This is my mentality. I don’t have a desire to go all out and hurt people that I am suppose to train with to become better. I see peers of mine that literally go all out as if it’s life or death. I don’t see the point. Not only is It waste of energy but you could get injured and set yourself back weeks or months. I rather learn the techniques and try them out than just get an ego stroke tapping my opponent out.
I'm a 50 year old above knee amputee, white belt with zero strips. I started training in February 2023, but I trained for several years before losing my leg. I reached purple belt, but when I started training again, I decided to start over at white belt because it's been 24 years since I trained last and I had 2 legs back then. I've had to relearn techniques and how to move around on the mat. I've also had to modify techniques and also my style. Because of my previous training, I know how to relax and flow, although it took me a couple of months to get back to that. I prefer training with the higher belts because they know how to relax and flow, and let me work and learn, while the white belts just want to go hard and use strength. I always feel like they're trying to kill me, which takes all of the fun out of Jiu-Jitsu. Glad I found this podcast. Keep up the good work, fellas.
Thank you for sharing your story - it is inspirational in more ways than one. Agree that training with upper belts is often more conducive to learning and fun. Appreciate your kind comment! Thank you for watching
Come to my gym. No way anyone would try to smash you. And if they did, they'd get woodshed'd. You're a stud man. Keep going. Find a better gym. God bless.
54 year old white belt here. I've only been training for a few months, and it's so much harder than I expected. Seeing the other older students post here is encouraging. I appreciate the perspective you two provide. That phase of knowing I don't know anything is really difficult to work through. And, its not just about executing the movements properly. Its about attitude and culture and humility, and dozens of other intangible topics, which you guys did a great job expressing. I'm completely lost when you guys talk about 50/50 and playing the game, but that's due to my own complete ignorance and I'm confident one day I'll be on the mats, and it will click. At least now I know to be looking for it. Thanks for putting this out there!
Great pod cast! 57 year old with bad shoulders. I love it! I have instructor's that could be my kids and I call them sir and thank them for there help. Every instructor that I have had goes out of their way to help and encourage me. My only regret is of course I wish I would have started 20 years earlier.
That’s awesome thanks for sharing your experience with us! Can’t do anything about time regrets but can definitely celebrate getting involved in something you love anyway!
I began last year at 49. I gotta go to work the next day. I’ll just say there was a ton of laughter at how terrible I was and am. Fellas at the gym were/are good crew. Here for the ride. Here to learn. Subscribing to this now. Preciate you guys.
White belt going too soft here. For me its a mix of decision making. Trying to not injure anyone. And most importantly. Im not going to survive the whole class if im not goint soft. Cardio wise . And partly its for my own injury prevention too. Im worried if i ramp it up. Theylll escalate and eventually we hit a spot where injury is more likely. Definitely an issue i need to work on.
White belt no stripes. Listening to the first stage I realized that I have 4 kids and 3 of them are 4 and under so I am already a broken horse. I'm on the mats to learn not kill. At 40 y/o the only people that are going to get that much violence and aggression out of me are the ones that have no business pushing me that far. Most of the guys and girls I train with, no matter the belt, are all chill AF. If someone is coming at me strong I tend to only practice my defense. No need to injure myself trying to be a man and get a submission. I have to work tomorrow and my kids still need to be held and feed.
For my second day my master had me roll with a purple belt with roughly 8 years of experience BJJ/Judo etc. Went three rounds, he was sweating a lot, so I think I did a decent job, although I got sweeped so many times lol. I was so exhausted, it was great and I thanked him. I work 6 days a week, awkward hours so I can only get in 3 days a week at max unfortunately.
Thank you for this kind comment, it’s why we are building the channel! If you ever have questions you want covered feel free to leave a comment on any of our videos
24 yo female belt here. Started only this month. Honestly, I was humbled by purple and blue belts pretty fast. Yeah, I have a judo experience, also boxing, but after my first little injury I changed my mind and attitude from “trying my best and hardest” to “finding peace and trying to figure things out throwing my ego in the trash completely. I knew before that my technique suck, but now I openly admit it because I still try to understand how to memorize things better. Plus trying to compensate my lack of skills with strength didn’t really work 😂 guys just mop floors with me or open me like a can of beans 😅 Now I am focused also on stretching and strengthening my muscles and body, mind in general. And taking criticism with a lot of humor.
Sounds like you’ve got the right plan and mindset there Haha yeah I’ve been there with the needing to work on the attributes to keep up (we have some real heavyweights in the gym) Thanks for sharing your experience!
Just discovered your channel this week. Appreciated this episode. I'm a 40 year old white belt. I'm living in the land of CONSCIOUS IGNORANCE. I am aware that I don't know much and everything requires so much thinking and brain energy and my execution is a grind. The real tools of success for me so far has been attendance, sincere effort, a sense of humor and an understanding that I'm playing with house money. Its open season for me to fail and fail good. My main responsibility is to show with and empty cup.
The mental exhaustion is real. For me, the physical stuff is okay, but unlearning behavior plus learning good BJJ means I don't stick around for the second class yet. (55 y.o., 2nd degree black belt in kung fu)
I am in the Pre-Blue Belt Blues. Been training for 2 years, relaxing more, retaining and executing more, but not consistently. Plenty of good days and off days. Surviving most rolls with Blue Belts, semi-frequently surprising them with a sweep or sub they didn't expect. (Picked up a Kimura grip in bottom half guard and used it to reverse position last night for example) Seeming to become a more fun roll for purps and up. I am just focusing on having fun. I love the human chess, cerebral yet physical aspect and just focus on that. Honestly, I would still do Jits even if there were no belts/promotions. I would do it because it is a fun workout that helps me better prepare to protect myself and my family.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! Sounds like you have the right idea to maintain some longevity in the sport and to enjoy the whole experience. Happy rolling!
Right there with you! I've been training for 3 years and just got passed by for my blue belt. I've only averaged 1-2 training sessions a week and I've moved and am at my 3rd gym. It's hard but just gotta double down on training when you can and finding the fun!
Been a few months in a learned very early: slow down, stay tight. These 2 alone helped me have enough energy to get more rolls in per session, and not get submitted as much
First month into Jits at 47 years old and have been looking for a podcast like this since I started....it is so difficult to find expert yet calm and humble advice online...without all the bs. As a white belt, my main aim at the moment has been to stay relaxed and be a good rolling partner, someone that people want to roll with...I see growth for me personally, more from doing rather than watching. You guys are great and have just subscribed, looking forward to checking out your other content 👍👍
That’s awesome to hear buddy. Glad you’re having a good time and you seem to have the right mindset! Appreciate you tuning into the channel and thank you for the kind words
Im a 3 stripe white belt. I know i am going to get my 4th stripe in the next month or 2. But i dont feel like i have gained enough knowledge to be there. I dont win rolls against blue belts and im a 50/50 with white belts. I want to compete, but i dont want to embarress myself. I feel like im stuck in my skillset. Your video has enlightened my view on rolling and what to take away from rolling. Im hoping that it will further my journey.
Something an old coach told me is that you’re only looking to progress and belts are benchmarks of your individual progress. That doesn’t necessarily mean performance against other folks - there are too many factors to consider there. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
started bjj few months before covid and i progressed really fast, then boom knee injury knee surgery, i got back to training then boom covid, lockdowns, depression, after covid got back to training for a year i was really into it i was feeling it then boom right knee injury, 2 months off back into training for a few months again same thing i felt great, i love rolling im getting better i can do multiple submissions now but again boom i got hit by a car and now im here, i will still get back to training :)
That sucks about the injury struggles, but I am glad you are enjoying yourself and keeping training 💪. Do you know how long you’re likely off for the car related stuff?
Sometimes having low expectations can help in this way. Try to do something about the low self esteem though buddy - a better self can be a single mental reframe away :)
As a 40-year-old college wrestler It took me a bit to get back into that beginner mindset. focus more on the techniques and less on winning rounds. Becoming a good training partner took months of reprogramming my mind. It’s more about building each other up than grinding each other into dust. I learn a lot more if I’m not just defending all the time!
43 y.o. 2 stripe white. Feeling stuck some days, its a marathon i know. At times it feels like im not progressing at all, but then i get a roll in with newer students and i see how far I have come. All you can do show up, pay attention to the details and try to work your game. Keep rolling an stay safe....
When I go soft it’s usually because I’m being nice, it’s a lower belt, or I’m rolling with a woman. I’m only 180 but I’m strong for my weight, so I don’t want to hurt anyone especially when training.
I definitely like the idea of erring on that side of the intensity spectrum myself for similar reasons. Thanks for leaving a comment and sharing your thoughts!
As I white belt, I've always thought it weird for some schools to make new comers (less than 15 lessons) roll.. I never knew what rolling was, what I was supposed to do and why I was doing it. We'd be drilling in class, but there was no way I could apply that while live sparring so why am I doing it?? Just to have higher belts sub me constantly whilst I pose zero threat??? lol. Much better when you've got a month or more of lessons so that you can roll (even with VERY limited defenses and positions) with purpose. Keep up the great work guys!!!!! 🔥
Yeah I personally like it when newcomers are handed off to conscientious and competent upper belts with a “mini game” of an objective to hit then reset. When I get brand new people I like gamifying it so it’s narrowed down to something simpler they can realistically work on. Thank for you the encouraging comment and for watching!
I sorta disagree. I am only a two stripe white belt tho. I learn a lot the first week of rolling. Asking the higher belts what I was doing wrong. Getting talked thru submissions
@@smoothmarvingaming1309 I actually agree too and think it’s always dependent on who you’re rolling with and if they are helpful knowing you know zero, or they just take advantage and rag doll you around! Lol. Rolling with someone who wants you to learn too is always helpful!! Not always the case though I’ve found.
I am 56. I was a multi sport endurance coach for 8 years (swim, bike, run, triathlon). After 3 years of only base training (at best) I started my Jiu Jitsu journey. I fought tournament Judo in college and Navy, and figured that they were similar, but far from the same. My first practice was a complete eye-opener physically. Even knowing how to regulate my output, I was still gassed by my second roll. I am fascinated by Jiu Jitsu and was prepared with the "empty cup" approach to learning. I have yet to tournament fight (June '24), I am really looking forward to it. Its not the destination, its the journey. Great episode! Thanks!
32 year old white belt. I have a bit of wrestling experience so going slow is something I’m learning. It’s hard for me (in the moment) to not use speed and strength to move into or out of positions. I’m working on it though. Also I must say I have so much respect for my fellow white belts who started with no grappling experience. It was crazy enough for me with grappling experience I couldn’t imagine being completely green.
In some small ways it’s easier to learn (this is Andre replying) when you show up with an “empty cup.” But damn once wrestlers empty it a bit and fill it again get they’re a force of nature haha
This is such a great video and so recognizable. Especially the going to soft part because I'm quite a big guy and I was/am still afraid of really hurting someone. I've been training for almost 6 months (twice a week) and lately I've attended a few seminars too. The last three weeks I felt like nothing was working for me and first I thought it was just an overload on new techniques/information that made me lose focus (tried to focus on everything at once). But yesterday after I watched this video I resorted back to focusing on breathing and also playing during sparring. And its safe to say yesterday's session turned out alot better and it was so much more fun! So thank you for the advice :)
That’s really great to hear! I am happy you benefit out of the podcast. Sometimes shifting your focus gives you better results. Thank you for the comment and for watching!
Just started the BJJ journey earlier this week and I’m only 2 sessions in but I’ve had the best time doing it. I’ve been doing Muay Thai for about 3 years so I know what it’s like to start from the beginning and know absolutely nothing which really helped me in this because I know everyone in there can tap me, but because of that I’ve been rolling with black belts, purple belts, blue belts and even white belts and everyone has helped me, given me critiques, and we’ve laughed and had a good time after the rolls. Going in with the mindset of knowing you know nothing truly is a lot better and makes for a much better experience than thinking you do know something because everyone gets humbled at some point. There’s always a bigger fish 🙌
I’m fresh white belt probably 15 lessons in definitely the nail getting hammered. Hard to keep going as I know I get beat up and out of breath pretty quick . Lots of learning to do but can see why people get hooked on it once you can hold your own a bit. Also some of the other white belts trying wild moves with no technique and real fast close to bad knee injuries twice already it worry’s me.
Playing a tight game where you keep you knees and elbows close to your center help shield you from “wild moves” based on your structure. It’s also a good idea to pick your partners a bit more carefully if you feel in danger. Thanks for commenting to share your experience :)
This was a great episode thank you for the time you kindly took to make this episode I recently got my blue belt and know I have so much to learn keeping that glass empty. Thank you again.
You’re very welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the episode! Emptying that glass every so often is an important and underrated part of the path to progress. Congrats on your blue belt! Thank you for the comment and for watching!
Been training for about a month and remembering to take it easy and not “hard” is something that tends to slip a few times during sessions . The last recent session was the first time I had to different rolling partners tell me to take it “friendly “ and slow to let the movements register. Coming from a wrestling background this is something I need to have seeded into my thought process I’m in my late 30s and the majority are blue and purple belt partners I just remember that we all need to go back home in one peace
Wrestling (especially at the age you learn wrestling) is all fast, intense and simpler. The biggest difference is that learning movement patterns that are really unfamiliar especially when you're older is that its more efficient to learn it all a bit more slowed down. Which kind of takes care of the going too hard thing all on it's own. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm a 2nd degree black belt in traditional Kung Fu, black sash in Shaolin temple tai chi. I started BJJ two months ago, and I'm a whiter shade of pale in BJJ. IT'S TOTALLY V DIFFERENT! But I'm a good way. I'm meeting good people and it's a very positive experience.
I commented about 7 months ago when I first started doing jujitsu under a Gracie University certified training center.. After about a year of doing the combatatives. Which include 36 different techniques and drills. I just got promoted. And moved on to the most advanced class the master cycle class. Which has your full-on sparring. After seeing a lot of comments from people who just started jujitsu.white belts Starting out and having to go to schools. That start sparring right from the first class. I realized the advantage that I had going into sparring for my first time after having gone through the first gracie university classes and learning the 36 techniques. I was well more aware, even though I had never sparred. I had an understanding of positions. Certain things for like an elevator sweep or elbow escape from mount. Or understanding side control and half guard and things like that. I was a lot more comfortable than it seems like a lot of other white Belts when they first started full sparring. Considering im in my 40s its been such a great experience
That’s great that you’ve had a positive experience there. I can see pros and cons to each approach but generally speaking I always found that good bjj schools can handle sparring in the first few classes with grace. That said I’d rather take the Gracie approach than get thrown to the wolves in the wrong school (been to places like that too) Thanks for sharing your experience with us
I go into class excited about hopefully getting better and being awesome and I always leave feeling violated and defeated but uplifted by classmates and encouraged and the other day I got attacked on my job because I work in a psych hospital. I realized real quick that had actually been learning quite a lot and had the old lady subdued pretty quickly lol kidding it was a 6’3 man.
Haha yeah it’s a real humbling moment when the old lady submits you (been there) That first sentence was a friggin roller coaster to read. All the emotion transitioning into getting attacked geez Glad you’re okay and enjoying the experience
29 yo white belt here that skipped stage 1. I am very fit, but I respected the martial art coming into the gym, so I knew winning wasn’t an option at the start. I use 100% of my strength in rolls when I can apply pressure gradually, but use common sense to know I can’t yank people’s limbs in directions I haven’t been shown yet. I focused only on keeping my rolling partner safe and watching movement patterns that led to submissions at the start. 3 months in I tap almost every white belt and am starting to gain on the blues. Patience and understanding have allowed me to progress very quickly.
Just stumbled upon your podcast. Great stuff. I’m in my mid 40s. My wife and I (and our 6 year old) just started training this summer. Blue belts asked me to roll on day 1. I said what the heck. It was amazing to get destroyed to show just how important technique is. I’m a pretty fit guy but I found myself breathing hard, freaking out, and panicking during rolls. My biggest lesson from that was stay calm and breathe. Forget about trying moves. Learning how to stay calm while getting smashed is the best first lesson. The moves and skills will come with time. We go 4 days a week. My only regret is not starting this 10 years ago.
I’m a 2 stripe white belt been training consistently for a year today it hit me while I was rolling that I was doin some movements without having to think about then it was a cool moment for me cuz usually I jjst feel lost or have to really think about stuff
A lot of things resonates with me. I don’t think I was ever stage one tho, I knew I’d get humbled from day one. First class rolled with my coach who’s 65kg and I was 105kg. Let me say It was both frightening and impressive 😂
Haha it’s great when you get highly technical smaller guys and just immediately get shown the magic of jiu jitsu. Stage one can definitely get skipped!
Im about to begin learning jiu jitsu. I've watched a number of videos - one thing that worries me a little bit is levering too hard on someone's arm or shoulder and causing an injury (because i don't know what I'm doing).
General rule of thumb is don’t bend anything the way it shouldn’t go with any force. Submissions are the least important part to develop at first anyway
If you go with anyone who’s got half a lick of skill, don’t worry about it. You won’t catch the submissions you think you will. Good luck!! And stick with it 🤙
Hi guys I know what you're saying about questioning techniques etc, but I've found that sometimes due to my body type/size and joints etc that the moves I'm shown don't work for me. I often have to adjust, especially the darce (mine is more of a modified Japanese necktie). My coach said to me that this isn't Karate where you must stick to the forms exactly, and sometimes we need to find our own way of doing things. I know this isn't what you were suggesting with regards to the bigger guys using strength but isn't this technically not following the syllabus too? No arguments here, I'm just entering a discussion. 🙏
If your coach is telling you to modify things then you just do what he tells you to do (part of being a coachable student). I do have to modify certain things due to being short and only mobile in certain directions (This is Andre responding) but I always try to do things the way it’s shown first because it gives me a clearer picture of the concept and movement I’m ultimately going for. How you use your own attributes and modifications to things is part of jiu jitsu as well, just sometimes people sometimes needlessly limit themselves before they really give it enough reps to understand. Thanks for sharing your experience and commenting!
Brilliant, thank you very much great content here btw. I was worried as I find a lot of things not working (I'm 5'5") against most of my partners who are much bigger. Coach is fantastic, so didn't want to come across like "this isn't working" if that makes sense 🙏👍
Agree with the efficiency thing - it seems like after getting used to the stress associated with getting strangled you can keep yourself calm and efficient in many other areas haha. Thanks for commenting!
I'm 38. 2 months in. My 2 5 year younger cousins were state wresting champs. I remember whooping up on them in highschool. They're purple belts and bench 400. Every night with them is humbling...😂
I'm in the old out of shape man getting his ass kicked by former wrestlers that are 25 years younger phase. Goal number one is just staying healthy enough to continue training and build up my cardio. Sucks to be a white belt.
Solid important goal that I still have to prioritize depending on the training partner. Thanks for the comment - it’ll get easier to do as you progress
I started off too hard. Always getting injured, and now I go slower and am more cognizant. Starting to learn the flow but I'm still always exhausted at the end.
Yeah it can be tough that way in the beginning. Flow is honestly hard to achieve (everyone pretends it’s easy) so don’t be too hard on yourself about it as long as you’re making that attempt. Really appreciate you sharing your experience with us :)
I'm a fresh blue belt, like 2 months and I'm at that point where I just stop everybody and rarely submit people. I sweep and control but I have trouble submitting people and I think I still go too soft regardless of how hard my training partner goes. It's a little annoying.
Submitting people is the hardest part so imo that’s just how it goes for quite a while unless there’s a big skill gap Can definitely identify with that feeling though haha It gets better
I watched a lot of mma and bjj prior to taking a bjj class. I was accused of having trained before but never did formally. I accepted that I would get smashed but when it came to sparring, even as a 20 year old ,skinny, weak,day one beginner my ego got the better of me, convinced myself that I would beat some guys lol. I got smashed I’m now 27 year old and a brown belt. I must have been about 64 kg at 6’1 on my first day. I’m now 82 kg. Without jiu jitsu I’ll still probably be very skinny and weak lol On a side note regarding ego, some of the most egotistical and narcissistic people I ever met were high ranked/competitive black belts. Jiu jitsu doesn’t get rid of ego, it just enhances if if one is already an asshole
Sounds like you had an overall great experience! Have to agree some of the most egoistical people I’ve ever met have been black belts where you can tell jiu jitsu is all they had going for them. Thanks for commenting with your story! Happy holidays!
Just started training two months ago. I'm a pretty lightweight guy (about 120 pounds), so I have a hard time lol. Being in bottom side control sucks against guys who are bigger and stronger. But to compensate for my physical limitations, I learn pretty quickly. Seeing a technique once is often enough to be able to imitate it (unless it's very difficult), and I can even do the technique in sparring. Last training I hit an overhead sweep on a blue belt, and he said he didn't see it coming, but I had never trained or drilled it, I saw someone else use it and then I copied it during sparring. I never use much strength during sparring (because I don't have a lot, so I'm not going to win that battle anyway) so I always try to go technical, controlled and slow. And I know I suck anyway, so I don't mind being smashed by everyone. So I'm always pretty humble and friendly. But there was this big guy of 214 pounds, and right before we started rolling, he said: "I'm going to teach you to hate people who are bigger and stronger than you." And I thought he was just joking but then he proceeded to put his entire weight on me during the roll (and it was positional sparring so we had to start in side control each time of all positions..) clearly trying to crush me with his weight and making sure I couldnt breathe. Then he got in my closed guard and proceeded to collar choke me, and he put the choke on so hard and quickly (punching his full weight into my throat) that I started to pass out in just two seconds. I tried doing an armbar on him (because "you should never be able to choke someone while in their closed guard") but I started to pass out almost immediately so I didn't have the time. I had red spots on my neck from his choke for a week and my throat was sore. I asked him why he was going so hard, and he said that it was "an important learning experience for small people like me to feel what a difference in weight and strength felt like. Especially for real life self-defense encounters." Thanks man. As if I didn't already know that.
It sounds like you have the right idea and you’re making good progress! It really sucks when you get genuine bullies like that, I avoid people like that once they show their true colors. Thanks for watching!
@@jiujitsujunction Thanks! I hadn't fully finished your podcast when I typed my comment. Now I'm wondering if I'm sometimes perhaps a bit on the "too soft" side of the spectrum while rolling. I hadn't really thought about that.. I'll ask my rolling partners if they think I'm going too soft while rolling. Good stuff guys, thanks for the podcast! Lots to think about!
You’re not alone in using that hammer, everyone does that at all levels from time to time. Thanks for watching and good luck with acquiring more tools 💪
I train when I compete and and someone does something that pisses me off I would say i kinda see red. "When I see red" I will turn up what I do. Did it in wrestling also. I am kinda a laid back wrestler tell someone does something dirty. Only problem I had was I could never just turn it on when I want to.
4 stripe white belt about to turn 45. Oh the pre blue belt blues is real. Most times I feel like it’s my first day all over again and I can’t remember anything.
Most of us go through it - I’m sure you’ll get through them soon! Just wait until you have your imposter syndrome blue belt complex next haha. Thanks for the comment, appreciate you watching!
Especially early on in jiu jitsu being more aggressive and assertive in getting to your A-game before the other person pays the biggest dividends in terms of outcome. If you’re only looking to learn, hard flow and playing can be good, just depends on your goals and how much you care about winning (and most of us prefer to win haha) I’ll put that one on the list of topics to discuss on the podcast in further detail Thanks for the comment and for watching!
1 year in no stripe white. I 50/50 a Black Belt for majority of a roll and at the end he told me I frustrated him and forced him to adjust his game. Got a bunch of blue/ white taps don't even count the easy ones anymore. 1 purple and 2 brown and 1 3 stripe Black. Needless to say I know the ones over blue can all beat me at will, but the taps I got I earned. They didn't expect me to even know the subs😂. If I get it my way I will never get promoted 😂 White belt in bjj is one of the coolest, funnest and most frustrating things that I have ever done. White belt for ever!
Thank you for the insight in this video. I am 30 and starting BJJ this upcoming week and I’m 100% expecting to get tapped by everyone I roll with. I have a background in wrestling but it’s been 12 years since I’ve ever practiced it. I am really interested in Gi (I’m sure I’ll do some NoGi eventually) but had a question I’m hoping you could answer if you have a moment. With Gi training, does every grip have to be a Gi grip? What comes to mind is snapping down an opponent and going for the front headlock with a hand on the chin. Is that allowed in Gi?
You can use all the wrestling grabs you are familiar with. You’ll also find that people that train both yes gi and no gi tend to use the same grips that can apply to both as well. Thanks for commenting and I’m glad you got something out of our video!
I think it's pretty normal in the first stage to use strength and go all out when you don't know any techniques. It's all you have to rely on. My only problem is those that are spazzy.
BJJ white belt no stripe but 20 plus years of wrestling and Muay Thai. It's humbling for sure but it's also astounding how much I can hang with higher ranks because of some transferable skills. Everyone thinks I'm using cheat codes or was the greatest wrestler ever. Like no I just competed a LOT
Yeah there’s nothing like experience and stress inoculation to make learning really fast. Also tons of transfer from both of those arts too. Thanks for leaving a comment appreciate you sharing your experience
Im about to start bjj again in an mma gym, i did jiujitsu for a while in the past and had to stop cos i didnt have enough money, i left as a whitebelt so, its more likely that i will start from 0... but ive been practicing another martial art with ground grappling for a few years called sipalki, and i was thinking that it might bring bad habits to practice a different style for so long? Other than avoiding doing wristlocks and neck cranks wich are allowed in sipalki... what advice do you have for someone who comes from another style and wants to start from 0 instead of letting that experience affect their training experience?
Honestly, entering with as close to “an empty cup” kind of mindset is ideal whenever you’re learning a new skill, even when you have adjacent experience. As you gain more current skill in bjj you might find opportunities to pull from that experience, but until then try to learn without thinking about what you know. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for commenting!
I just finished my 4th class. We're doing positional sparring in side control. I find myself being on opposite ends of the spectrum. Either going to soft or too hard. I want to be a good sparring partner so people will want to roll and practice with me. I sometimes let people get things that I shouldn't, and I'm probably giving them bad feedback on their subs.
It’s a natural part of the progression of working towards understanding jiu jitsu. Plenty of time to learn how to be a good training partner! Being aware enough to try to get it right is a good first step. Thanks for your comment and for watching!
My question is, rolling with these bigger guys that are blue they are mostly laying on top of me. They will not look for a submission or try. They are just using there weight to tire you out. Time and time again. Its starting to get to me. Im 5'6 white belt. I get what they are doing. Trying to tire me out. My thing is i want to learn but how can i learn when every time i roll if i end up on my back thats it. Just smother me until the clock runs out. Its super annoying. Every time i roll with brown or black even purple. I have the best time. I learn.. alot of the blue belts in my classes are 250 lean. And just wont work with you. Is this common ?
You probably have to specifically ask them to let you work (and not take advantage of them loosening their defenses) Make it about you “not being good enough” and it’ll make it more likely to work out in your favor. It’s kind of an ego drainer to have to put it that way but it might help you get work with them. (I’ve done this in the past) Also if they won’t do it then avoid rolling with them is my two cents since you’re getting little benefit from the rolls.
Hey, love the content, I've had the privilege to roll with you a few times Gym-o. I had knee reconstruction surgery, haven't been rolling since middle last year. Didn't know if you had any advice on about starting back wrestling and jitsu After knee surgery.
I remember, that's awesome you’re starting back! Start back slow and do mobility and movement drills to strengthen your knee for grappling again. You'll probably need to keep physical therapy routines for your knee as something you do a few times a week to continue building strength and stability! Pick your partners wisely and NO LIVE for a little while. I bet it was a fun roll! 🙏
Complete newbie starting at my first gym soon at the age of 39. I’ve talked to a few guys at my powerlifting gym who do jujitsu and they all think I’ll have problems finding people to roll with. I have 10 years of wrestling background and 25+ in the strongman / powerlifting world. At 6’3 280 they don’t think I’ll find a lot local guys willing to roll with me. But I’m going in knowing outside of my wrestling background l don’t know shit and I’d love to go slow and learn with someone who isn’t going to immediately try and dislocate my elbow as someone who still love powerlifting and works in construction while also having a 2 year old I want to eventually do jujitsu with me the injury anxiety is there
I’d say giving off the right energy and being respectful and playing bottom positions will help people feel comfortable rolling with you. You’re a big strong dude and it’s natural for people to hesitate about that, just have to patiently overcome their hesitation with conscientious movement and being friendly imo
I have to say that neither of us has much experience with it. I (Andre) have met people who have done that program and they performed somewhat poorly in a jiu jitsu context. That said most combatives done with live training will be a step up from wholly theoretical or zero training individuals imo.
@jiujitsujunction I appreciate your input thanks for the response. Amazing video by the way. I've only done all their classes but haven't actually rolled yet. I'm getting my next belt to actually roll, spar now so I was curious.
@jiujitsujunction I appreciate your content and reply. First time listener and I subbed and liked look foawrd to going through your content. Thanks again. Much appreciated 🙏
@@willywonka00 You're welcome! We're keeping already published podcast content on this channel (and there's a decent amount of episodes already) so pick through what you want to watch on this channel and when you're ready for newer content it'll be on the dedicated podcast channel at the following link: www.youtube.com/@jjjpodcast
Hey just started Jiu Jitsu. Is it normal to be thrown in a class with blue and purple belts and learning advance move when I don’t even know the basics? Thanks
Yep, your in for baptism by fire for the first steps of this journey my man. You’ll be the nail far more than the hammer until a few months go by and new people start joining your team after you. Then you’ll start having more and more opportunities to become a hammer. Enjoy this time, you’re going to learn so much so fast at this stage.
It’s kind of overblown but you can stay pretty safe by keeping your limbs close during all of your guard passing movements. Many gyms even frown upon or disallow leg locks
4th class for me a new guy who was a wrestler in high school pulled guard and jumped back and jerked me down while drilling and I slammed down on my right knee. Couldn’t believe how easy it was for something to make me limp for a week so it makes me over worried to drill now. I’m 40 and have 4 kids under 6yo and my family depends on me being functional. It’s definitely something to take into consideration. I switched to a Rener Gracie Gracie university certified training center and it’s much slower paced and they have a curriculum you follow for the fundamentals. No sparing (just drilling together) for the first 8 months then you jump to the master cycle and you drill and spar.
Some people take a while to learn that shift - it’s crazy to me that they would rely on their strength given your stats you just gave us. Thank you for sharing your experience!
You can tell that y'alls ego play a big role in your everyday. Stop focuses on others ego, and focus on yours. More than once to a trained ear you have alluded to your own insecurities and ego. If a new person is talking to you about the move that may be how they learn, teaching is learning. To someone with an ego and a certain amount of ignorance this will come off as the student trying to teach master, but that is the masters ego blinding him from the reality of the situation. Put your ego aside, listen to the student, if you are secure in yourself you can do that and not be offended and not feel like you have to correct them. If you know what the right way is then be confident in that, dont fight the student. Also, you cannot fit people into stages, you are stetting your self up for failure and disappointment. You can always tell who the guys where that walked in with no real athletic ability and had to put in a lot of time and effort to become average vs the guys that are athletic and animals who just need to be trained and tamed.
I dont want to get injured and i dont want to injure anyone, i dont want to compete for me, i want to learn, i want to get in shape, i dont want to become john wick 😂
Yeah haha sometimes people come into it with some action star expectations For me it’s just be safe, socialize, learn skills, and have enjoyable exercise
Im a White Belt been training for 2 Months now. I Rolled With my Instructor Mark for the 1st Time. He Knows I've been a Wrestler for a Very long time and After our Roll, He Goes "i Have to Take advantage of My Wrestlers"🤣 after he says That I Just Need to Learn The Game Of BJJ💯 So perfect timing on me Finding this Video.
For me I was going too soft at first is because I never wanted to injure anyone.
That was my initial mindset early on too
Agreed
This is my mentality. I don’t have a desire to go all out and hurt people that I am suppose to train with to become better.
I see peers of mine that literally go all out as if it’s life or death. I don’t see the point. Not only is It waste of energy but you could get injured and set yourself back weeks or months.
I rather learn the techniques and try them out than just get an ego stroke tapping my opponent out.
I found a healthy middle ground as current white belt
Same here 😵💫🥶🫣
I'm a 50 year old above knee amputee, white belt with zero strips. I started training in February 2023, but I trained for several years before losing my leg. I reached purple belt, but when I started training again, I decided to start over at white belt because it's been 24 years since I trained last and I had 2 legs back then. I've had to relearn techniques and how to move around on the mat. I've also had to modify techniques and also my style. Because of my previous training, I know how to relax and flow, although it took me a couple of months to get back to that. I prefer training with the higher belts because they know how to relax and flow, and let me work and learn, while the white belts just want to go hard and use strength. I always feel like they're trying to kill me, which takes all of the fun out of Jiu-Jitsu. Glad I found this podcast. Keep up the good work, fellas.
Thank you for sharing your story - it is inspirational in more ways than one. Agree that training with upper belts is often more conducive to learning and fun.
Appreciate your kind comment! Thank you for watching
Saw this comment on another video
Come to my gym. No way anyone would try to smash you. And if they did, they'd get woodshed'd. You're a stud man. Keep going. Find a better gym. God bless.
Glad you got back after it, we got a double amputee at our gym who's an absolute menace.
God Bless your determination and courage to continue the journey ! 😊
54 year old white belt here. I've only been training for a few months, and it's so much harder than I expected. Seeing the other older students post here is encouraging. I appreciate the perspective you two provide. That phase of knowing I don't know anything is really difficult to work through. And, its not just about executing the movements properly. Its about attitude and culture and humility, and dozens of other intangible topics, which you guys did a great job expressing. I'm completely lost when you guys talk about 50/50 and playing the game, but that's due to my own complete ignorance and I'm confident one day I'll be on the mats, and it will click. At least now I know to be looking for it. Thanks for putting this out there!
I’m glad you enjoyed listening to us! Lots of intangibles that aren’t necessarily obvious early on
Great pod cast! 57 year old with bad shoulders. I love it! I have instructor's that could be my kids and I call them sir and thank them for there help. Every instructor that I have had goes out of their way to help and encourage me. My only regret is of course I wish I would have started 20 years earlier.
That’s awesome thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Can’t do anything about time regrets but can definitely celebrate getting involved in something you love anyway!
I began last year at 49. I gotta go to work the next day. I’ll just say there was a ton of laughter at how terrible I was and am. Fellas at the gym were/are good crew. Here for the ride. Here to learn. Subscribing to this now. Preciate you guys.
Finding the right crew for jiu jitsu is really great and making the experience so much more enjoyable for sure.
Thank you for commenting and watching!
I’m happy to hear I’m not alone, I’m 47, started 3 weeks ago. Let’s go!
White belt going too soft here. For me its a mix of decision making. Trying to not injure anyone. And most importantly.
Im not going to survive the whole class if im not goint soft. Cardio wise .
And partly its for my own injury prevention too. Im worried if i ramp it up. Theylll escalate and eventually we hit a spot where injury is more likely.
Definitely an issue i need to work on.
You’ll find that balance over time I promise!
Both in terms of cardio and safety
Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
White belt no stripes. Listening to the first stage I realized that I have 4 kids and 3 of them are 4 and under so I am already a broken horse. I'm on the mats to learn not kill. At 40 y/o the only people that are going to get that much violence and aggression out of me are the ones that have no business pushing me that far. Most of the guys and girls I train with, no matter the belt, are all chill AF. If someone is coming at me strong I tend to only practice my defense. No need to injure myself trying to be a man and get a submission. I have to work tomorrow and my kids still need to be held and feed.
You got the right idea! Sounds like you’re training in a good place. Thanks for sharing your experience
For my second day my master had me roll with a purple belt with roughly 8 years of experience BJJ/Judo etc. Went three rounds, he was sweating a lot, so I think I did a decent job, although I got sweeped so many times lol. I was so exhausted, it was great and I thanked him. I work 6 days a week, awkward hours so I can only get in 3 days a week at max unfortunately.
Sounds like a great experience! 1-3 days a week is still enough to make solid progress, even if you want to be training more. Thank you for watching!
Master😂
“What’s 3 months in 10 years” is exactly what I needed to hear
Glad you got something out of the episode!
Sometimes it’s tough to keep things in perspective on long time horizons
1/40
I’m a white belt and this is great. Glad to be growing alongside this channel
Thank you for this kind comment, it’s why we are building the channel! If you ever have questions you want covered feel free to leave a comment on any of our videos
Subscribed. New to BJJ, though I'd wanted to explore it for years. Thanks for the wisdom.
Appreciate that glad you got something out of it!
Thanks for leaving a comment buddy :)
24 yo female belt here. Started only this month. Honestly, I was humbled by purple and blue belts pretty fast. Yeah, I have a judo experience, also boxing, but after my first little injury I changed my mind and attitude from “trying my best and hardest” to “finding peace and trying to figure things out throwing my ego in the trash completely.
I knew before that my technique suck, but now I openly admit it because I still try to understand how to memorize things better. Plus trying to compensate my lack of skills with strength didn’t really work 😂 guys just mop floors with me or open me like a can of beans 😅
Now I am focused also on stretching and strengthening my muscles and body, mind in general. And taking criticism with a lot of humor.
Sounds like you’ve got the right plan and mindset there
Haha yeah I’ve been there with the needing to work on the attributes to keep up (we have some real heavyweights in the gym)
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Just discovered your channel this week. Appreciated this episode. I'm a 40 year old white belt. I'm living in the land of CONSCIOUS IGNORANCE. I am aware that I don't know much and everything requires so much thinking and brain energy and my execution is a grind. The real tools of success for me so far has been attendance, sincere effort, a sense of humor and an understanding that I'm playing with house money. Its open season for me to fail and fail good. My main responsibility is to show with and empty cup.
Sounds like you have the right idea! I’m glad you enjoyed the episode, thank you for the comment and for watching!
The mental exhaustion is real. For me, the physical stuff is okay, but unlearning behavior plus learning good BJJ means I don't stick around for the second class yet. (55 y.o., 2nd degree black belt in kung fu)
I am in the Pre-Blue Belt Blues. Been training for 2 years, relaxing more, retaining and executing more, but not consistently. Plenty of good days and off days. Surviving most rolls with Blue Belts, semi-frequently surprising them with a sweep or sub they didn't expect. (Picked up a Kimura grip in bottom half guard and used it to reverse position last night for example) Seeming to become a more fun roll for purps and up.
I am just focusing on having fun. I love the human chess, cerebral yet physical aspect and just focus on that. Honestly, I would still do Jits even if there were no belts/promotions. I would do it because it is a fun workout that helps me better prepare to protect myself and my family.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! Sounds like you have the right idea to maintain some longevity in the sport and to enjoy the whole experience. Happy rolling!
2 years and no blue belt? Did you take a long break
Right there with you! I've been training for 3 years and just got passed by for my blue belt. I've only averaged 1-2 training sessions a week and I've moved and am at my 3rd gym. It's hard but just gotta double down on training when you can and finding the fun!
It's funny how when you stop thinking about the stripes and the belts they start to come faster
@@jasondevries7458 Not my experience but good for you!
Been a few months in a learned very early: slow down, stay tight.
These 2 alone helped me have enough energy to get more rolls in per session, and not get submitted as much
Staying tight and slowing down is absolutely a game changer early on for learning and performance
First month into Jits at 47 years old and have been looking for a podcast like this since I started....it is so difficult to find expert yet calm and humble advice online...without all the bs. As a white belt, my main aim at the moment has been to stay relaxed and be a good rolling partner, someone that people want to roll with...I see growth for me personally, more from doing rather than watching. You guys are great and have just subscribed, looking forward to checking out your other content 👍👍
That’s awesome to hear buddy.
Glad you’re having a good time and you seem to have the right mindset!
Appreciate you tuning into the channel and thank you for the kind words
Im a 3 stripe white belt. I know i am going to get my 4th stripe in the next month or 2. But i dont feel like i have gained enough knowledge to be there. I dont win rolls against blue belts and im a 50/50 with white belts. I want to compete, but i dont want to embarress myself. I feel like im stuck in my skillset.
Your video has enlightened my view on rolling and what to take away from rolling. Im hoping that it will further my journey.
Something an old coach told me is that you’re only looking to progress and belts are benchmarks of your individual progress.
That doesn’t necessarily mean performance against other folks - there are too many factors to consider there.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
started bjj few months before covid and i progressed really fast, then boom knee injury knee surgery, i got back to training then boom covid, lockdowns, depression, after covid got back to training for a year i was really into it i was feeling it then boom right knee injury, 2 months off back into training for a few months again same thing i felt great, i love rolling im getting better i can do multiple submissions now but again boom i got hit by a car and now im here, i will still get back to training :)
That sucks about the injury struggles, but I am glad you are enjoying yourself and keeping training 💪.
Do you know how long you’re likely off for the car related stuff?
@@jiujitsujunction doc said 1 month and its getting better thanks for asking 👍 oss
That's admirable that you always came back to training. I am happy to hear you finally see some results!!
I have pretty low self esteem, which honestly made starting jiu jitsu easier in terms of thinking I was gonna do anything right.
Sometimes having low expectations can help in this way.
Try to do something about the low self esteem though buddy - a better self can be a single mental reframe away :)
I am 3 months in and very thankful for this...❤
You’re welcome! Thank you for your kind comment!
Where you at now?
As a 40-year-old college wrestler It took me a bit to get back into that beginner mindset. focus more on the techniques and less on winning rounds. Becoming a good training partner took months of reprogramming my mind. It’s more about building each other up than grinding each other into dust. I learn a lot more if I’m not just defending all the time!
It can be a challenge to go back to a beginner mindset sounds like you have the right idea!
43 y.o. 2 stripe white. Feeling stuck some days, its a marathon i know. At times it feels like im not progressing at all, but then i get a roll in with newer students and i see how far I have come. All you can do show up, pay attention to the details and try to work your game. Keep rolling an stay safe....
Nailed it, all you need to do buddy
When I go soft it’s usually because I’m being nice, it’s a lower belt, or I’m rolling with a woman. I’m only 180 but I’m strong for my weight, so I don’t want to hurt anyone especially when training.
I definitely like the idea of erring on that side of the intensity spectrum myself for similar reasons.
Thanks for leaving a comment and sharing your thoughts!
As I white belt, I've always thought it weird for some schools to make new comers (less than 15 lessons) roll.. I never knew what rolling was, what I was supposed to do and why I was doing it. We'd be drilling in class, but there was no way I could apply that while live sparring so why am I doing it?? Just to have higher belts sub me constantly whilst I pose zero threat??? lol. Much better when you've got a month or more of lessons so that you can roll (even with VERY limited defenses and positions) with purpose. Keep up the great work guys!!!!! 🔥
Yeah I personally like it when newcomers are handed off to conscientious and competent upper belts with a “mini game” of an objective to hit then reset. When I get brand new people I like gamifying it so it’s narrowed down to something simpler they can realistically work on.
Thank for you the encouraging comment and for watching!
I sorta disagree. I am only a two stripe white belt tho. I learn a lot the first week of rolling. Asking the higher belts what I was doing wrong. Getting talked thru submissions
@@smoothmarvingaming1309 I actually agree too and think it’s always dependent on who you’re rolling with and if they are helpful knowing you know zero, or they just take advantage and rag doll you around! Lol. Rolling with someone who wants you to learn too is always helpful!! Not always the case though I’ve found.
@Bruce Kai totally makes sense. I just got lucky. Every one at the place I go to is super cool and wants me to get better 😃
I am 56. I was a multi sport endurance coach for 8 years (swim, bike, run, triathlon). After 3 years of only base training (at best) I started my Jiu Jitsu journey. I fought tournament Judo in college and Navy, and figured that they were similar, but far from the same. My first practice was a complete eye-opener physically. Even knowing how to regulate my output, I was still gassed by my second roll. I am fascinated by Jiu Jitsu and was prepared with the "empty cup" approach to learning. I have yet to tournament fight (June '24), I am really looking forward to it. Its not the destination, its the journey. Great episode! Thanks!
That’s a great perspective and story!
Really appreciate you sharing it with us.
Glad you enjoyed the episode!
32 year old white belt. I have a bit of wrestling experience so going slow is something I’m learning. It’s hard for me (in the moment) to not use speed and strength to move into or out of positions. I’m working on it though. Also I must say I have so much respect for my fellow white belts who started with no grappling experience. It was crazy enough for me with grappling experience I couldn’t imagine being completely green.
In some small ways it’s easier to learn (this is Andre replying) when you show up with an “empty cup.”
But damn once wrestlers empty it a bit and fill it again get they’re a force of nature haha
@@jiujitsujunction thank you for the advice! That actually helps a lot. I’m going to empty my cup!
This is such a great video and so recognizable. Especially the going to soft part because I'm quite a big guy and I was/am still afraid of really hurting someone. I've been training for almost 6 months (twice a week) and lately I've attended a few seminars too. The last three weeks I felt like nothing was working for me and first I thought it was just an overload on new techniques/information that made me lose focus (tried to focus on everything at once). But yesterday after I watched this video I resorted back to focusing on breathing and also playing during sparring. And its safe to say yesterday's session turned out alot better and it was so much more fun! So thank you for the advice :)
That’s really great to hear! I am happy you benefit out of the podcast. Sometimes shifting your focus gives you better results. Thank you for the comment and for watching!
Just started the BJJ journey earlier this week and I’m only 2 sessions in but I’ve had the best time doing it. I’ve been doing Muay Thai for about 3 years so I know what it’s like to start from the beginning and know absolutely nothing which really helped me in this because I know everyone in there can tap me, but because of that I’ve been rolling with black belts, purple belts, blue belts and even white belts and everyone has helped me, given me critiques, and we’ve laughed and had a good time after the rolls. Going in with the mindset of knowing you know nothing truly is a lot better and makes for a much better experience than thinking you do know something because everyone gets humbled at some point. There’s always a bigger fish 🙌
Absolutely!
People love helping people who are being humble and friendly too
I’m fresh white belt probably 15 lessons in definitely the nail getting hammered. Hard to keep going as I know I get beat up and out of breath pretty quick . Lots of learning to do but can see why people get hooked on it once you can hold your own a bit. Also some of the other white belts trying wild moves with no technique and real fast close to bad knee injuries twice already it worry’s me.
Playing a tight game where you keep you knees and elbows close to your center help shield you from “wild moves” based on your structure.
It’s also a good idea to pick your partners a bit more carefully if you feel in danger.
Thanks for commenting to share your experience :)
This was a great episode thank you for the time you kindly took to make this episode I recently got my blue belt and know I have so much to learn keeping that glass empty. Thank you again.
You’re very welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the episode!
Emptying that glass every so often is an important and underrated part of the path to progress.
Congrats on your blue belt!
Thank you for the comment and for watching!
Great podcast dudes. I have not tried bjj yet but I will this week/friday. I'm 42 y/o and ready to change my life.
Appreciate the compliment buddy, never too late to make a change and get started in something new!
Been training for about a month and remembering to take it easy and not “hard” is something that tends to slip a few times during sessions . The last recent session was the first time I had to different rolling partners tell me to take it “friendly “ and slow to let the movements register. Coming from a wrestling background this is something I need to have seeded into my thought process I’m in my late 30s and the majority are blue and purple belt partners I just remember that we all need to go back home in one peace
Wrestling (especially at the age you learn wrestling) is all fast, intense and simpler.
The biggest difference is that learning movement patterns that are really unfamiliar especially when you're older is that its more efficient to learn it all a bit more slowed down.
Which kind of takes care of the going too hard thing all on it's own.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm a 2nd degree black belt in traditional Kung Fu, black sash in Shaolin temple tai chi. I started BJJ two months ago, and I'm a whiter shade of pale in BJJ. IT'S TOTALLY V DIFFERENT! But I'm a good way. I'm meeting good people and it's a very positive experience.
It’s so much different than other martial arts, welcome to the mats friend!
I commented about 7 months ago when I first started doing jujitsu under a Gracie University certified training center..
After about a year of doing the combatatives. Which include 36 different techniques and drills. I just got promoted. And moved on to the most advanced class the master cycle class. Which has your full-on sparring. After seeing a lot of comments from people who just started jujitsu.white belts Starting out and having to go to schools. That start sparring right from the first class. I realized the advantage that I had going into sparring for my first time after having gone through the first gracie university classes and learning the 36 techniques. I was well more aware, even though I had never sparred. I had an understanding of positions. Certain things for like an elevator sweep or elbow escape from mount. Or understanding side control and half guard and things like that. I was a lot more comfortable than it seems like a lot of other white Belts when they first started full sparring. Considering im in my 40s its been such a great experience
That’s great that you’ve had a positive experience there.
I can see pros and cons to each approach but generally speaking I always found that good bjj schools can handle sparring in the first few classes with grace.
That said I’d rather take the Gracie approach than get thrown to the wolves in the wrong school (been to places like that too)
Thanks for sharing your experience with us
I go into class excited about hopefully getting better and being awesome and I always leave feeling violated and defeated but uplifted by classmates and encouraged and the other day I got attacked on my job because I work in a psych hospital. I realized real quick that had actually been learning quite a lot and had the old lady subdued pretty quickly lol kidding it was a 6’3 man.
Haha yeah it’s a real humbling moment when the old lady submits you (been there)
That first sentence was a friggin roller coaster to read.
All the emotion transitioning into getting attacked geez
Glad you’re okay and enjoying the experience
It’s a humbling experience but enjoyable.
man I like the vibe, u guys covered a lot of great stuff, thanks.
Thanks!
Appreciate you leaving a kind comment glad you enjoyed it!
29 yo white belt here that skipped stage 1. I am very fit, but I respected the martial art coming into the gym, so I knew winning wasn’t an option at the start. I use 100% of my strength in rolls when I can apply pressure gradually, but use common sense to know I can’t yank people’s limbs in directions I haven’t been shown yet. I focused only on keeping my rolling partner safe and watching movement patterns that led to submissions at the start. 3 months in I tap almost every white belt and am starting to gain on the blues. Patience and understanding have allowed me to progress very quickly.
Sounds like you have a good handle on things!
Just stumbled upon your podcast. Great stuff. I’m in my mid 40s. My wife and I (and our 6 year old) just started training this summer. Blue belts asked me to roll on day 1. I said what the heck. It was amazing to get destroyed to show just how important technique is. I’m a pretty fit guy but I found myself breathing hard, freaking out, and panicking during rolls. My biggest lesson from that was stay calm and breathe. Forget about trying moves. Learning how to stay calm while getting smashed is the best first lesson. The moves and skills will come with time. We go 4 days a week. My only regret is not starting this 10 years ago.
@@TheWhyteRhyno77 Appreciate you chiming in with your experience! Agree with your approach and think we all wish we started 10 years ago haha
I’m a 2 stripe white belt been training consistently for a year today it hit me while I was rolling that I was doin some movements without having to think about then it was a cool moment for me cuz usually I jjst feel lost or have to really think about stuff
Man that’s a magical moment isn’t it?
Starts feeling like jiu jitsu when you at least have a goal to look for every time
A lot of things resonates with me. I don’t think I was ever stage one tho, I knew I’d get humbled from day one. First class rolled with my coach who’s 65kg and I was 105kg. Let me say It was both frightening and impressive 😂
Haha it’s great when you get highly technical smaller guys and just immediately get shown the magic of jiu jitsu.
Stage one can definitely get skipped!
Im about to begin learning jiu jitsu. I've watched a number of videos - one thing that worries me a little bit is levering too hard on someone's arm or shoulder and causing an injury (because i don't know what I'm doing).
General rule of thumb is don’t bend anything the way it shouldn’t go with any force.
Submissions are the least important part to develop at first anyway
If you go with anyone who’s got half a lick of skill, don’t worry about it. You won’t catch the submissions you think you will. Good luck!! And stick with it 🤙
@@KazzArie I was thinking more like guys "letting" me out them into those positions...
Hi guys
I know what you're saying about questioning techniques etc, but I've found that sometimes due to my body type/size and joints etc that the moves I'm shown don't work for me. I often have to adjust, especially the darce (mine is more of a modified Japanese necktie). My coach said to me that this isn't Karate where you must stick to the forms exactly, and sometimes we need to find our own way of doing things. I know this isn't what you were suggesting with regards to the bigger guys using strength but isn't this technically not following the syllabus too? No arguments here, I'm just entering a discussion. 🙏
If your coach is telling you to modify things then you just do what he tells you to do (part of being a coachable student).
I do have to modify certain things due to being short and only mobile in certain directions (This is Andre responding) but I always try to do things the way it’s shown first because it gives me a clearer picture of the concept and movement I’m ultimately going for.
How you use your own attributes and modifications to things is part of jiu jitsu as well, just sometimes people sometimes needlessly limit themselves before they really give it enough reps to understand.
Thanks for sharing your experience and commenting!
Brilliant, thank you very much great content here btw. I was worried as I find a lot of things not working (I'm 5'5") against most of my partners who are much bigger. Coach is fantastic, so didn't want to come across like "this isn't working" if that makes sense 🙏👍
I was the crossfit guy. I thought I’d be ok until about 90 seconds in. 😂 Jiujitsu has made me so much more efficient; it’s awesome.
Agree with the efficiency thing - it seems like after getting used to the stress associated with getting strangled you can keep yourself calm and efficient in many other areas haha. Thanks for commenting!
I'm 38. 2 months in. My 2 5 year younger cousins were state wresting champs. I remember whooping up on them in highschool. They're purple belts and bench 400. Every night with them is humbling...😂
Haha that’s a funny story appreciate you sharing it
I'm in the old out of shape man getting his ass kicked by former wrestlers that are 25 years younger phase. Goal number one is just staying healthy enough to continue training and build up my cardio. Sucks to be a white belt.
Solid important goal that I still have to prioritize depending on the training partner. Thanks for the comment - it’ll get easier to do as you progress
That Chase guy seems like a pretty cool dude I'd train with him
He is a cool guy (this is the other one haha)
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment
I started off too hard. Always getting injured, and now I go slower and am more cognizant. Starting to learn the flow but I'm still always exhausted at the end.
Yeah it can be tough that way in the beginning.
Flow is honestly hard to achieve (everyone pretends it’s easy) so don’t be too hard on yourself about it as long as you’re making that attempt.
Really appreciate you sharing your experience with us :)
Thanks guys! Great insight!
Glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate the kind comment
Perfect… the right flow to grow
Excellent insight
Appreciate you dropping a comment :)
Glad you enjoyed it
needed to hear this as im an ignorant white belt that needs to stop bresk the “ speed limit” an flow better
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts appreciate you stopping by. Glad you're getting something out of it friend
I'm a fresh blue belt, like 2 months and I'm at that point where I just stop everybody and rarely submit people. I sweep and control but I have trouble submitting people and I think I still go too soft regardless of how hard my training partner goes. It's a little annoying.
Submitting people is the hardest part so imo that’s just how it goes for quite a while unless there’s a big skill gap
Can definitely identify with that feeling though haha
It gets better
Awesome conversation. Super Oss.
Appreciate you friend thanks for tuning in
I watched a lot of mma and bjj prior to taking a bjj class. I was accused of having trained before but never did formally. I accepted that I would get smashed but when it came to sparring, even as a 20 year old ,skinny, weak,day one beginner my ego got the better of me, convinced myself that I would beat some guys lol. I got smashed
I’m now 27 year old and a brown belt. I must have been about 64 kg at 6’1 on my first day. I’m now 82 kg. Without jiu jitsu I’ll still probably be very skinny and weak lol
On a side note regarding ego, some of the most egotistical and narcissistic people I ever met were high ranked/competitive black belts. Jiu jitsu doesn’t get rid of ego, it just enhances if if one is already an asshole
Sounds like you had an overall great experience!
Have to agree some of the most egoistical people I’ve ever met have been black belts where you can tell jiu jitsu is all they had going for them.
Thanks for commenting with your story!
Happy holidays!
Just started training two months ago. I'm a pretty lightweight guy (about 120 pounds), so I have a hard time lol. Being in bottom side control sucks against guys who are bigger and stronger. But to compensate for my physical limitations, I learn pretty quickly. Seeing a technique once is often enough to be able to imitate it (unless it's very difficult), and I can even do the technique in sparring. Last training I hit an overhead sweep on a blue belt, and he said he didn't see it coming, but I had never trained or drilled it, I saw someone else use it and then I copied it during sparring. I never use much strength during sparring (because I don't have a lot, so I'm not going to win that battle anyway) so I always try to go technical, controlled and slow. And I know I suck anyway, so I don't mind being smashed by everyone. So I'm always pretty humble and friendly.
But there was this big guy of 214 pounds, and right before we started rolling, he said: "I'm going to teach you to hate people who are bigger and stronger than you." And I thought he was just joking but then he proceeded to put his entire weight on me during the roll (and it was positional sparring so we had to start in side control each time of all positions..) clearly trying to crush me with his weight and making sure I couldnt breathe. Then he got in my closed guard and proceeded to collar choke me, and he put the choke on so hard and quickly (punching his full weight into my throat) that I started to pass out in just two seconds. I tried doing an armbar on him (because "you should never be able to choke someone while in their closed guard") but I started to pass out almost immediately so I didn't have the time. I had red spots on my neck from his choke for a week and my throat was sore. I asked him why he was going so hard, and he said that it was "an important learning experience for small people like me to feel what a difference in weight and strength felt like. Especially for real life self-defense encounters." Thanks man. As if I didn't already know that.
It sounds like you have the right idea and you’re making good progress!
It really sucks when you get genuine bullies like that, I avoid people like that once they show their true colors.
Thanks for watching!
@@jiujitsujunction Thanks! I hadn't fully finished your podcast when I typed my comment. Now I'm wondering if I'm sometimes perhaps a bit on the "too soft" side of the spectrum while rolling. I hadn't really thought about that.. I'll ask my rolling partners if they think I'm going too soft while rolling. Good stuff guys, thanks for the podcast! Lots to think about!
Man...that using your hammer part is me to a T...gonna switch it up and not get to my go for awhile
You’re not alone in using that hammer, everyone does that at all levels from time to time. Thanks for watching and good luck with acquiring more tools 💪
I train when I compete and and someone does something that pisses me off I would say i kinda see red. "When I see red" I will turn up what I do. Did it in wrestling also. I am kinda a laid back wrestler tell someone does something dirty. Only problem I had was I could never just turn it on when I want to.
Yeah I’ve seen a lot of people like that and it’s kind of a common thing tbh
Thanks for sharing with us :)
4 stripe white belt about to turn 45. Oh the pre blue belt blues is real. Most times I feel like it’s my first day all over again and I can’t remember anything.
Most of us go through it - I’m sure you’ll get through them soon! Just wait until you have your imposter syndrome blue belt complex next haha. Thanks for the comment, appreciate you watching!
Dope asf can you guys give your insight on comp finding the balance between aggression and flowing like finding that sweet spot
Especially early on in jiu jitsu being more aggressive and assertive in getting to your A-game before the other person pays the biggest dividends in terms of outcome. If you’re only looking to learn, hard flow and playing can be good, just depends on your goals and how much you care about winning (and most of us prefer to win haha)
I’ll put that one on the list of topics to discuss on the podcast in further detail
Thanks for the comment and for watching!
What’s the difference between a Jiu Jitsu practitioner, professor, and player?
Practitioner and player are students at the gym.
Professor is reserved for coaches. :)
1 year in no stripe white. I 50/50 a Black Belt for majority of a roll and at the end he told me I frustrated him and forced him to adjust his game.
Got a bunch of blue/ white taps don't even count the easy ones anymore. 1 purple and 2 brown and 1 3 stripe Black. Needless to say I know the ones over blue can all beat me at will, but the taps I got I earned. They didn't expect me to even know the subs😂.
If I get it my way I will never get promoted 😂
White belt in bjj is one of the coolest, funnest and most frustrating things that I have ever done. White belt for ever!
Haha! Yes the stakes are low and there’s a ton of upside with little downside when it comes to “performance.” Thanks for sharing your experience!
Yes sir! Hated it at first now I freaking love it.
Thank you for the insight in this video.
I am 30 and starting BJJ this upcoming week and I’m 100% expecting to get tapped by everyone I roll with. I have a background in wrestling but it’s been 12 years since I’ve ever practiced it. I am really interested in Gi (I’m sure I’ll do some NoGi eventually) but had a question I’m hoping you could answer if you have a moment. With Gi training, does every grip have to be a Gi grip? What comes to mind is snapping down an opponent and going for the front headlock with a hand on the chin. Is that allowed in Gi?
Everything is allowed, Gi just tool that you can use or not
You can use all the wrestling grabs you are familiar with. You’ll also find that people that train both yes gi and no gi tend to use the same grips that can apply to both as well.
Thanks for commenting and I’m glad you got something out of our video!
I think it's pretty normal in the first stage to use strength and go all out when you don't know any techniques. It's all you have to rely on. My only problem is those that are spazzy.
Yeah it’s standard to do that.
We all do it at the beginning imo
Wrestlers step on the mat with the exact opposite mentality to the one you’re prescribing and smash every purple belt in your gym
Love the episode can’t wait to see you guys get even better at podcasting!!
Thank you appreciate the kind comment!
Thank you. I feel like this was made for me.
I’m glad you found it helpful! Thank you for watching
I went way too hard as a white belt. I became more defensive as a Blue Belt focusing on escapes and not being tapped . 😅
Me too buddy haha, thanks for watching!
BJJ white belt no stripe but 20 plus years of wrestling and Muay Thai. It's humbling for sure but it's also astounding how much I can hang with higher ranks because of some transferable skills. Everyone thinks I'm using cheat codes or was the greatest wrestler ever. Like no I just competed a LOT
Yeah there’s nothing like experience and stress inoculation to make learning really fast.
Also tons of transfer from both of those arts too.
Thanks for leaving a comment appreciate you sharing your experience
Im about to start bjj again in an mma gym, i did jiujitsu for a while in the past and had to stop cos i didnt have enough money, i left as a whitebelt so, its more likely that i will start from 0... but ive been practicing another martial art with ground grappling for a few years called sipalki, and i was thinking that it might bring bad habits to practice a different style for so long? Other than avoiding doing wristlocks and neck cranks wich are allowed in sipalki... what advice do you have for someone who comes from another style and wants to start from 0 instead of letting that experience affect their training experience?
Honestly, entering with as close to “an empty cup” kind of mindset is ideal whenever you’re learning a new skill, even when you have adjacent experience. As you gain more current skill in bjj you might find opportunities to pull from that experience, but until then try to learn without thinking about what you know. Just my 2 cents.
Thanks for commenting!
I just finished my 4th class. We're doing positional sparring in side control. I find myself being on opposite ends of the spectrum. Either going to soft or too hard. I want to be a good sparring partner so people will want to roll and practice with me. I sometimes let people get things that I shouldn't, and I'm probably giving them bad feedback on their subs.
It’s a natural part of the progression of working towards understanding jiu jitsu. Plenty of time to learn how to be a good training partner! Being aware enough to try to get it right is a good first step. Thanks for your comment and for watching!
My question is, rolling with these bigger guys that are blue they are mostly laying on top of me. They will not look for a submission or try. They are just using there weight to tire you out. Time and time again. Its starting to get to me. Im 5'6 white belt. I get what they are doing. Trying to tire me out. My thing is i want to learn but how can i learn when every time i roll if i end up on my back thats it. Just smother me until the clock runs out. Its super annoying. Every time i roll with brown or black even purple. I have the best time. I learn.. alot of the blue belts in my classes are 250 lean. And just wont work with you. Is this common ?
You probably have to specifically ask them to let you work (and not take advantage of them loosening their defenses)
Make it about you “not being good enough” and it’ll make it more likely to work out in your favor.
It’s kind of an ego drainer to have to put it that way but it might help you get work with them. (I’ve done this in the past)
Also if they won’t do it then avoid rolling with them is my two cents since you’re getting little benefit from the rolls.
Would it make sense to drill positions and transitioning from one position to another on a dummy?
We are big proponents of solo movement drills and a dummy can help with those
Solid insight.
Thank you for the comment and for watching!
Good talk guys thanks
Thanks glad you liked it!
My kryponite is my cardio. I know it gets better with time but damn it sucks trying to defend with no oxygen left lol
Me too buddy (this is Andre). Every time I'm disciplined about maintaining or growing the cardio tank it makes a huge difference in my training.
Stages of a purple belt next?
Haha might have to put that on the docket
Hey, love the content, I've had the privilege to roll with you a few times Gym-o. I had knee reconstruction surgery, haven't been rolling since middle last year. Didn't know if you had any advice on about starting back wrestling and jitsu After knee surgery.
I remember, that's awesome you’re starting back!
Start back slow and do mobility and movement drills to strengthen your knee for grappling again. You'll probably need to keep physical therapy routines for your knee as something you do a few times a week to continue building strength and stability! Pick your partners wisely and NO LIVE for a little while.
I bet it was a fun roll! 🙏
@@jiujitsujunction thank you, im excited about coming back.
Complete newbie starting at my first gym soon at the age of 39. I’ve talked to a few guys at my powerlifting gym who do jujitsu and they all think I’ll have problems finding people to roll with. I have 10 years of wrestling background and 25+ in the strongman / powerlifting world. At 6’3 280 they don’t think I’ll find a lot local guys willing to roll with me. But I’m going in knowing outside of my wrestling background l don’t know shit and I’d love to go slow and learn with someone who isn’t going to immediately try and dislocate my elbow as someone who still love powerlifting and works in construction while also having a 2 year old I want to eventually do jujitsu with me the injury anxiety is there
I’d say giving off the right energy and being respectful and playing bottom positions will help people feel comfortable rolling with you.
You’re a big strong dude and it’s natural for people to hesitate about that, just have to patiently overcome their hesitation with conscientious movement and being friendly imo
Just started today my first class 30 year old
Best of luck buddy thanks for tuning in
What do you guys think of the
gracie combatives program
I have to say that neither of us has much experience with it.
I (Andre) have met people who have done that program and they performed somewhat poorly in a jiu jitsu context.
That said most combatives done with live training will be a step up from wholly theoretical or zero training individuals imo.
Also thanks for the comment, appreciate you watching!
@jiujitsujunction I appreciate your input thanks for the response. Amazing video by the way.
I've only done all their classes but haven't actually rolled yet.
I'm getting my next belt to actually roll, spar now so I was curious.
@jiujitsujunction I appreciate your content and reply. First time listener and I subbed and liked look foawrd to going through your content. Thanks again. Much appreciated 🙏
@@willywonka00 You're welcome! We're keeping already published podcast content on this channel (and there's a decent amount of episodes already) so pick through what you want to watch on this channel and when you're ready for newer content it'll be on the dedicated podcast channel at the following link: www.youtube.com/@jjjpodcast
Hey just started Jiu Jitsu. Is it normal to be thrown in a class with blue and purple belts and learning advance move when I don’t even know the basics? Thanks
Yep, your in for baptism by fire for the first steps of this journey my man. You’ll be the nail far more than the hammer until a few months go by and new people start joining your team after you. Then you’ll start having more and more opportunities to become a hammer. Enjoy this time, you’re going to learn so much so fast at this stage.
@@joebesmith Thanks for the response man. I can’t get over how good these guys are. They were rag dolling my ass. In a weird way I enjoyed it.
Yeah most schools are blended skill level classes you’ll pick it up in little bursts :)
@@jiujitsujunction I appreciate the response.
Hi I want take it up but it seems like a lot people are busting up their kness
It’s kind of overblown but you can stay pretty safe by keeping your limbs close during all of your guard passing movements.
Many gyms even frown upon or disallow leg locks
4th class for me a new guy who was a wrestler in high school pulled guard and jumped back and jerked me down while drilling and I slammed down on my right knee. Couldn’t believe how easy it was for something to make me limp for a week so it makes me over worried to drill now. I’m 40 and have 4 kids under 6yo and my family depends on me being functional. It’s definitely something to take into consideration. I switched to a Rener Gracie Gracie university certified training center and it’s much slower paced and they have a curriculum you follow for the fundamentals. No sparing (just drilling together) for the first 8 months then you jump to the master cycle and you drill and spar.
You guys give off this vibe that you are really into your ego. Your context is only your context.
The amount of learning is infinite, so no matter how much I know, it's relatively "nothing". And, I understand that.
Easy place to occupy if you get there mentally
Thanks for commenting - appreciate you watching!
Just trying to figure out what “too hard” and “too soft” is at this point. God it’s a battle in its own
It’s kind of a complex soft skill that changes constantly haha
You’ll get there though!
I'm 72, 140lbs, a few months into jiu-jitsu. Some white belts will use their strength on me rather than leverage, technique, timing.
Some people take a while to learn that shift - it’s crazy to me that they would rely on their strength given your stats you just gave us.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Jesus dude, that's wild! I hope you have a very long career in BJJ!
You can tell that y'alls ego play a big role in your everyday. Stop focuses on others ego, and focus on yours. More than once to a trained ear you have alluded to your own insecurities and ego. If a new person is talking to you about the move that may be how they learn, teaching is learning. To someone with an ego and a certain amount of ignorance this will come off as the student trying to teach master, but that is the masters ego blinding him from the reality of the situation. Put your ego aside, listen to the student, if you are secure in yourself you can do that and not be offended and not feel like you have to correct them. If you know what the right way is then be confident in that, dont fight the student. Also, you cannot fit people into stages, you are stetting your self up for failure and disappointment. You can always tell who the guys where that walked in with no real athletic ability and had to put in a lot of time and effort to become average vs the guys that are athletic and animals who just need to be trained and tamed.
Thank you for sharing your perspective!
Yo the guy on the right looks like encino man
There’s exceptions to the rule but in my experience guys that come in with that “1st stage” mentality don’t keep training for a long time.
Something that I’ve seen many times as well
you dudes are cool
Appreciate that buddy thanks for the comment :)
Podcast would be good if it wasn't a 1:1 ratio of Podcast to advertisments
Can’t truly control ads on our end but glad you enjoyed it otherwise
Not sure if I’m going to soft or not being offensive….?
Only way to know for sure is to talk to your instructors and/or training partners I think. Thanks for commenting!
Apparently shaving and a getting a haircut is not one of those stages
I dont want to get injured and i dont want to injure anyone, i dont want to compete for me, i want to learn, i want to get in shape, i dont want to become john wick 😂
Yeah haha sometimes people come into it with some action star expectations
For me it’s just be safe, socialize, learn skills, and have enjoyable exercise
Im a White Belt been training for 2 Months now. I Rolled With my Instructor Mark for the 1st Time. He Knows I've been a Wrestler for a Very long time and After our Roll, He Goes "i Have to Take advantage of My Wrestlers"🤣 after he says That I Just Need to Learn The Game Of BJJ💯 So perfect timing on me Finding this Video.
Haha sounds like a fun time was had!
Thanks for dropping in and commenting
4 minutes into and bro are you covering a knot on your head?
Chase has had that knot forever
This was one of our first times on camera so probably nerves tbh
Appreciate you dropping a comment
Please, less use of the word “like”, and whistling nose-breathing into the mic. Great info and pointers, just found the above distracting at times.
Very new to being in front of the camera in that episode. Thanks for the feedback :)
Don’t spazz, yet dont go easy.. This white belt is confused and doesn’t know what he’s doing
It’ll make sense soon enough my man
Yall need some time stamps. Ya can’t have 45 minutes of slow rambling and expect everyone to sit through the WHOLE thing.
Yeah I get that - the other episodes are typically shorter and far more topically driven
Appreciate the feedback
I'm 30min into the video and haven't noticed the rambling. I put on a podcast to hear ppl talk
Speak for yourself, not others.
These guys get smashed by wrestlers and cry about it
This lame af