Stop Thinking and Just Go

Not that I’m really into talking about my teammates (I always think it’s sort of odd) but recently I’ve been working with one teammate on some fundamentals. This past week or so we’ve been talking about flow rolling and its benefits.

We’ve all been guilty of it, at some point or another: we think about what we want to do to the point where we will stop, and at that point the opportunity has already passed us by. Many of us have an inner monologue that plays while we roll, and sometimes that inner voice can be tremendously helpful- encouraging, telling us when we have our points, whatever. And it’s always encouraged to move efficiently, to advance with purpose. But sometimes you just need to tell that inner voice to shut up: you need to embrace the inner silence and just let your body do its thing, otherwise you think so much about what you are supposed to do that the actual opportunity to do whatever it is passes you right by. Sometimes you just need to trust in your muscle memory, trust in your jiu jitsu and just roll.

Just thought I would share. Have a great day everyone!

Jiu Jitsu Techniques: It’s the Little Things that Matter

I was talking to a teammate last night about some troubles she’s been having while training, and while there are some larger movements that we talked about, it was really focusing on the smaller details that made the most difference. It makes sense, when you think about it: when we first learn a technique we focus on the general movements and principles, and sometimes become frustrated because we attempt to execute them and fail. But it was supposed to work, right? It creates a sort of cognitive dissonance: I was told to do this thing, in this situation, and it’s not working. It’s not until we go over those techniques again (and again, and again…) and hone in on the details that we really find success with those techniques. If you’re having trouble with a particular detail, slow down, take your time and make sure you have all the finer points and details down, and if you aren’t sure you have it, take the time to talk to your coach or instructor so they can help you with those little details.

Just my thoughts for today- have a great day everyone!

When Jiu Jitsu is Like Brushing Your Teeth

I know it sounds weird, but I was thinking about this recently and just hear me out on it.

The act of brushing your teeth is something (I sincerely hope) everyone who reads this blog does at least on a regular basis. I would certainly hope everyone brushes their teeth at least once (preferably twice) a day, but hey, I’m not here to tell you how to live your life.

Anyway, the point is that you perform this action on a regular basis, and feels unnatural to miss. It’s (usually) not negotiable or even something you question: it’s just something that’s built into your day. You do it because it makes you feel better, and makes you a more pleasant person to be around- either because you now have pleasant smelling breath, or because you’re not hiding your face like Dracula or Nosferatu due to your (real or imagined) horrendous smelling breath.

Attending class, drilling- all of that should be built into your schedule, much like the act of brushing your teeth. While it doesn’t have to be every day, it does need to be a time in your week that is built in and not questioned: do what you can to schedule your time around it, to make it a part of your life that should feel not natural to do. Much like brushing your teeth.

Anyway, that’s my random thought for the moment: do you agree? Disagree? Let me know- otherwise, have a great day everyone!

Jiu Jitsu and Your Body: Be Your Own Advocate

JiuJiu has an interesting article on her blog about how no one cares about your body. Which, in a sense I agree with, but I would like to offer my own interpretation.

Listen, your teammates do care about you: they will encourage your success, they will empathize with your frustrations and sadness when you lose, they will help you when you train. But they aren’t mind readers: and more importantly, they’re dealing with their own psychological battles, physical injuries and limitations. When it comes to training, you need to become your own advocate: you need to know when to push yourself, and more importantly when you need to back off. Your teammates don’t know how much training you can take, and how hard you can be pushed.

It’s good to let a teammate know that you’re injured, but at the same time, it’s sort of unfair to assume that they will remember which arm/leg/whatever is injured the entire time while drilling or training. There have been multiple times when I’ve trained and accidentally-just from muscle memory- have reached for a partner’s injured limb. Once I remember, or I’m reminded I stop immediately, and others have done the same to me. And I’m sure the same has happened to you.

Be your own advocate on the mat. Push as far as you can go, but be ready to stop when you need to, and be ready to protect whatever injuries you have if you decide to train or drill. That way, everyone wins.

Let me know what you think- otherwise, have a great day everyone!