A Quick Way to Piss Off Higher Belts in BJJ during Rolling

[@paulgodenitz]

As a larger athletic blue belt, I go hard with the higher belts because I usually end up playing defense or just trying to pass anyways, because the skill gap is so vast.

[@jessegarciaiv5380]

Yep

[@marcelozerbini5411]

This is the way

[@naturalianoss]

yes mate you go hard but this is not only about yourself and your desire to end up not looking too bad out of a roll.. bacause if you as an athletic unexperienced player(yes blue belt is still a beginner) go hard on anyone you can injure people even if they are black belts.

[@naturalianoss]

no this is not the way,,,you cant just complement the lack of skill with strenght and fighting "hard" in a roll when you train ...you train to learn to get better not to win a roll that nobody cares about...@@marcelozerbini5411

[@prandz420]

Still annoying because the higher belt ends up trying to protect both of you from injury.

[@UKNick01]

As a 66kg black belt, I don't think I could have possibly explained it as well as you did. After years on the mat, you can absolutely tell what a person's intention is during a roll, and I hate getting pissed off during a roll by how a person is trying to 'win' it, or because they want to validate themselves by saying they can 'submit brown belts and black belts etc etc'. I never, ever roll with a person with bad intention, it is always the opposite, and as a black belt, I will always adjust my intensity and how I roll depending on the person's ability, age, mentality etc, because I feel (and enjoy) that part of being someone with experience on the mats is to help others development, enjoy themselves an feel safe. If someone trains in a way that stops people from feeling safe and enjoying their time on the mats, then who does it benefit other than that one person that is trying to prove something to themselves?

[@naturalianoss]

were you behaving the same when you were a beginner ?

[@UKNick01]

@naturalianoss I always rolled in the most controlled way my body and ability level allowed, by that I mean I for sure would have been 'limby' and sloppy, due to lack of experience, but I never bullrushed or thrashed about. Being a 66kg white belt, you realise that strength alone won't be on your side from the first session! The academy had a relaxed and safe training environment, so generally, the people training there all had a similar mindset. We also need to remember the difference in hard sparring (and comp training etc), and uncontrolled aggressiveness and bad intention. People can usually feel the difference.

[@ReisterJP]

Be selective on who you roll with at 66k. I spent 25 years rolling in the brown and blackbelt judo division, and I never turned down anyone who wanted to roll any size. any rules Judo BJJ, catch , sambo I was like, "What rules?" let's go! now I am 46 and I am starting to need a cane when I walk. I don't know what I did with all my metals and trophies but I know every joint and bone I have destroyed.

[@naturalianoss]

sorry for my sloppy english ,also do you train in UK ? I do in England @@UKNick01

[@SingaporeFriedrice]

@@ReisterJP Good point. Take care of your body.

[@robcubed9557]

I prefer to roll "hard but slow", i.e. I'll use strength and put pressure but I'll move slowly to make sure I don't "yank" on anyone's arm or leg

[@MrCmon113]

Yeah, imo injuries happen when ppl move fast, not when they use a lot of strength.

[@markpeel1993]

I started classes after a long hiatus. I'm a white belt. Rolled with a blue belt in one of my first classes. He locked a guillotine on me while he was standing and I was on my knees. He tried so hard to hit the submission that he yanked up and lifted my whole body off the mat like a prick. I was legit scared for my neck. Never rolling with him again. Can't stand headhunters.

[@TheDentist27]

You should have tapped before being lifted off the mat. Sometimes you've got to look at the other side of a sub. Once someone has it locked in, tap before they crank. Otherwise you will get injured even in practice. You need to take responsibilty for your own wellbeing as well as your partners, and you can't expect them to let go of a sub just to avoid hurting you, even if you would let go to avoid hurting them.

[@markpeel1993]

@@TheDentist27 There was no time to think about tapping. I was fine and then the dude tried to rip my head off.

[@phx4closureman]

That blue belt should've locked it in then SLOWLY increased pressure instead of being so rough

[@TylerBaker-ky7rp]

@@markpeel1993I think rolling with them guys teach you the most because it’s closer to real life. Instead of whining about it, take mental notes of what you did wrong and find ways to fix it and get better and go back after him.

[@hadenroberts2980]

Wow, this is so accurate. There's a fellow in my gym I've never liked rolling with, and I never could quite put my finger on it, but you just put perfect words to why I feel that way. And as a lower belt, I always just try to approach upper belts with a humble disposition - seeking to learn from them, be a good training partner by being a person they can practice their skills on, and by prioritizing their safety above all. I think they feel that and it instantly creates mutual respect.

[@3nt3rtain]

Vibes matter. I feel like after years of rolling you can definitely feel their energy. I really focus on keeping myself in check, and that can keep the vibe cleaner more often than not.

[@lowlowseesee]

Yep and I even ask them ‘you good?’ To double check If I have them in something gnarly

[@TiananmenSquirrel]

I signed up for a free trial class, it's next Wednesday evening. First BJJ class baby! Never did any martial arts in my life and I'm 25. After 3 days of watching your videos I really wanted to try the sport. Looks like a fun hobby guys ❤ EDIT: Guys I quit 😅 I will maybe do it again when I'm more comfortable being around other people. I liked the classes but I just can't handle the social aspect of it. My anxiety is too much, I have autism 😕

[@taitrauen7795]

Prepare to be sore lol. Hope you have fun!

[@TiananmenSquirrel]

@@taitrauen7795 haha thanks! I'll let you know how sore I ended up 😂

[@tommbba]

🤙🤙

[@internetrules8522]

the most notable thing that happend to me after my first jiu jitsu trial class was bruised up knuckles (the knuckles right next to the finger nails), just from the gi being kind of abrasive, i got over it really quickly and never have my knucles get scraped like that any mo re.

[@ScroogeMcPowerbottom]

You're doing something awesome for yourself.

[@JMag1]

I'm a 210 lb 2 stripe blue belt and earlier today I was talking to a similar sized 3 stripe white belt. He said he was rolling with a new guy and had him in an arm bar, and the guy refused to tap even when he was obviously caught. The white belt said he told the guy as much, but the guy still wouldn't quit, so he just kept putting the arm bar on the guy. I told him that I would've just let the arm bar go. The other guy was brand new and was risking an injury, and if you have more experience, you have nothing to prove. You know you could finish him, but you don't have to. I told him it just comes with experience. I know when I roll, especially with brown and black belts, that they could most likely submit me at will but we get more out of the training if they just let it go sometimes and keep it rolling. Plus, if you injure the guy or refuse to tap and get injured yourself, now you're just going to miss out on more training and set yourself back, maybe even a few months.

[@TheDentist27]

ya man, if someone new refuses to tap while you're literally telling them to tap, just letting go and ending the roll will hurt their ego even more, which is probably what they need most.

[@alienateus]

For good hard rolls, i think it is the sensation that your partner is concerned for your safety as much as they are concerned about developing their skills under more pressure. Pragmatically, this looks like they will bail out of bad or incomplete techniques; they are willing to do their developed moves with great assertiveness, but they aren't willing to try underdeveloped techniques at full strength. I think this happens in addition to what you're saying, with some people going in with a mindset to prove themselves, instead of a learning mindset. One example might be practicing takedowns, where going hard isn't really the answer. Sure, you need to be assertive for the kuzushi, but if you're forcing a technique to work, you're at much greater risk to all types of injuries. If you then move these half-baked skills to a competitive roll, you're pretty likely going to hurt your supposed training partner. In this case, a hard but good spar would be going in for a technique or moving them assertively for a proper entry/kuzuushi, then finishing the throw smoothly, and even controlling them once they land assertively. It is not spazzing out for kuzushi, blocking in a bad spot, making them land poorly, then hopping into a pin like an idiot. The first is still a hard fight, but with much less energy with much less risk. If you do the first, you are willing to let go of a bad entry, and re-engage for another combo. It is not about simply getting him down, but getting him down properly, assertively.

[@graciescottsdale]

Safety is no accident.

[@Jamoni1]

You sound like a great training partner.

[@polyboybjj4937]

As I tell our students/training partners. If you’re looking at every roll as a win or loss then you’ll miss out on what the art has to offer you. Lower belts can submit higher belts (vice versa), but truth is as higher belts and coaches we could care less with all due respect. We know the intricate ins and outs of jiu jitsu and that it happens often. When you stop caring about winning or losing in the gym and what rank belt you submitted or got submitted by then you’re on the right path. Love and respect to everyone here in the comments ❤️💛💚🙏🏽🫶🏽🌎

[@wed_ward]

Great explanation. I'm still trying to home in on that distinction between fun, aggressive rolls and being hunted. Being older and broken all the time, I've cut back on open mats and drop-ins since that's where the hunting happens most.

[@JerelMcCollum]

I also try not to roll with people I don’t know or haven’t been introduced to me beforehand, so I don’t get hurt if they’re reckless. But I’ve had tons of fun rolls with people especially the higher belts who have control and can feel out the situations of what im presenting to them.

[@DSVN23]

I often feel bad about doing well against certain higher belts, then theyl submit me 4 times in one round and I realise I wasn’t really doing well, they probably were working on something new, letting me work, not trying to beat me, or they were just too tired lol. Now I don’t feel bad and I understand what it really is.

[@issacdiaz-salcedo5898]

This man is so on point. You must run away from those guys

[@Zhcwu]

My professor loves to break them.... spiritually and physically.

[@MovieMan119]

I have only been doing BJJ for a month, but I totally agree. You can tell what type of energy someone brings to a roll, and if it's negative - its not very fun. Have only had that experience with other white belts so far. Thanks for the video!

[@jordanhoffman8418]

My professor always says “If you’re learning, you’re not competing. If you’re competing, you’re not learning”. I agree 100% about “feeling” the way someone is rolling. You just know when someone is going beyond trying to improve their skill or have a casual roll.

[@roddunsmore8449]

This is perfect

[@localrudeboy4987]

I'm a white belt and recently rolled with a new guy, with similar experience level to me. I submitted him once then he submitted me. As soon as subbed me, he goes "now we're 1-1". I honestly had the same feeling you've described, but thought maybe I'm being too sensitive. Still my reaction was, I don't even want to finish the round with this guy

[@af4396]

You wouldn't be the only one, the best thing is to be polite but honest with those people. "I'm not keeping count, rolling is for practice, don't let it become a win loss counter or you'll end up getting hurt, hurting others and hindering your progress"

[@NollaGirl504]

I'm dealing with this same situation at my gym. A new white belt female came in recently and she's rolling like she has something to prove. She's very arrogant after too. I actually heard her bragging about all the higher belts she's submitted, even though I told her "Thier allowing you to, to let you work"! She rolls with me and goes crazy, just wanting to win!

[@localrudeboy4987]

@@NollaGirl504 the guy at my gym, ended up getting injured while rolling with a purple belt coach within 3 weeks of being at the gym, and hasn't been back since

[@MrCmon113]

I would have taken that as a joke / smalltalk.

[@sunnykobe3210]

Oooof thank YOU. I’ve been rolling a decade-ish and early on my teammates saw me as competition. I would go to tournaments often and knew what someone’s intentions were as soon as we laid hands on each other. I’ve seen teammates high five each other and talk about their “dominance” at practice. It bummed me out especially bc I know I can be a good teammate and get people around me better. Needless to say, I’ve avoided those types mainly bc I don’t want to be injured but also bc I’d rather work with someone with a good attitude.

[@mrjuse5470]

Anytime I roll with a belt higher than my own if I don't know them well and aren't familiar with them before we start I say, "I know your more experienced than me and better than me please share any tips with me." This removes ego instantly and they still whoop my ass but do it respectfully as well as teach me cool stuff during or after the roll. Showing respect goes a long way with most people unless they are that gym psycho who likes to count how many wrist locks he gets per night. Hope this advice helps somebody. It has served me well.

[@bryanlegault6524]

I love your videos. Your wise advice is better than watching videos about specific techniques.

[@justsomedude5339]

This is awesome, my 9yo just started training at my gym 2 months ago and he went level 9 psycho in live rounds today.. Was about to pull him off the mats but he caught my death stare and got the message. After we had a long talk about it and are using it as a learning experience under agreement if I see it again Jiu jitsu is gone for one year no exceptions. It was not his level of I tensity I took issue with but the fact I saw anger… My 6yo on the other hand is the single most even keeled child I have ever set and a perfect training partner… Amazing how different they are out of the box.

[@ayske1]

As a Muay Thai guy I still appreciate your videos. This video is relatable and you can sometimes feel the energy in seconds in someone. I think there are a minority that will come in with, I need to beat you. Personally when sparring someone new I start light and guage. Only after a couple of times if I sense they're similar level I may ramp up. Good point to not spar/roll with someone again if they're really trouble.

[@neddy170]

I love the clarity you bring to these issues. I'm a white belt and have been training for about a year now. The way you break it down makes a lot of sense and will help me think about how hard to go, and what to focus on when rolling. Thanks for the video!

[@RT-iy9pu]

As a larger athletic blue belt, I can hold my own with the higher belts but I always do so with the intention of control - controlling my strength, controlling my rolling partner, and controlling my movements. I've kneed partners in the head and been kneed myself. I always make sure they're ok, indicating that it was an accident. I'm a jovial rolling partner and keep the mood light while pushing myself and my partner while trying to maintain control. I always ask the higher belts if anything I'm doing needs work and show appreciation for them rolling with me after the fact. My gym doesn't deter lower level belts from asking higher belts to roll which feels great for the group of people we have coming in. We have great teachers in our black belts and it's a true joy to go to class every single time. As an unstriped white belt, it is kind of a given that you're going to be spastic and use a lot of strength starting out. We typically let them tire themselves out then go to work if they're trying a little too hard. They quickly start to understand how much of a difference there is in skill level and often slow it down to a more methodical approach.

[@tylerbure]

Spot on. When you started the video I knew where you were going but thought to myself, "This will be hard to articulate". You nailed it tho!

[@sclay757]

Yeah I'm a very competitive person, played football at the collegiate level. I think when I started BJJ that was the hard part of learning the balance of who you can or can't go that hard with. I think like many things it's situational. You build a rapport and learn who you rolling with and how to roll with them and make your decision based on what you ready for that day. There's 1 or 2 guys at my gym that I know it's gonna be a dog fight everytime no matter how light we start lol. I just mentally accept the terms of engagement prior to any roll. I get the distinction of head hunters though and I'm only a blue belt and I'm not famous so I likely have not and will not experience what you have in that regard. But my football background makes me ready for smoke anytime unfortunately lol. But I respect your mentality because I know once I'm older or more decorated I'll probably be more like that. But at 31 I'm ready for whatever haha. Thank you as always for the insight you provide on these videos. Been watching you since I started 2 years ago.

[@tededo]

Grappling since early 2000s. The dog fights, I've seen and done plenty of em, the going balls to the walls, I've done a lot too. Guys who roll tough,when pushing come to shove on the mat, seen lot of em to. Sadly, young students who are gifted but go hard and tough are boring, cause I see them miles away, and they're highly predictable. May I suggest you prepare couple of set ups, strategies, gameplans, so that you do more smart grappling as oppose to hard grappling. I've even sang during some rolls that were hard cause I knew I'd get nothing from em. I love to be impress, and being tough never does it. In grappling, the longer you roll, the more mind matters more than toughness, hardness and strength. Impress me. I'll love it.

[@sclay757]

@@tededo wow lol. I guess I can say I do agree that aggressive rollers are normally easy to deal with if you you've been training for a decent length of time. They don't bother me either. But if someone is skilled with the aggression that changes everything. I said I'm always ready for hard rolls, don't mean I do them all the time. I'm 275 but very athletic so I already know that if I go too hard with my speed and strength 95% of casuals won't wanna go with me. So I'm usually very tamed training. I'll just work defense or catch and release. Only a few people I go hard with.

[@danielhu7004]

A student of mine, 20yrs old soccer player , was super jolly to tell me that he threw an 80+yrs old 6th degree blackbelt. My only question of concern was whether the act had been seen by the 30yrs old chief inspector. I totally agree that practice is for respectful learning, and competition is where to prove anything and everything, including egos.

[@derrickrobinson7269]

Going hard is pretty fun to me, but only if it's mutual. Its also a major reason ive stuck to NoGi, more of the people seem to be "with it" & return the favor. Most people are bigger than me so its exhausting, but i love being exhausted. Its euphoric. But i do understand not everyone is on that same wavelength & I try to adjust accordingly. If someones new, is older, or feels relaxed then I'm not going to use my gas tank & put a pace on them. Having different modes I think I vital for a practicioners longevity in the sport.

[@velvet201]

I love to mix it up, so I appreciate the people who want to go hard and those who I’m almost dancing with. It’s all good ❤️

[@melvinkumar7064]

I'm only a blue belt, but had a bad roll with a white belt yesterday. I told him I had an injury and lets flow roll - which he agreed, then as soon as it started I felt he was going for subs, he caught me and I tapped.....but he didnt let go, I then tapped another 3 times and screamed out "tap" but he still held the choke....man I was pissed! Totally bummed me out and I cussed the shite out of him. I even graciously shook his hand at end of the class, but he had a very bad attitude about it. On reflection, when he went hard, I should have stopped the roll or just went same speed. Lesson learnt I guess.

[@dalegrimshaw4256]

No that sounds bad - people should be mindful & considerate of injuries. Sounds like a knobber.

[@iggyplayedguitar982]

I generally assume that white belts I've never rolled with don't know how to flow or go light. Of course some do, but I need to see it before I believe it.

[@sevourn]

If you're a white/blue/purple belt, I think that as long as it's not a female or much smaller or older partner, black belt should be the one belt where lower belts shouldn't have to worry about hurting feelings. When I wrestled everyone went hard every day and somehow almost no feelings were hurt. For a sport that preaches checking your ego at your door, the amount of hurt feelings in BJJ has been astounding. I don't disagree that you have to know who's there to stay in shape and not go hard and not smash those people, but a black belt of similar age, gender, size should be able to handle a lower belt going hard. If he can't, he shouldn't be a black belt.

[@MrCmon113]

It's fine if the black belt doesn't want to go hard, but it's on them to communicate that.

[@newenglandguitarman3345]

Great advice as always Chewy This is an oft overlooked topic but very important

[@ManuelRamcanny]

The only two black belts I knew enjoyed getting submitted. But, honestly, when you got them more often than not was because they put themselves in bad positions on purpose on the first place.

[@pedagogybjj]

The instructor determines the environment. There are gyms where everyone rolls as if it's do or die and they would rather pop your joints than let a submission slip away. Having a head instructor who makes safety and learning the most important precedent is key.

[@LoneWulf1992]

At my old gym, it was pretty much a case by case basis. I was a 3-4 stripe white belt for a while and had wrestling experience, so while I loved rolling hard, I knew when to pull it back. There were fellow students who just wanted to try to get the class move, so I would do the same. There were fellow students who wanted to work on offense or defense. I would supplement it. Then there were my buddies who didn't want to be about to walk out of class because they were exhausted. We had similar mindsets 😂 but for the higher belts that I wasn't sure about or knew didn't want to roll hard, I'd dial back the strength while maintaining speed (if i felt comfortable enough with the technique, of course).

[@elysse2727]

This is very nuanced. I’m trying to find this balance myself. When I’m in the gym there is no win or lose because it’s only training and I don’t rip submissions at full force. But I do roll hard, I’m fast, and love to scrap. I’m 115 lbs, even most of my female training partners are bigger than me, but still should focus more on technique.

[@naturalianoss]

do you roll with guys too ? I dont roll with ladies because it is awkward .

[@elysse2727]

@@naturalianoss yes i have consistent training partners that Ive built trust with who are men. Mostly upper belts. All bigger than me to some extent. I get my ass kicked within reason, and I bully them back at any opportunity. We’re not nice to each other but it’s a fighting sport 😂

[@naturalianoss]

you could be a good politician@@elysse2727

[@domeshotdillon1108]

Needed this video. as a 4 stripe white belt i just recently rolled with a brown belt instructor for the first time and was going hard and headhunting. caught him in a standing headlock and cranked it. learned real fast that was a bad idea because he then turned up the heat and smashed me. he later apologized and said that wasnt right of him to do. i was confused but i now im working on really working on my techniques. Thanks for the question and insight.

[@TheDentist27]

When I roll with someone for the first time, I keep the intensity low. I usually get subbed a few times first to let them know I'm not in it for the ego. After a few times and a few subs later, I slowly crank it up until we reach max comfort level up to 100%.

[@markzuckerberg3128]

Roll hard but be safe and controlled. Don't spaz out like white belt. Don't try to do moves fast if you don't know what you are doing. One time a blue belt tried to do an Iminari Roll on me and kicked me in the face. Yeah...I proceeded to put a serious whoop ass on him after that. People say it was just an accident. But accidents aren't sponaenous. They happen because people are careless. He's never tried the Iminari roll since. I like when lower belts try to beat me, just be safe about it.

[@brandona2491]

I was ready to be annoyed by someone whining about athletes but then I was surprised and glad I watched.

[@seaeagle758]

why do we have to be so concerned about being “disrespectful” to black belts? roll safely and within the rules and show everyone the respect they deserve irrespective of belt. some black belts deserve respect. others dont, just like any belt.

[@cgsec2275]

I don't think about respect or egos. It is good to go heavy in general. The only 2 problems are risk of injury and are they both learning. A purple belt or above smashing a white belt constantly might not give the white belt a chance to learn anything useful. But I think lower belts can go hard against higher belts if they want, as long as they are not doing anything dangerous. Like if they are experimenting with techniques they don't know how to do well, they should not try them 100% hard until they know how to do it in a safe way, especially like heel hooks or certain take downs. Besides those 2 things I don't think it matters. Unless the opponent asks you to go light and you don't, that can be a bit weird too. I generally try to pace my energy anyway during sparring sessions so I am not always using all my strength all the time.

[@mon0theist_tv]

I'm a 6'5 260lb blue belt and they keep telling me to stop being nice and smash, I'm working on it lol. I spazzed a lot at white belt so I'm trying to find the balance

[@ijustwannaleaveacommentony6511]

this absolutely is spot on. i hadn't thought of it quite like that but it is what it is. that's why i avoid some people, there are bad intentions and you can feel it

[@hadenroberts2980]

totally. and sometimes it's not even "bad" intentions, just selfish ones. Like they care more about "winning" than they do being a good training partner and developing their and your skills

[@johnnyfive9815]

Depends on the gym ... new gym I don't mind playing defense or what ever I want to work on...head hunting does exist. I feel it as well

[@JPAmerica]

Thanks for the video and insight. I was thinking about this today after rolling with a purple belt that didn’t seem very engaged today. With partners I have submitted in the past I usually try to hit a submission I’ve never hit before, usually something I saw on youtube! For the other 95% of the academy I roll with I just try not to spaz too much and keep my taps to less than 1 a minute, which is tough.

[@DaHxiBeSeRk]

I don’t mind when lower belts go hard during rolls. It’s not my usual approach to rolling but I’ll oblige, just don’t get upset when I crush you. I tend to let lower belts dictate the pace at which we roll it doesn’t normally take them too many rolls to realize they should probably turn it down a notch for their own sake.

[@liammoon9309]

I don’t care about the colour of the belt. As a strong (relative to my bodyweight 94kg) blue belt, I’ll adjust my intensity to my training partner, if they want to go hard, I’ll give it my all but if they want to chill that’s fine too. I try to roll with bigger guys just because I want it to be challenging and better mimic if someone would attack me.

[@normundselksnitis5558]

Strongly agree with what you are saying Chewie 👍🙏

[@andreagrazianodibenedetto1464]

Got injured while rolling with someone who was totally inexperienced in grappling. I actually had promised myself never again to roll with inexperienced guys because they go into the roll with their ego in full blast, trying to make up for their lack of technique with sheer violence. Long story short: although I told the guy that we're gonna go slowly and I'll show him some stuff, he started tearing me around with all strength, while I didn't have the same tension due to our arrangament of going slow. In the end he tore my left oblique. Now I'm out of training for 6 weeks.

[@christopherrobin361]

Damn that sucks. I tried to get someone who was a roughhouse type of guy to my training camps (boxing, wrestling, BJJ). I think he won't come with us because his ego couldn't handle the fact there is either someone generally better or will best him on a day. He did have some past training but now he has a son I understand why someone would place family first. But before then he was cocky and bully-like to others even with bigger guys to try to prove himself. I warned him TWICE not to mess around and others didn't like it. He could injure someone else or find someone that could put him in his place. Plus alcohol and one-upmanship doesn't mix well together, and he's an alcoholic. And he's the same type you described---go hard to the point of violence and not respect people's boundaries, physically and personally. Sorry what happened to you, heal up and train in good health.

[@Arcadianx98]

When you come back, just absolutely smash the next new guy to make sure never happens again.

[@lowlowseesee]

I’m a no gi older but athletic blue belt. I pay close attention. I never hold back on submitting higher belts. It’s disrespectful to not give them strong effort. Purple and down I tend to go at the pace of whoever I’m with. Spazzy white belts I tend to hold them in positions to get them too tired to break something on my body by accident lol

[@christopherrobin361]

I generally do the same thing. I don't try to be a "BJJ bully" but when a brown or black belt gets more competitive in training I don't hold back, either. But as you said it's kind of unpredictable what a lower rank will do, and that includes ones with more of a wrestling background than I have.

[@ericpaddock8471]

Great video. As a 50 year old beginner white belt (3 months), I'm always cautious about how hard to roll. People keep telling me that I'm too nice. :-).

[@Raadestdude]

Much respect enjoy your journey

[@rich45davis]

keep hitting those mats brother.

[@codyhughes8013]

Better to be too nice than to be too mean

[@CBraxton]

As a 49 year old blue belt-people tell me the same thing. I’m not sure where that line is and I don’t want to cross it. This video helps some, but I’m still not sure I get it.

[@codyhughes8013]

@@CBraxton just don’t roll with the intention to take someone’s head off

[@boblong6759]

Im a smaller upper belt. Mostly white belts nowadays, but used to include blue belts, they try to head hunt me all the time. I appear an easy target and they roll as if they get to keep my belt if they catch me. Yet they lose their cool when i turn up the dial and they get handled.

[@brendant9127]

Small purple belt here. I relate to this comment.

[@christopherrobin361]

I guess you could say I'm not a grappling bully (or a boxing bully, I train in both). I'm tall and walk around within the range of light heavyweight. Coaches usually pair me up with the competitive, the even larger, the ones that are willing spar. I don't try to convince someone to roll or throw fists if they aren't feeling it. You never know if they are having a bad week or simply doesn't gel with someone else first. I trained with a woman that was a black belt in Judo, and kept things sporting.

[@boblong6759]

@@brendant9127 frankly, the term head hunting perfectly sums these actions up. I know it's not a new phrase, but never thought about it like that. If you go head hunting, no worries I'll play that game. But don't get mad when you (proverbial) get caught. Lol ya know.

[@leonsayer4010]

I'm new and I love a good hard roll, I know for certain I'm going to loose but I don't want any one to be going easy on me because I'm new, I learn a lot from loosing, I feel there's a difference going hard with aggression and going hard with fun, always laugh and just try and have a good time so far I'm well and truly addicted to it 😊

[@richardjessiejohnson9108]

💯 ego and intention are what make the roll.

[@yewknight]

I am a bjj white belt with a black belt in another martial art. When I make progress on a colored belt I don’t assume I beat him, I assume this very talented martial artist made a snuggle puzzle that was hard enough to challenge me but easy enough that I can solve it. That is it. When I was the black belt I would regularly spar down to the level of the person across from me and it was fun to come up with situations that challenged the student and see if they would take the opportunities I presented. Just have fun training and set your ego aside.

[@willbrooksofficial]

Always the best advice. Much appreciated brother

[@TheJonnyJager]

I’m a 1 stripe white belt and I had a bad week and went to open mats to release my anger on the mats. I only went with upper belts and let them know a head of time that I going hard. I had a line of 6 guys that rolled me back to back till I had nothing left. We all had fun and I left the gym in a much better place. F&$K I love BJJ!

[@loloabolol]

One of your best videos, thank you.

[@thelogicalcaveman9139]

I don’t roll hard to try and be disrespectful or an asshole but I am trying to prove to myself that training has paid off. Beating them doesn’t matter lasting longer and being able to survive is what I care about.

[@downinsd1]

Just remember, no one has ever gotten gold during practice.

[@MasterMatrix8]

Great video, I used to have this thinking until I realized that most times the black belt is letting you get to a certain point with the technique but won’t (or will) necessarily let you finish it. A good higher belt will provide opportunities to practice, which will also build confidence in the lower belts, instead of directly smashing them. Awww dude! So jealous you got to attend the immersion camp this year. How was it? I hope I’m in country for next year’s.

[@BigBWolf90]

I'll admit I tend to roll a bit hard at the academy I go to but everyone else tends to be happy with it & we walk away going "whew damn that was fun"

[@OBasedBeats]

Yeah, I always wonder whether me spazing out annoys my partners. I started some weeks ago, so I know some techniques, but I cant really execute them since all other people in my dojo are pretty advanced. So I mainly spaz out, try my elbow escape, and sometimes end up doing weird chokes which dont really work. I hope it doesnt irritate people, because its actually a lot of fun!

[@TheDentist27]

Nah it's fun for them to watch you get tired.

[@TheKro16]

I genuinely began enjoying BJJ more when I started having the goal of hitting techniques rather than the sub or "victory" in a live roll.

[@jabarzua]

I've done bjj for like 4 years, and this march I started doing judo at college. I feel like in judo they dont roll a lot, and definitely not as hard as we do in bjj, so the other day I was rolling with a higher belt at judo and at the end he was like 'hey theres no need to go that hard, focus more on your technique, etc' (I dont think I was being rough or anything) and I could tell he did not enjoy that roll. So I've been wondering this exact thing, considering dialing down and letting them get some positions, etc like I do with newer people in jiu jitsu, but it feels kinda wrong considering they are higher belts than me in judo.

[@tyroneshoelaces315]

Funny this video popped up. I had a white belt last night try and take my head off and I put it on his ass and he was pissed.

[@sclay757]

Those are fun rolls lol. They're so aggressive and ignorant to certain things you can easily take advantage of their mistakes. I love aggressive white belts because they're almost like rolling with children since they lack a lot of fundamental understanding.

[@Kivarenn82]

Only seen the video thumbnail and assumed it was a drum video. Was thinking i'd find a technique that doesn't beat my wrists up so bad haha

[@mattreynolds5122]

I’m a white belt I go for it with anyone I roll with if they get mad I won’t roll with them I roll with higher belts cuz that’s the only way I can get better. I don’t try to kill anyone but I go hard enough to be able to lock a technique in

[@OnTheMatTv]

Extremely valuable advice 💪🏻

[@michaelanthony1593]

You always talk great and very true stuff

[@akaFreightTrain]

Excellent breakdown. New sub 👍

[@skmotorcycles8123]

When I started bjj at my club I had only just done the beginners course and about one month of rolling I overheard a 2 and half year bjj experienced blue belt say to another higher belt in our club I can’t wait to smash the new white belts . Me just learning was taking it easy he jumped on top of me knee full force with bad intention first into my ribs and laughed about it . I had to take 2 months off and get a rib popped back in . When I got back every roll with him I stared to get better he was getting frustrated his submissions weren’t working as much so he decided to dig his elbow into my cheek and forehead . I warned him that’s a dick move , dirty and no one else does it to me . He informed me it’s allowed in bjj. After 4 more separate rolls with him and elbows in the face I had enough of going home with marks and cuts on my face I stopped rolling with and one of the higher belts I believe had as word with him . He’s never apologised and rolls extremely hard with all the white belts and I’ve had another new white belts say they don’t like rolling with him . As a matter of teaching him some respect would yous give him a taste of his own medicine ? He’s gone travelling for a year and will be back at our club in around 6 months . He’s still better and more experienced that me I just don’t tolerate disrespectful behaviour . None of us said anything to the coach as the coach is quite fond of him

[@seanscanlon470]

New school and I feel like every roll there is a death match. I miss my old place where I had good back and forth technical rolls. It gets tiring in a way. I prefer playing the game.

[@The_Brew_Dog]

I’m in my 40s, I’d much rather go at 10-20% pretty much all the time. I’m chronically injured one way or another and I need my body for work. If someone is head hunting me I just let them have it and won’t roll with them if I can avoid it. Unfortunately there are a couple guys my same rank that see me as competition so they always want to go hard. I let them win and live to fight another day.

[@-palmer7671]

My blackbelt told me yesterday, he really appreciates that I roll with him the same way I roll with everyone else.

[@billk5845]

if you ever saw the movie "enter the dragon" with bruce lee when he tells the kid to "kick me", and then after a lap half ass kick, he tells the kid "what was that?", thats how our master instructor was in out tkd class. to be disrepectful is to throw a lame half ass kick. when facing the black belts, you throw your best and fastest kicks and don't worry since none of them land anyway.

[@kathryncook7193]

Our professor, before rolling at the end of class would warn us to be careful what you do to the higher belt because after it's your turn, it's there's.

[@brock8396]

Going to sign my boy up today at Derby City mma

[@Drikkerbadevand]

I'm just a green belt in judo and I can feel I get slightly annoyed when a new white belt comes and and is very spazzy on the ground, kicking up with their legs and stuff, we don't wear mouth guards etc. I also get annoyed when people are just completely passive ragdolls and do absolutely nothing to defend themselves. like wtf man

[@DarthRane113]

I go hard with higher level belts and i go as hard as lower level belts want to go We have a rule for lower level to higher level interactions. Dont go any harder with them than you want them to go with you. If you want smoke you can fet smoke if you wanr sugar and spice we give you sugar and spice 😂

[@scottwomack6924]

White belt here also a combat veteran with the US Army. Some of us are practicing BJJ not for sport, not for belts, but to be able to do some serious damage should the need arise. I don’t understand the complaint of someone going hard against you. Do you think in a real fight the person going against you won’t go hard? I wouldn’t bank on it. Train the way you fight, and you will fight the way you train .

[@L0stAtLast]

When I was a new purple belt I was a bigger guy back then 260 or so. There was a brown belt “smaller guy” that was scalp hunting. I didn’t realize it the first time we rolled , but it was clear after multiple rolls. After realizing it I absolutely crushed him with top pressure. I was super defensive and not as flowing as I had been. I could see he hated everything about it. I’m a brown belt now and my weight has dropped down to 205. Even though I’m not as big anymore the guy won’t even look at me since I laid it on him. Lesson learned I guess. I took a little while but I feel guilty about it. My ego got in the way of his Napoleon complex. We were both wrong, right? Or just me? Lol

[@derrickrobinson7269]

Naw he deserved it, I'm 165lbs and my favorite rolls are with a 210lbs purple belt because we don't need to hold back. He has size and strength and leglocks, I have speed and cardio and passing. We push each other to get better every week

[@sevourn]

He was entitled to try hard. You were entitled to try hard back. No one was wrong.

[@amjedhatu542]

As a purple belt I would’ve just then adjusted to your game. He seemed like he didn’t want get out of his comfort zone of rolling.

[@MrCmon113]

If you don't communicate, all you have is your own imagination. Perhaps he didn't notice anything in particular at all.

[@toddnelson6216]

#truth.....great explanation. Its training!!!

[@rickt9569]

If i somehow ever get a legit chance to sub my coach and don't take it he may legitimately kill me 😂

[@TXRoeJogan]

As a 45 yr old blue belt I tend to roll hard almost all of the time, it’s not headhunting but I just just like hard rolls. Is that the same thing here?

[@performancej8017]

as soon as you guys are in the same flow. The stupid thing is when you said light roll your opponent suddenly use 100% effort when you accidentally hit them somewhere

[@2130dar]

White belt here. 135lbs.. today a brown belt 205lbs at least. Took my back trapped my arm rolled me over to back mount trapping my other arm and legs. Put the choke on so hard I couldn’t verbal tap and I couldn’t tap with my feet or hands.. seen stars and nearly went out just as he let go. Can anybody explain to me why this was? He so much bigger and a brown belt and really tried to kill me. Can anybody tell me why someone would do that? I try to flow roll especially with higher belts as I’m trying to learn off of them.

[@judoman1120]

So many different trains of thought here but growing up I did judo and wrestling. We went for it every damn day in practice. If you have a higher skill level and someone is trying to head hunt you show them why there chasing you lol. It’s like the animal kingdom sometimes the lion has to show everyone why he is the king of the jungle. The flip side is don’t be a dick to a new guy or someone there that’s 45 and just wants to learn self defense. I have been very fortunate to have instructors that ran the mats and didn’t let the mats run them.

[@ijustwannaleaveacommentony6511]

with a six month white belt you don't mind, because for them it is still a fight to death, in their mind

[@jaysonholman2791]

Thank you for this 🤙🙏

[@BillyJohnsonize]

Is Chewy referencing Jordan in this video?

[@aqdjbcr]

I got in trouble for this very early on in Jitsu visiting a gym in the big city from my small town gym. 4 stripe white belt visiting a gym and an black belt was letting me work and stepped somewhere not expecting a leg lock since I was a white belt I guess. Had a pretty extended kneebar on him which I tried to finish like my life depended on it but he didn’t tap due to pride and poor mechanics on my part. He proceeded to rag doll me the rest of the roll and got me with a twister among other submissions and verbally roasted me for doing leg locks in the gi as a white belt. I know white belt actually threatening a black belt is unlikely but I was a collegiate athlete against an older gentleman and he was taking me very lightly

[@3nt3rtain]

You were in the wrong. Period. Hopefully, you learned something.

[@nathanbedfordforrest9546]

Probably just should have asked beforehand if leg locks were ok. At my academy they have taught leg locks to White belts in both gi and no-gi. It really depends on the person you are rolling with.

[@raymondodell3164]

🙌 awesome!

[@oxbloodfitness7375]

I feel kinda bad had a rookie student in guard and the live drill was JUST sweep or pass then start over….. and I swept him and it was supposed to be over; and instead he scrambled to his feet and tried to pretty much maul me any way he can (guillotine, back take, Thai clinch etc) finally we’re both on our feet and he’s still coming at me and pretty much bitch smacked him

[@Abettergrappler]

When I roll with lower belts I don't care how hard they try to go with me, hell. I encourage it. So long as it is controlled aggression and not failing that leads to unnecessary collisions. Black belts that don't like to roll are a joke in my eyes.

[@darwinvin1]

Good stuff

[@MrTb2arvd]

I did a turtle sweep on a black belt not so long ago, he really didnt like that =)

[@Ali_0h]

You should know the difference between ego rolling and rolling enjoying the game and playing checkers.

[@davepurcell1318]

The dichotomy of jujitsu…leave your ego at the door but preserve the black belts ego

[@DanMcCarthyCompassEast]

That sigh 4:00 says it all!!

[@jaysonholman2791]

What advice would you give a 45 year old fella about 4 months into his bjj journey?

[@josephr2766]

As a 44 year old at almost 2 years in my advice is we are not teens or young adults. Don’t try to be one. Train with people you trust, roll hard or easy with people you trust. If I encounter a new person who tries to over power, be faster, or go crazy I just get a dominant position and pressure them, no need to submit, kinda like an adult time out.

[@af4396]

Choose training partners wisely. Doesn't matter what traits they have, but make sure they're not egomaniacs and that they have a sense of safety in mind. Also, really work on escapes from bottom, and sweeps from closed guard (and other guards eventually, but start with closed). You'll often find opportunities to pull or move into closed guard. From there, if you're not good at attacking yet, learn some sweeps (scissor, pendulum, flower, hip sweep, hip bump sweep etc.) Now, you'll be able to move into mount much more often and just control, squish, and let them burn their energy before moving into submissions. If they roll you back into closed guard... attack or sweep again! Obviously know your escapes, because you won't always be able to hold your position, or you'll start in a bad one from the get go. Also, work on getting to their back from guard, mount and side control, because when you get good at control and submission from the back it's very difficult to deal with and you can also tire them out if they're half choking and spazzing trying to get out.

[@jaysonholman2791]

@@af4396 thank you

[@loganmitton6442]

Hey everyone at my Gym, I didnt ask this, im aware i get smashed by black belts.