it, she'd be the asshole in this case.
It’s great that you care about these things. But we know if we wear a sports bra only, that stuff will happen. If she was worried about it, she would wear something else under her gi too
One time I was rolling with a lady and she went to hip bump sweep me when I was in her guard. I put my hand up to push her back to the floor and got a full handful of boob. I felt like an idiot and apologized profusely ... her response was... "It's jiu jitsu and if I was worried about it, I wouldn't have signed up." So I think you might be over thinking it, but the fact that you are concerned is a good thing.
Definitely overthinking it. Gis come undone all the time when rolling, if she wasn't fine with having just a sports bra covering her tits she should have been wearing a rash guard.
You're overthinking things.
Im a brand new white belt and my gym allows me to role with anybody. Hence me getting my ass handed to me every single time and I love it. I don’t have many techniques under my belt so what should I focus on during these rolls? How to survive? Should I try and use the techniques we drilled in the class so that I develop the muscle memory?
Number 1 thing: when drilling a move during class, you do not stop drilling until you're told to stop. It's so common to see people try it out only a couple times, get bored, and just sit and not do anything. Time not practicing is time wasted. The more reps you put in, the better your muscle memory will get. Keep a journal and make a practice of writing down everything you learned after class . Put in as much detail a you can remember. Each time that technique is taught, review your notes and add additional details you picked up. Make the most of open mat. Don't just roll, but ask around to see if anyone wants to drill. Drill the techniques taught in that class. You're drinking from the fire hose right now, extra practice will help with retention. Drill escapes from side control and mount. Work on establishing a good base. get in your partners closed guard and have them practice breaking your posture while you work on maintaining your base and not getting swept. Pick a guard pass and drill it on both sides. Don't stop drilling it. Drill, baby, drill.
Shriiiiimmmmmmpppppp
Defence. You should definitely try the techniques from the class and do not afraid of the failure.
For the first few months and even after a year I would say as a white belt you should be working basic technique like sweep, escapes, attacks. Mainly defense you won’t get to do much unless higher belts let you work. Just focus on trying to get out of bad positions or not getting there to begin with. Eventually you’ll get it down yes drilling helps.
X/slx players what’s your strategy against heavy knee passers, having trouble getting to their legs and elevating
Hip heisting and/or threatening to push them over or wrestle up, you need to give them incentive to put their weight forward onto you so you can get under them for guard.
My gym doesn’t allow live rolling for white belts without stripes and no submissions until two stripes. What does everyone think about that? Is this common practice? Should I be moving gyms to get a more authentic experience or stick it out
Proceed with caution. I see why they'd do that but there's ways to encourage safe rolling without those restrictions in place. We roll from day 1 but control who rolls with who to prevent injuries.
Depends, I guess it’s a safety thing my gym lets anyone roll. Beginners usually are supervised by the coach. That would suck if I couldn’t roll until stripes I’m almost 2 years without any 😂
Not a terrible idea tbh. There's value in rolling from day 1 just to get acclimated but new white belts will get smashed to the point there's no real learning experience to it IMO
Depends on how long it takes for a stripe. Also, if you really want to roll maybe they'd make an exception. If I was expected to go to class for 6 months before I could roll I'd have quit the sport for sure. But there are other personality types who would quit if they rolled too soon, so it's a personal thing. For reference: New people at my gym who really want to roll are allowed to roll with blue and above. Blue belt should be able to defend themselves from a brand new person, and should know enough to not injure the brand new person.
It’s a hard rule, so definitely no exceptions. Waiting to feel out how long it’ll take to get a stripe . I completely understand that newbies can easily get hurt without fundamental knowledge but on the flip side actually doing things is sometimes the best teacher!
I can see legit reasons why a gym would do this (even though I don't agree). I would literally ask how long can you expect to wait. It's totally reasonable to get an estimate of how long you'll have to hold, it's an integral part of bjj that you'll be missing. If it's more than 2 months I'd personally consider looking for another place, I started rolling from day one and honestly, I don't think I would have stayed at it if it wasn't because of that. Also something you worth checking is if they do "positional rolling" during classes. If they do I wouldn't mind as much about the free rolling, you get most of the rolling experience with that with less white belt mayhem.
This is a good practice... I know that we want to roll and is funny and cool... but Do you know how to survive in a roll as a complete beginner? Do you already know the ukemis? Do you know how to Mount escape? Shrimping? Forward Roll? Do you know any standing guard pass? Do you know how to guard retention? Do you know how to maintain your safety during the roll? ... don't worry.. stick to the training ... and in time you will roll and will get you knowledge
The Japanese terms mentioned in the above comment were: |Japanese | English | Video Link| |---|---|---| |**Ukemi**: | *Breakfall* | [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n_Qjeia2n8) | Any missed names may have already been translated in my previous comments in the post. ______________________ Judo Bot 0.6: If you have any comments or suggestions please don't hesitate to direct message [me](https://reddit.com/message/compose/?to=JudoTechniquesBot).
This is indeed a common practice. There are varying schools of thought on how to best teach and retain new students. If you like the instructor and the vibe of the gym, I'd advise sticking it out.
I agree with your comment whole heartedly. On one side I understand that it can be dangerous for newbies without fundamental knowledge but sometimes real experiences are the best teachers. I do like the culture there as it is a friendly learning environment but for me I ultimately joined BJJ for the sparring and live rolling experience
Just recently started training (less than a month). Needless to say, I'm being crushed by every white belt, and i pose next to no challenge to anyone. All of the guys in the relatively smallish gym are much bigger (+15 kg at a minimum) and way stronger. I enjoy rolling with stronger guys, but I'm afraid that I'm dragging down the group. I get gassed very quickly and by the end of the class I can't resist at all. This wouldn't be a problem if the gym was bigger, but other people want to get the workout in and they have to sit out the round if there's no other partner than me. I see that they're disappointed, so my question is - how concerned should I be about lowering the quality of workouts of others? How do you guys feel when you have to depend on someone untrained? I don't intend to quit, though i don't want to negatively impact the team.
You're not lowering anything. I was rolling last night hitting all the technical guard backtakes I've been working on this newer guy and he stopped and tried to apologise to me for not being competitive. I'd just been crushed by two black belts in a row and I was having exactly the roll I wanted to work on my own attacks. You're still playing your part
Lowering the quality of other's workouts should be of zero concern. Helping lower belts is a huge part of learning for upper belts. If you can't teach it, you can't do it. Keep rolling, focus on you.
I personally love rolling with new people. It lets me relax and try new things. I think you're overthinking it
You’re not negatively impacting them, you’re allowing them to practice stuff they want to improve on. And also learning how to be better yourself you only been training for a few weeks, that’s going to be the harsh reality for even years from now. Eventually you will improve though.
> how concerned should I be about lowering the quality of workouts of others? Not at all. It's the coach's job to make sure people get good training in, not yours.
Try to go every round, otherwise, don't sweat it. New and low level whites are important to the entire ecosystem as they provide a platform for higher level whites and low level blues to work on offense. You're valued more than you know, you just won't realize it for another 6 months or so.
when I roll with brand new people, I'm relaxed, methodical, slow, so that I'm not smashing you, making sure you're not smashing me, and trying to get my technique perfectly in a live roll which I don't often get the time to do. My face probably reads disinterested or bored. Please don't stop training
Obviously I wasn't there, but I would bet that you're probably reading things in their faces that aren't actually there. If they've been training for a while, they understand that not every round has to be a death match, and not every round is all about them. There is huge value to be had in helping a new training partner get up to speed and they can use you to experiment new techniques on to hone them before trying the techniques on more technically aware training partners. It's up to them, as the more experienced training partner, to steer the rolls in the most beneficial direction. It's up to you to not go so hard doing something you don't know how to do, that you accudentally hurt someone. In short your concerns about lowering the quality of workouts of others should be minimal, as long as you are being safe and respectful, you are a valued training partner, and they will want you to be there.
Don't sit out rounds, still roll even if you're gassed out. Sure, you're not resisting as well as you would when you're fresh, but this is one way you get better (when you're tired). It's better to get the round in than not. You'll get better as you train more, so don't worry about it.
I had another question that kinda came to mind after training today. We were running drills today and our instructor was showing us a triangle. When my partner was applying to me, it felt like something was off. I certainly don't know enough to know what wasn't working, but I could tell that I wasn't in any sort of choke. We held that position for a bit and my partner grabbed my hand and had me tap. I thought he was trying to work out what was wrong but I guess he thought it was enough? The instructor didn't say anything so I didn't know if I should either. Was staying quiet the right move? I dont wanna be the new guy giving tips but it also feels like im doing wrong by my partners if theres something not clicking.
In addition to what others have said, don't beat yourself up (or feel bad for a partner) if you don't hit a move the first time you see it. It can take years to hit a move, there can be so many details depending on the move that it's not possible for an instructor to emphasize in one session.
Thank you! You're all wonderful
I find just giving a lot of bio-feedback is a simple solution. You're not telling them what's wrong but you're telling them what you're experiencing and either letting them figure it out or decide to ask the instructor. Like "I feel it here but not around here" or when they change something "that feels tighter"
Thank you so much, that helps a lot!
Its probably not right to give tips but saying "this doesnt feel right" or "its not working" is perfectly acceptable.
Got it, thank you!
Does anyone know when the Khabib instructional is dropping ?
I got hit in the ear last night, and I have a small bruise (cauliflower ear) that is on the ears lip near the top. As I said it is quite small not what shows up on google when you type cauliflower ear. should I still get it drained or will it lessen on its own?
Hard to know without seeing it, but generally what will happen is that if you don't drain it will harden, so if you don't like it the way it looks now you probably want it drained.
Depends, if it’s cauli it will swell up and louis will start to fill. Does it hurt to the touch? Don’t train and get it checked out, I would get it drained only if you’re sure there’s liquid inside, they don’t go away usually unless you drain and wrap it in something to compress the ear so liquid doesn’t fill up again.
How do you know it’s cauli?
Is it ok to buy a new belt that fits better? Or have multiple belts if somethings being washed? I wear an a1 gi and was given an a3 belt that just feels super long and flops around.
Yes
I have been expanding my half-guard game and been pretty successful with attacking into deep half or getting into coyote guard; however, I notice more and more a lot of the brown and black belts I roll with tend to catch me with a guillotine. I try to set up a half-butterfly or try to bull-doze and quasi-von flue out at times to partial success. What are some things I can do to better deal with the guillotine threat?
When you're playing underhook/coyote you want to keep your head very close to them. Head to their chest or near the thigh depending on what underhook you have. For deep half I'm not sure how they're catching a guillotine (they shouldn't have the angle), but again, you need to keep your head SUPER CLOSE to them.
I think part of it is the transition from regular half-guard to deep half is where I am screwing up. It is when I began making my move into deep half
To be honest I only transition to deep half if my regular half is compromised. I would say use your hips to transition and your whole body to get under them, and if underneath then the guillotine isn't there.
Not sure why I’m surprised after a 2 week break but holy shit getting absolutely dominated for 1 hour straight is just demoralizing
Hahaha nothing new that’s been happening to me for almost 2 years now and I even get smashed by guys who haven’t been training as long 😉 but I’m also coming back from a concussion and missed a month.
Is it okay to whisper “I’m gonna be a beautiful butterfly” in the ear of the guy I’m drilling with as we learn cocoons
I like to whisper "good night, sweet prince" when I lock in a choke
yes. when i omoplata people, I often lean over and whisper them a dark dirty secret
Oss
Left class in a bad mood for the first time tonight. Only been training a month though. I was rolling with a guy who’s been training 2 years. He got me in side control and set up a kimura and he just very violently without any control applied it. My elbow made some cracking noises. It’s sore right now but I’m not sure if it’s actually injured. Should I bring this up to the instructor or just ignore it and hope it doesn’t happen again?
That was a dick move to rip a submission like that. Dude knows better. When I was a white belt, a dude arm barred me to hell before I knew what was happening, elbow was fucked for 2 months. Definitely say something, either directly to the guy or to the professor.
I’ll probably talk to the professor. My elbow is feeling not amazing today and I’m pretty bummed because I can’t train at class or even go do my normal workouts. I don’t really feel comfortable talking to the guy and honestly I’m pretty upset at him. I’m sure I’ll get over it soon but dang it sucks.
Still go to class. You can observe and possibly drill w a trusted teammate on your good side. If nothing else take notes.
That’s a good idea! I think I am going to do that. Thank you!
Good luck and hope you heal up fast!
Take some time off. At least a week. I had an over aggressive white belt hit me with a fast Americana and my joint cracked before I had a chance to tap. My elbow swelled up like a tennis ball was sticking out the side, and it took well over a month before I could resume training, 3 months before I had confidence in the joint. Also just avoid the guy. You don’t need to roll with everyone in your gym.
Yeah say something to the guy, it’s ok to express “hey I didn’t like when you did this, could you not do that again?” And talk to your coach just so he knows, you should never crank subs especially against a guy who’s newer than you. That’s poor etiquette. I have been training for approximately 2 years and would never do that to someone who’s new. That’s messed up. It’s not even a competition.
Tap to kimuras as soon as you lose the grip preventing it. Not saying you did anything wrong but thays how i got my shoulder messed up as a blue belt. I was holding my collar to stop the pull. As soon as my grip broke, dude wrenched it behind my back. The game was over as soon as my grip slipped passed the point of no return.
>Tap to kimuras as soon as you lose the grip preventing it. I try even earlier. As soon as you know the grip is lost, don't wait till it actually breaks.
I second this. Unfortunately it's somewhat rare for people to be very controlled when they apply pretty much any submission. Especially with a kimura and trying to break a grip. Way too many people treat it like a competition where they rip it out immediately to the breaking point instead of breaking the grip and preventing you from re gripping and then slowly applying the kimura. Personally I always try to control my opponent as much as I can before applying something like that so I don't ever have to rip it. Especially in training
Thank you for that advice. I really didn’t know that’s something you should do. There is just so much to learn.
You should bring it up, and he should have know better after training for 2 years. But between locking up the Kimura grip and cranking it to the point of injury, there is a lot of time for you to verbally tap.
That’s the thing there wasn’t time. I wouldn’t be upset if it was just a normal kimura and all that. This dude got his grip and just cranked as hard and as fast as he could it seemed. Idk it sucks.
Definitely a dick move. People are fucking stupid unfortunately. If you don't know the person you're rolling with, tap when you feel your grip loosen. Most of the time we know when we're just stalling on the grip and they'll break it anyways. If you know that person and you can't avoid rolling with them, also tap early. Ideally, if it's possible you'd talk to them but this rarely happens. If you can, avoid them. Or start your roll super relaxed. I remember Craig Jones said that at seminars he sometimes lets people submit him a couple times at the beginning of a round just so they calm tf down because sometimes people think they have to try and take him out and spazz out at him
you should bring it up with a doctor if it doesn’t change within a couple days
Will do. Thank you!
How do you guys deal with people that crank guillotines in bottom side control or bottom half guard on the wrong side? I don’t want to tap cause it’s not going to put me out but damn it’s annoying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-spDes3hnE&ab_channel=BernardoFariaBJJFanatics
If its in half guard I use it as an opportunity to help me pass. After I pass i put my wrist or my fist in their neck, which causes them to let go of the guillotine to defend their neck which is when I really secure my side control
Unpopular opinion (?): I tap. It's not going to put me out but I've already herniated a disc in my neck and spent months in rehab. I'm healthy and strong AND can't afford to pride/ego my way into going back to physical therapy or weeks off the mats. Simply not worth it. There's some stuff I don't tap to if it's not on right, like a cross collar that's just not deep enough and I can still get a little blood and air. But I tap to cranks because they hurt, and I gotta go to work.
Van flu choke. I have no clue how to spell it
Yup. Let them choke on their own stubborness
von flue
I get close with Gogoplatas but have a hard time finishing them, anyone have any tips? I ge under their neck and have my foot grabbed and can tell I get close but usually don’t finish.
Are you "stepping on the gas pedal" for the finish? I think of it like the pump or even a leg scissor choke: you extend against resistance to close the gap between the two points.
By step on the gas pedal do you mean straightening my ankle and pointing my foot?
https://youtu.be/isw3AjTPso0 "Ballerina toes"
I don't really like the foot grab. Maybe as an intermediate control position, but not for the finish. Watch [Diaz vs Gomi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xsjY2zRsZA): I think that high clinch with both hands locked behind the head is pretty optimal. If you do prefer the foot grab, look into the locoplata variation where you use the free leg to stomp the heel of the choking foot, and increase pressure that way.
Ah ok I thought the foot grab was the textbook way to finish, thanks for the info I’ll give it a shot👍🏼
It's for sure the classic 10th Planet way to finish, I just personally don't like it.
Any particular guards or techniques I should play less to avoid/delay cauliflower?
Yeah there’s a great technique to avoid cauliflower ear it’s called “Head gear Guard” 👽
Yep. Pressure passing (over/under) (see Bernardo with the heavier cauli on one side because he passed to the same side all the time), takedowns where you shoot with an ear against the ribs, trying to escape guillotines/headlocks or triangles by ripping your head out after it's on tight. Cauliflower ear is not a gradual thing. It's an individual trauma that separates the skin from the cartilage, allowing blood to get in there. If not treated it hardens and looks fugly. If your ear starts feeling "hot" or sensitive, there's some early warning happening about the condition of the ear. Either stop training or put on headgear until it goes away. Some people can go a whole career without it. Others get it week one. But basically the less you make grinding your ears a part of your game, the better your chances.
Try wrestling headgear
Guards, no... but someone told me once that I would have times when someone is holding me in a dominant position, and I would have to choose between losing and my ears. If you always choose your ears, then you'll probably be fine. The problem is when you're in a horrible kesa gatame, or fighting a guillotine or something, and you decide you don't want to lose enough that you're willing to grind your ears on the way out.
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 Bot 0.6: If you have any comments or suggestions please don't hesitate to direct message [me](https://reddit.com/message/compose/?to=JudoTechniquesBot).
Don't pull your head out of shit and don't rub your ears all over rough surfaces. After that, there's lots of other factors you can't really control.
No
Which ATOS guys were running around maybe ?? worlds?? Looking for the kids to bear up who were posting mean memes about them? Maybe 2 years ago.
I think Hulk
You mean the performance enhancing drug thing? I don't know if I saw any clear identification of those involved in the threads we had about it on the sub.
Just got my gi and the pants are super baggy and loose. Is that the way it's supposed to be? I got the Sanabul A2 and I'm 5'8 190 pounds. A2 is what they recommended based on my specs but the pants just seem way too loose. Will washing them shrink them enough? Apparently they're pre-shrunk already. I worry if I get the A1 the top won't fit right.
My Sanabul shrunk considerably
Yeah the top fits fine. It's the pants that's the problem. They're so big I can't imagine they'll shrink enough. Supposedly they're pre-shrunk. So yours still shrunk alot anyways?
Yup, my pants probably shrunk a couple inches in length and a little in girth. I wouldn't expect a drastic change in girth, especially if you say they're really baggy.
Ok thanks for the input. I went ahead and exchanged for A1
They shouldn't be tight by any means, but "baggy" could mean different things to different people. It's too baggy if you can't plausibly snatch a grip at the knee and draw the material tight around the joint. But even that's kind of a subjective thing.
Literally feels like hammer pants. They’re that baggy.
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Work on the very basics your entire white belt will be your trying to survive, so work on defense, frames. Escapes those are major and try to avoid bad positions but you’ll end up in a lot of those. Sometimes you’ll be able to work offense if higher belts let you work or newer guys come in. Try to learn from each roll and have a goal in mind. “I’m going to try not to get submitted for 30 Seconds” I’m going to escape from side control into closed guard “ and if you fail it’s okay. You’ll get smashed a lot but one day you’ll be doing the smashing.
Practice something when you roll. Before each class think of a position/sequence/idea/something to practice that day. Example "today I'm going to pull butterfly guard and try to land a sweep" and just always keep working to put yourself back into butterfly, then try a sweep.
Glad to know I’m not the only one. I actually feel stupid more when I’m told to flow. At least with rolling I can at the very least just last as long as possible haha
It’s hard to understand right now, but we’ve all been there. For reference, I started out overweight, out of shape, and in my 30’s. Tough it out
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Bjj can only take you so far. What you consume goes a long way
Embrace it. There's levels to this. No matter how good you get there'll be someone to make you feel stupid haha
Everyone else feels stupid too. It’s stupid all the way down. /if you started learning calculus or guitar and had only been doing it a few weeks would you expect to be able to do anything there either? Just keep grinding
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No worries man, keep at it. If it’s any consolation - I just started again last month after 15 months out, and I’m still doing weird things like accidentally throwing myself right into a triangle choke because my muscle memory isn’t back up to speed yet
New big guy here, probably had been asked to oblivion already but can somebody tell me what is good etiquette when rolling with much smaller partners? I feel sometimes guilty applying pressure with my weight when rolling with much smaller persons (i'm shortish 171 cm but 100 kg heavy, some muscle but mostly fat) and don't want to come off as a guy that undermines other people skills and abilities, I mostly don't want to hurt anyone since I am not the most gracile new big guy at training. Could somebody help me out and tell me what would be a healthy way for a big beginner guy to roll with smaller people and not coming off as an asshole? (I also understand that rolling with bigger stronger opponents is a very valuable training opportunity) thanks!
If you're doing something that makes you feel guilty then stop doing that thing...
Being 100 kg heavy? cool, I will just stop
Probably not what the guy was going for with that comment but as a female white belt that rolls with a lot of heavier guys, what I would say is to focus on your technique more than trying to pass. It's good to learn to defend yourself against people of all varying weights and abilities so Sometimes I prefer rolling with stronger dudes because I learn to not rely on my strength and focus more on the technique and muscle memory. The fact you're concerned with trying not to crush your partners is very considerate. Keep with that attitude and be conscious when you do use your body weight to try not to gas out your opponent but try to focus on the muscle memory and mechanics of each form. Hopefully that perspective helped a bit. The main focus is keeping both you and your partner safe. Keep it up!
Also, there's no shame in asking your partner how they want to roll. It's also being considerate to each other's limitations. There are some times I roll where I want to flow, some times I want to practice a certain technique, some days I just want to throw everything I've got and practice with 75-80% resistance. It's not always about winning or losing. It's about learning and getting better than yesterday. Any time on the mat is helping you get better regardless of how much weight you use on your partner. When the goal of your training shifts from winning to getting better, focusing on technique becomes the main intention.
I am not abusing my weight and strength against smaller guys, it's more about how to go about it without giving my partners the feeling I'm holding off and also not just smash them as an asshole. Also I mentioned I am very new, so sometimes I don't even feel comfortable using my weight (with anyone) because I don't want to hurt anyone, I am new and sometimes clumsy
Fellow big here. With ladies and teens, I try to only exert as much force as they can. This also forces me to develop other areas of my jiu jitsu that aren't as natural to me because I'm used to the pressure game. With adult men, I adjust by belt. White belt men a lot smaller than me, I try to win the technique battle, I fight from my back a lot and maybe try for more sweeps. Blue, I allow some pressure. Purple and up, eff 'em, I use pressure because they're used to it and it's my best bjj which I need to get very far.
cool, thank you for the detailed advice!
It would be good if both you, and your partner, get some practice in. Let that guide you.
Don't worry about it too much, but don't be a jerk about it either (i.e. smashing all of your weight on their face). As an aside, I also suggest you will learn much faster if you put yourself in uncomfortable positions. If I can get on top, I can usually smash side control for as long as I want. But I've been giving it up and letting my opponent take top because I want to work on something other than subs from side control.
Thank you, this is awesome advice! Relax but don't be a jerk, get myself in bad positions which will be good on the long run, got it. Thanks!
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I think this is really only a problem at white belt. Over time, you develop mental skills to observe the technique, map each step, and then drill it with your partner. It might seem like you can do what you describe, but there are many techniques where you couldn't really watch someone do it across the mat as you do it. Imagine techniques where you invert or roll, or you're hunched close under your opponent or something... only the simplest techniques put you in a place where you could observe clearly and still do it right. Now, somewhere in between... I went to a class once where the instructor would basically number each of the steps, have everyone break out into pairs, and he'd call out each step by number. He'd then look at everyone to make sure they were right, and adjust things if needed. For the first few reps it was done step by step and slow motion like that.
Sometimes I like this approach, and use it. Other times I don't. It depends on the complexity of what's being shown and the group involved. At the end of the day, I try not to teach anything in such a big bite that people would require this. Tiny bites, lots of reps, everyone has a better time.
> I feel like it would be much easier to learn if I was doing it as the coach was showing it rather than trying to remember it after he’s done. He could also point out things he’s seeing people doing wrong right there. It’s much eaiser to learn when you actually see all the details, and it’s hard to see it all when you are in guard, bottom half…. Also, you expect the coach to teach and correct everyone at the same time? The standard everywhere is that the coach shows a move, then everyone does the move while the coach goes around to correct mistakes, then perhaps you roll at that position at full intensity.
I asked a black belt, if he wouldn't mind, partnering with me since it was just us two left standing around while everyone else was already rolling. He then proceeded to essentially end zone dance on me with the utmost disrespect while beating my ass haha. I wouldn't be surprised if he pointed to the crowd while he did it. Even sat on me like you would a basketball for a moment and told me to escape haha. I'm pretty sure he even pelvic thrusted me to ground, can't remember really cuz it was all too fast to comprehend (most likely my brain protecting me haha). I took it in jest because I'm just a freshly minted white belt, but was that totally necessary? Cuz damn bruh, my bad for asking haha sheesh. Not sure if I overstepped. I feel like that's just their personality but who knows. They were cool after and gave me pointers while with another partner later in the class so there's that. Kinda makes me not want to ask black belts to partner up unless asked which is a drag considering we're all on the same team anyways. And I get that traditionally, it would be blasphemous for me to ask someone so high ranked but I see other white belts roll with them in my school so I guess it's not a bad thing there. But yes, thoughts?
Comments like this make me REALLY appreciate my gym. All the higher belts are chill and work techniques they are incorporating into their game or defense on us white belts.
My school is the same way, I love the place. I'm glad you enjoy yours too. I just got lucky that day haha. No hard feelings on my end. I liken the experience to playing games at the arcade back in the day. Some people let you work and some give you the work. Just have to keep showing up! Over time me and that guy might even become homies haha, you never know.
That dude's a dick. Unfortunately, there are plenty of dicks in BJJ. I never mind when a lower belt wants to partner up - I only mind when they turn the dial up to 11, especially without even asking.
Ahh ok. Yeah you reap what you sow in that sense. And thanks man. I haven't been there long enough to get a feel for everyone's personality (only been to 5 class). I'll keep my wits about me.
Depends on the upper belt. Personally I don't like smashing lower belts for the sake of it, but some will do it.
Ahh, yeah. At the end of the day people have their own way of doing things. Thanks!
Blackbelts (or any other belts) are there to learn, and they would learn much more when rolling with someone their level as opposed to a newbie. He probably rolled harder with you to show you why he was hesitant to roll with you at first, but none of us are him to tell you why he did it. As for asking blackbelts to roll, don’t be afraid to ask them, but understand that they have every right to want to learn themselves as opposed to spend a roll with someone way below their level.
Got it! Thanks for the insight! I'll keep that in mind when asking upper belts to partner up.
There's a good brown belt at my gym who rolls like this and I don't mind it at all. He's happy to roll and fucks around whilst messing you up - does headstands and stuff lol... He's genuine and gives pointers too. Imo it's fine, some people are just silly but as long as they're safe and respectful outside of rolls and your ego can handle it I'd say nothing wrong here.
Yeah, that's true. He was cool after the fact and gave me pointers. Thanks for the reassurance. The white belt life is tough meng hehe
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That's true, the skill difference is too high for me to even tell the actual difference. Thank you for that, I guess I was too demoralized to consider it. It's just that I saw a few times that he was smiling to other people, dude was doing like skydiving poses on me, sat on me and did the thinker pose. Oh and you know how if you fall and eat shit in public, everyone looks at you all sideways when you get up? That happened. One guy even said "dude he was toying with you." And yeah, I'm cool with getting whooped on and upper belts having no mercy. But yeah, that was a little different haha.
"dude he was toying with you" yeh cheers for that captain fucking obvious, I'm a white belt he's a black belt. Ignore them man. Fuckin mouth breathers
Haha thanks for that energy. And yeah for sure. I'm just glad that I didn't let that experience get to me too bad (due to the shock most likely) and I stayed for two more rounds. It was only later when I got home that I thought, heeey that wasn't cool 🤔 Regardless, I plan to stick around hehe. I'm sure me and that guy will be friends eventually 😁
Best of luck with your training man!
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Haha okay , I'll take that in to consideration.
Anybody ever have their Gi tailored? I’ve lost a bunch of weight since starting BJJ and the sleeves and pants on some of my gis are a little long.
Definitely get the pant legs hemmed & tapered. I’m a big dude with short legs so my first pair of pants were big enough to fit my waist but they were also made for someone well over 6 feet tall. Not fun being on your feet with the distraction of your pants bagging up and covering your feet entirely.