#126

#126 - The Reality of Jiujitsu
In this episode of the Beyond Jiu Jitsu Podcast co-hosts Kieren and Adam talk about the reality of jiujitsu and the difficulty of belt progression. Jiujitsu belt progression is a grind and requires significant commitment. Kieren and Adam discuss the importance of having realistic expectations when it comes to progressing through the ranks of jiujitsu. They also talk about the different strategies that can be employed to ensure you stay motivated and focused on your jiujitsu journey.
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Kieren’s Best Stuff:
✅ Jiujitsu Longevity & Performance Course - rdar.li/bjjcourse
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Adam’s Socials:
⭐ Instagram - rdar.li/vantinsta
⭐ Vantage Jiu Jitsu Sydney - rdar.li/vantage

[@Jiu-JitsuJourney257]

I’m a purple belt.. and I never expected to make it this far honestly. It’s very humbling.

[@cynthiageskes1457]

Since starting BJJ I train 5-6x week (Gi & NoGi) except for 4 months off for shouler surgery recovery and Covid lock down. Additionally, I take private lessons. I started at 52/53. I have my Brown belt. Fingers 🤞 I will be able to continue training as I have been (am now 60), and one day get my black belt. Having a Coach who won't accept any non excuses for not training definitely helps.

[@shepsean1]

Any secrets to your longevity within BJJ? I’m only 35 but impressed you’re rolling at 60 and you’re probably a good model to follow.

[@BJJ_Motivation]

BJJ is a long personal journey to self-discovery. Great episode!

[@ConveyApp]

I got my Blue Belt in 2002. I quit due to injury in 2003. I made it back 3.5 years ago. So I’m 42 years old now, and am currently a (3) striped Blue. About 10 months ago I bumped my BJJ training from 4.5 hours per week to 10 hours. Plus during this change I stopped giving a crap about ranking. I started deliberately working very specific skills and concepts. Particularly with lower levels ranks, during rolls. My BJJ exploded over the last 6 months. I’m tapping mid level purple belts and holding off brown belts. My paradigm change was just letting go, and not forcing it. Hopefully I will to continue to improve.

[@KierenLefevre]

wow!! That's huge man, congratulations on your breakthrough. On other episodes Adam has spoken about these big "breakthrough" moments that will define your jiujitsu journey, it's awesome you've experienced one

[@ConveyApp]

@@KierenLefevre It was super rough being a mediocre blue belt focused only on my purple belt. I’m now one of the older guys at the gym being 42. I just came to the conclusion that I was happy just being a blue belt and realizing that my strength isn’t going to work against these younger bigger guys. I have strictly focused on no gi after and physical fitness with more of a rehabilitation concept. I am 5’5” and was 225lbs at about 32% body fat. Right around April / May of 2022, I got my diet dialed in, my weight training, and my BJJ to my personal weekly max. Now I’m 160lb, 18% body fat. My legs, arms, and back have gotten so much stronger, and my agility has just improved substantially. Everything started to click around July of 2022. It was literally like a switch turned on. So it’s the first time I feel like I got this break through. My submissions went from 1-2 per class to 10-15 per class. It is absolutely a really cool experience. Thanks for the response.

[@pauldorman1355]

I don't think I will ever become a black belt but I will always train I enjoy it too much regardless nothing better for your physical and mental wellbeing x

[@802reptiles4]

Great episode. Thanks for posting!

[@grapplingwithphysiopodcast3339]

Great chat gents. Really enjoyed it.

[@FrenchVanilla94]

Love this pod 🔥

[@KierenLefevre]

And we love you Christian!

[@eldergoob6086]

So many channels oriented around BJJ seem to hyper-focus on this idea of making sure everyones experience is similar to the host. Projection and ego.

[@KierenLefevre]

I think perhaps it is more-so that so many channel oriented around BJJ TALK and SHARE their experiences in jiujitsu with the audience which can help people going through similar experience RELATE to them. If you do not like what you hear or do not relate, tune out. Simple.

[@jakegoode4176]

I had this incident happen on Monday in which we were training specifics, 2 minute rounds, and I was paired with a new white belt that came to our gym. For reference, I’m a new blue belt. The specifics we were training were mount escapes without bridging and the person on top was attacking subs. As soon as this guy got on top I thought this is weird, he’s not moving like a beginner white belt, his movements were really deliberate and fast. Anyway, he got to S mount, sat there for a bit, then ripped the biggest arm bar I’ve ever experienced like he was trying to tear my arm off. Obviously I tapped but the damage was done, nothing terrible just stuck with a niggly bicep injury. I guess my takeaway is that I won’t underestimate someone new to the gym again. But then this begs the question, instead of taking it easy on ‘new’ people should I just smash them? And treat it like it’s a comp roll? Have you guys had any experience of this? Really enjoying the podcasts!

[@KierenLefevre]

Jake that's a really tough situation to be in! I've definitely rolled with "brand-new" white belts that have cleared had some training before. From personal experience, just before I was promoted to blue belt all my stripes had come off my white belt so that when I would roll with gym visitors they would assume I was a beginner white belt and were in for a bit of a shock. I personally think your assumption that he was a beginner was a pretty damn safe one, but as soon as someone starts to make obvious "jiujitsu" movements, then I would try and match them and treat them at the level I perceive maybe? Easier said than done. But if you're after some ways to address your elbow + bicep (not a shameless plug) but I do have some free video resources up on "Elbow Fix" that may help with that. Thanks for the comment Jake!

[@jakegoode4176]

Haha yeah for sure, I don’t mind rolling hard obviously but there was no time to tap or control from him. Will be watching out for the future! Thanks Kieran, some elbow rehab videos would be hugely helpful!

[@kiintro]

Defensively be ready for the worst you don't have to smash to mind yourself.

[@Jiu-JitsuJourney257]

Man.. I’m a purple belt, and I try to be the nice higher belt who will help out the white and blue belts.. well, this white belt “swept” me and gloated to my coach “look what I did to your purple belt” even though I was completely letting them work. So anyway this is my super villain origin story. Lol just kidding but ya it’s tough. Everybody wants to get one over on an upper belt.

[@zacharysmith3125]

Just found your pod. I love bjj so I’ll give you a listen if o like I’ll watch more :)

[@KierenLefevre]

Awesome to have you on board Zachary! You're a legend

[@Itzak15]

Sorry but this analogy was so not good I had to quit. Bodybuilding requires genetics and steroids etc. Also the average person CAN learn instrument or do rock climbing. Anyone who is dedicated and stays healthy can get a black belt

[@eldergoob6086]

To hear you say that at blue belt you spent M-F training from morning until 2 pm is wild. and then you changed your story and said that you were actually working some of those days, your lack of constancy demolishes your integrity. You trained that much and are not a champion. I wish I could quit my job and dedicate my life to a hobby.

[@beyondjiujitsu]

For some people jiujitsu is NOT a hobby for some people jiujitsu is their CAREER. Those people are the ones who facilitate the jiujitsu academies that people train at all around the world, and who push the boundaries of the sport. Without them, jiujitsu would not be where it is today. - Kieren.

[@Celayah]

Yo did the channel get deleted ?

[@KierenLefevre]

Hey Celayah, the channel has not been deleted but a long story short, my personal website was hacked with malware so Google has blacklisted all of my content, fighting hard to resolve!

[@mp9810]

The rolls get harder as you progress? Can't see it. I've only been training a couple years, so my rolls are still often battles. But I see plenty of purples, brown and blacks who are killing it and the only challenging roles they seem to have are the 1 or 2 other guys at that session near their level.

[@trooperjoe73]

Looks like they're talking at the corner of a hallway.

[@KierenLefevre]

😅😅