It can be hard to balance weight training and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I know that for me, I struggled with it at a point in my life where I was doing Powerlifting and Strongman. I continued getting bigger and stronger and was chasing numbers in the weight room.
As I added extra bulk. My strength in the weight room increased. But my performance on the mats dropped significantly.
Then when I started focusing on BJJ more again, the weights in the gym went down. This was incredibly frustrating for me. Because as a competitive guy. I wanted it all! I wanted to be the biggest stronger person I could be plus be a bad ass on the mat.
And the only thing I was reward for my efforts was injuries and mediocre performance in both.
Balancing BJJ and Powerlifting
And in this video I talk about this in the hopes to assist our friend Peter who is a Powerlifter getting into Brazilian Jiujitsu.
He says that since training Jiujitsu he’s noticed that his lifts have dropped in their overall poundage. And if you’ve ever been involved in Powerlifting which places a hefty focus on pushing heavier and heavier weight. . . this isn’t the ideal situation.
His question he sent to me is two fold. . .
1. How do you balance BJJ training with Powerlifting?
2. Should he readjust his expectations for training?
I try to give some help to Peter from the perspective of someone who’s been much heavier and much stronger, who ultimately let go of that heavy weight to focus on BJJ more.
I also touch on the current program I follow for lifting in order to support my BJJ training. And hint around about some upcoming videos.
Let me also add this part in. You can still become very strong while training BJJ. No doubt about it. But you will not be an elite level lifter while you’re trying to be the best you can be on the mat. I go into this idea a bit more in the video.
Anyways, if you’re someone who’s really big into lifting who’s also pursuing BJJ. I hope this video is useful for you and your training on the mat and in the weight room.
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/overhead-press.jpg405232Chewyhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngChewy2018-07-19 09:05:572018-07-19 09:05:57BJJ Made My Lifts Weaker (Balancing BJJ and Powerlifting)
I Can’t Accept my BJJ Purple Belt Promotion (I’m Not Ready)
What do you do when you feel like you’re not ready for your BJJ promotion? When you feel like you’re just not good enough to uphold the rank properly.
This is the question I got from Matt who is a 50 year old Blue Belt and was recently informed that he would be up for his next BJJ belt promotion to Purple Belt.
Now, in most cases this would be a good thing. But as soon as Matt was informed about his potential promotion. He instantly began to have feelings of anxiety and doubt in himself and his abilities.
He says that he’s in pretty good shape. But being 50 years old is tough in BJJ. And he struggles rolling with the younger, stronger practitioners even if they’re less experienced. I’ll tell you from experience, this is even tough for me. I’m 33, not old by any means and I struggle with younger Black Belts. Even if I’m technically better. Youthful recovery and energy definitely plays a role!
In BJJ, And Everything, You’re Your Worst Critic
In this video I go through and share the idea of imposter syndrome. Where we feel like we’re faking it or that we aren’t good enough. I also share how at every single belt including my BJJ purple belt promotion I was promoted to I had the same feelings of inadequacy in relation to my Brazilian Jiu-jitsu abilities.
Jordan Peterson talks about this in his recent book that we are tyrants to ourselves. Someone else could make the same mistake as us. But since we made it, we’ve very hard and judgmental.
Nothing wrong with pushing yourself to be better. But at the same time there has to be a limit.
If you’re struggling with being your own worst critic or a downright awful person to yourself. Whether this is related to BJJ belt promotion. Then I hope the video helps!
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/joe-armento-bjj-belt-promotion.jpg960720Chewyhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngChewy2018-07-13 19:55:132018-07-13 19:55:13I Can't Accept my BJJ Belt Promotion (I'm Not Ready)
Frustrated Higher Belts Are Upset with This Tough BJJ Blue Belt
Being a BJJ Blue Belt who can submit Purples , Browns and higher belts in the gym and competitions is a great thing right? Yes but it does come with some potential issues.
Recently I got a message from a young Blue Belt who is struggling when he visits other BJJ gyms while traveling. This is because when he goes to other Brazilian Jiu-jitsu gyms he’s able to submit or outmaneuver many of the higher belts on the mat. Especially when in No Gi.
Again, this should be a good thing. But he finds that many of the people inside these gyms take offense to it. They will get angry at him for beating them. He’s tried playing catch and release, but they still get angry. In the worst case, he had a choke on someone and they didn’t tap. He felt terrible after he was forced to wake the person up after they went unconscious.
Now, this isn’t right, and people shouldn’t take it so harshly. But it is what it is. People say “Leave the Ego at the door” in BJJ all the time. But it’s not that easy. Everyone has an ego. It’s not about eliminating the ego but integrating into your life and not being overtaken by it.
So, when dealing with people’s egos and the pecking order of their BJJ gym. People have a tendency to get up in arms and upset at times.
I used to have a destructive controlling ego myself in my younger days. I’m better about this now. But I was guilty of this kind of stuff at one time in my life. So we can choose to point the finger if we want. But I don’t find that very helpful.
Get to Know Your New BJJ Training Partners
So, in this video, instead of condemning the people that our friend is rolling with. I try to give him some practical advice about feeling out the people he’s rolling with, before he kicks up the intensity. This is in the hopes of getting to know each other a little bit on the mats before he opens up. This way he doesn’t bruise egos and so people can become a bit more comfortable with him.
I share this by touching on two separate situations. 1 was with my poor mindset as a young BJJ Blue Belt. The second was how I approach going to gyms when I visit now.
Hopefully if you ever get into a situation like this in your own Brazilian Jiujitsu training this video will be helpful to you.
If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/matt-triangle-chokes-me.jpeg13602048Chewyhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngChewy2018-06-28 09:45:382018-06-28 09:45:38Frustrated Higher Belts Are Upset with This Tough BJJ Blue Belt
Before a match if I am able to watch video of an opponent. I might see that they like to play a Half Guard game. Half Guard has a few particular grips necessary for effective action.
So when I go into the match. I focus less on how to stop their techniques and how to prevent their grips. Grips are the prerequisite for the technique.
In the gym when rolling with someone knew. I often play a game where I break grips and then let go so they can re grip. Then I look for the pattern. I follow their hands and see which grips they continually go for over and over again.
This let’s me know what they are up to.
After I identify the grip they are really going for. I attempt to take it away from them. And this forces them to take a new plan of action.
Good Black Belts Do This
I’m sharing this message with you guys because this past weekend we had Kristian Woodmansee in our gym doing a seminar. And during his seminar he showed some beautiful adjustments, passing and great grip breaks.
What I really enjoyed about it was the methodology and process of his game. It’s a brutally effective process good Black belts have. The process is simple but not easy. . .
Take Your Opponent’s Grips Away -> Get What You Want -> Force Them to Play Where You Want
And I always like to reiterate this message to people. Because grip fighting goes often overlooked early on. I know I did for years (as I talk about in this previous post). Grip fighting looks simple, it’s not sexy, but it’s brutally effective and efficient.
More BJJ Grip Fighting Videos Coming!
Currently I’m finishing up an additional add on series for my BJJ Grip Fighting series.
Currently the series is mostly focused on BJJ grip fighting from the feet. With a little from the ground. Simple, easy to use techniques and adjustments. The new add ons will be focused on the ground and dominating grips once it hits the floor.
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/double-grip-on-arm-.jpeg13602048Chewyhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngChewy2018-06-25 09:53:452018-06-25 09:55:37Don't Ignore or Overlook Grip Fighting in BJJ
I was asked recently, “Since you’re popular on Youtube now, does it make you more nervous to do Bjj competitions?”
I answer this question with a quick “No.”
In my younger days it would have. I remember being nervous several times when I had large crowds of my students there to watch me compete. It made me incredibly nervous. But now I’m in it for me. I compete for myself. By signing up, it’s a test I purposely create for myself. This focus on myself has made BJJ competitions a lot more fun and enjoyable.
True growth can only come through stress. When we are tested. When pressure is placed upon our shoulders. And we choose to look within ourselves for the inner resolve to overcome. Competitions (with all of their ups and downs) are merely a vehicle to continue this growth.
(I talk about this idea of needing to challenge yourself in order to discover who you really are and what you’re capable of in this video)
The Competition Yesterday
Yesterday during my match. There was nearly 40 years of grappling and competition collectively between us.
Before and after the match we were as friendly as can be, sharing stories of our humble beginnings in the martial art, how we got started and what brought us there that day.
But during the match we were there, locked in a contest against one another. Hearts pumping, sweat dripping, muscles firing as we grab wrists, necks and struggled to best the other.
Deep down I though I suspect we both know that these BJJ competitions, it’s about testing ourselves individually. I’m there for my own growth and he’s there for his.
The Beautiful Give and Take of BJJ Competitions
Anyone who has competed knows that Bjj competitions make you better. They test you in a way that is hard to do in the gym. To me this is the real value in them for most grapplers.
It’s kind of a beautiful thing really. We are all running on a organic machines with a finite amount of uses. The bodies we navigate the landscape of this martial art and world around us are in a perpetual state of decay and breakdown. So that match, on that day with out bodies the way they were can only happen ONCE!
What I’m getting at is that when you compete. You are locked in a dance of give and take with our opponents. You give a piece of yourself to your opponent and they give a piece of themselves to you. You give your best to them on that day and they do the same.
If you look at it this way, the utmost respect should be given to each other. You are voluntarily giving yourselves to the other to allow each other to improve and grow.
And one of the beautiful parts about Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is that after the dust is settled and the match is over. We can usually lock hands with our opponents in a sign of mutual admiration for the other.
When I compete. I don’t get off by standing overtop of another person. I’m not there to flex on someone, and I don’t compete to prove I’m better than this person or that person.
If you’ve watch my matches that are on Youtube. If I win. I calmly stand and accept the ref’s decision to raise my hand. I don’t yell, I don’t scream. I accept the nod. If I choose to celebrate, it will be among my teammates later on inside of our gym.
Because the win that I experienced was not about beating this person. I don’t feel some sort of joy by beating another human being. I was never there for them anyways, I was there for myself.
When I win a match I feel a sense of relief. It’s over. . . and once again I proved to myself what I am capable of. I prove to myself that my style works. I proved to myself that my drills leading up to the match were effective. But it’s always about proving something to myself. Not to another person.
If I feel some sort of joy rise up after a big win. It’s only because of what the whole thing meant to ME, not anyone else.
Don’t Compete in BJJ For Someone Else
I receive so many messages from people new to competitions. And they send messages about how they’re out there to prove their skills to their coaches, training partners, etc.
And these people will find, just like I did when I was younger, that prove what you will to whomever you wish. It will never be enough. You can use the idea of proving yourself to others as short term fuel but it will never truly satisfy you. Eventually you have to look inward and realize that YOU were what made all of that possible.
Rack up all the medals and submissions you want. You eventually have to come to the realization that this is about you.We are a part of teams and organizations. But when you compete it’s a test to YOU, it’s a chance for YOU to grow.
I use to walk on the mats with my mind on my coaches judging my performance, on what team my opponent was from, on the crowd watching me and so on. And this is a terrible way to go at the whole thing. Your mind should be in the moment and only concerned with your performance because of what it means to you and your game.
Create Your Own Path
You are the creator of your own path. And being being worried about everyone else will only pull you away from the path you’re meant to discover.
I share this because as I’ve become older, and maybe more wise, the focus on myself has relieved a lot of the nerves, anxiety and made Bjj competitions a lot more fun.
Everyone’s approach is different. I know others look at competitions differently. But this is the way I choose to see them and the way that has been most useful for myself. So, I hope the idea is useful to you as well. And I believe by focusing and building up yourself. You can serve yourself and those around you in a far more profound way.
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/chris-post-match.jpg450800Chewyhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngChewy2018-06-17 10:32:092018-06-17 10:36:42Make BJJ Competitions Fun By Focusing On Yourself
P.S And thanks to all of you who send the super cool messages and gifts. They’re very appreciated. It helps fuel me to attempt to do more for you.
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_1729.jpg21921242Spartanhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngSpartan2018-05-21 10:38:582018-05-21 10:38:58This Twitter message made my morning!
I also include a 3 part Side Control escape series in the mini course as side control escapes are a huge problem for many people.
Whether you use my series or not.
Solo movements are a great addition to your training.
You can do them without training partners and they give you a fantastic mind body connection that allows you to find your footing in weird spots in BJJ.
Every technique in BJJ involves movements. . .
The better you can move, the more efficient you can move. . .
The more often your techniques will find their mark!
Hope the series helps!
-Chewy
P.S. I’ve tried to make this series somewhat small. I know it’s east to get overwhelmed with stuff. So I tried to make it something that would be easy to follow and not too much that will overwhelm you with information.
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/hip-movement-screen-shot.png431800Spartanhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngSpartan2018-05-14 18:56:362018-05-14 18:56:36How to Do BJJ Drills with No Training Partners
P.S. The techniques in the W4BJJ Series are the same core techniques I teach my students to bring them up to speed for competitions. It’s the real deal!
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_1486.jpg480640Chewyhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngChewy2018-05-03 16:42:042018-05-03 16:42:04In BJJ Competitions, You've Got to Play Your Game
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/brittany-and-arlesha.jpg960777Chewyhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngChewy2018-05-01 17:22:232018-05-01 17:22:23BJJ Matches Are Won in 2 Minutes
If you’re a father, mother, student or maybe someone working 60 hours a week who can only train BJJ 2 days a week. Is it even worth it? Can you get better at BJJ training on only 2 days a week, or are you wasting your time?
This is a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu question I received from Instagram. The person asking this question is currently training No Gi BJJ 2 days a week. He has a ton of other interests. In general he’s just a fitness fanatic. And on top of all of that, he’s balancing being a family man and working a full time job.
Because of all of these other things on his plate. He’s wondering if he’s wasting his time training 2 times a week of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I mean can he really improve?
Don’t Let Excitement Knock You Off Track
In this video I talk about how people mimic the extremes of BJJ like high level competitors. And it’s not always in alignment with their goals. They get distracted by the excitement and fascination of high level BJJ competitions. Even though it’s not what THEY want.
Now I understand, I really do! BJJ competitions and grappling competitors are fascinating. And their performances inspire us. You can watch a crazy match online or some hardcore BJJ training session. And you’re instantly filled with energy to go to your gym and train hard.
But the problem is when you begin to constantly emulate this style of training. Regardless of whether or not you intend to follow that same path.
And in the the case of the person who asked the question. He has a ton of other goals and interests. So it only makes sense that he would not be as invested into BJJ. And I try to explain why training twice a week is not a waste of time and how it can even be beneficial for your training because it can create better focus.
I Have Student’s Who Train 2 Days a Week and WIN!
Some of my students have been people who can only train a couple times a week. Every now and then if they are preparing for a competition they’ll train a bit more. But in most cases they do 2 days a week.
The interesting part about these people is that they hang with some of the people who train more just fine.
So if you’re in this situation, don’t worry! There’s plenty of growth potential for you in BJJ. And I hope the information in the video is useful for you! Don’t let competitions and the excitement of it shame you or make you feel guilty.
Oh and a side note for your competitors. Remember, BJJ often lacks a true season where tournaments stop. Be sure to implement mandated seasons for yourself where you back off the gas pedal a little and allow your body and mind to recover.
https://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/flopandchewyrolling.jpg640960Chewyhttps://www.chewjitsu.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ChewJitsu-Logo.pngChewy2018-04-04 18:48:182018-04-04 18:48:18Is Training BJJ 2 Days a Week is a Waste of Time ?
