Do You Lack Aggression In BJJ Or Have Too Much?

In this video I talk about the idea of aggression in BJJ and how it translates off the mat as well. The video was inspired by numerous questions from viewers who say that they either 1. Have too much aggression or 2. Have too little aggression. Most of them speak in the context of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu but also comment on how this has translated over to their life off the mat.
Whether you're too aggressive or not enough I believe Brazilian Jiujitsu training, as well as other combat sports, offers people a great chance to channel that warrior like energy. They can learn to release the pressure which many people say Jiu-jitsu does. But they can also learn to grow their ability to be firm and forceful should the situation call for it.
This ability to gain control over our mindset is one of the most useful parts of Bjj training.
If you'd like to read the blog article that I wrote which inspired this video use the link below.
Here's the blog article: www.chewjitsu.net/2019/12/agg...
Hope you enjoyed the video and if you have any thoughts on aggression in relation to your training or combat sports leave a comment.
Thanks for watching the video.
-Chewy
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[@darkwolf6122]

This is definitely me. I feel like I’m holding myself back from my true potential, because I’m afraid of looking like a bully

[@leebruno1722]

That you control your aggression makes you not a bully. I try to maximize the percentage of my training that is jiujitsu and minimize movements that are not jiujitsu

[@anthonystone3474]

Same

[@norak5845]

Same dude, I felt awful after submitting the dude😢

[@hunterowenmusic]

I think I’m not aggressive enough. Even with techniques or positions I’m most comfortable with, Its hard for me to go 100% after an attack. I tend to take my time processing what my options are instead of going after one.

[@4m4z1n-grace8]

I'm new to BJJ and I'm the same way. It's gotten to the point where I overthink myself into getting submitted. As cliche as it sounds, I lose the battle between me and myself before I lose to anyone else. Once I recover from this cold, I'm thinking of just letting go and letting what I learn sink into my subconscious.

[@clloggi]

@@trae05boi I'm the same way. I'm not aggressive enough.

[@thomasrichards646]

I’m the same it’s really annoying, it’s like not being able to tap into my full potential and do my best.

[@clloggi]

@@trae05boi sometimes, but if your opponent has good technique and aggression it makes it tough

[@JakeV.]

I'm a blue belt and feel I'm too relaxed/ not aggressive enough. Sometimes it works against me and I'll end up on a bad spot from an aggressive decent white belt. I'll survive but it still sucks lol

[@uralwong799]

I'm not aggressive enough. I'm so afraid of hurting someone. I know just how aggressive I can be so I never let it out.

[@VictorYanez_]

ural wong DUDE! Same

[@wtfzhen]

Here too, I try to chike gentle

[@roflswamp6]

Same

[@4m4z1n-grace8]

I feel this, too. When I do find myself in an advantageous situation, I find myself slowly modulating my strength, like I'm giving the other person time to tap before they get hurt.

[@differentangle2842]

?

[@psyience3213]

Im not aggressive i just like to leglock white belts. My coach actually told me to turn it up a little for the finishes. I have no problem letting someone rip out of something. I just don't want to hurt anyone.

[@aaranbooth2094]

Matthew Van Helden I had my first class yesterday plz no leg lock on me I pray plz no me very scared.

[@johnbettertonx1]

Matthew Van Helden you know we’re keeping score right?! We will remember every time you beat our asses !! Oss!!

[@Crystals10000]

if youre slow on a submission they will prob just escape lol.

[@adrianarroyo937]

@@Crystals10000 Unless you have good control of the position

[@Crystals10000]

@@adrianarroyo937 yea

[@AAA-ip3wb]

For me its all about my training partner. If they’re aggressive, I’ll turn it up to match that aggression. If they’re nice and flowy, I’ll play around with them.

[@theexplorer7139]

Cool.

[@thedooran]

I kinda think i am in the middle, i try to match my practice partners aggression level...if i lose i turn it up a notch, if i lose again i turn it up another notch😅. I am also 6'2" 290 and not injuring anyone is something i prioritize🤷‍♂️

[@yannick9697]

I'm the same height and 250 its very scary if they say do the movement and throw your weight in. Because when i do someone is going to fly across the room

[@garybolenable]

Us smaller guys appreciate your restraint! :)

[@golforfishing]

Prioritizing not injuring others shows a lot about someone. Good stuff.

[@theexplorer7139]

I'm glad theres gentle giants out there. (Thanks for that.) I've "wrestled" (backyard wrestling) with big guys who were completely opposite of that (6'5, 350lb dudes who didn't know how to control themselves despite my lack of grappling, size, and their desire to win). I'm gonna get into bjj this year because that experience taught me to learn grappling.

[@melzy0146]

6'4, 165kgs just did my 3rd class and I absolutely have it in the front of my mind that just falling on someone's limb is dangerous for them, also being a fat bastard I hate that I sweat on other peoples gi's more than they do.

[@rayciannello2268]

I lack aggression as well... which makes me very reactive and not proactive during rolls. After slapping hands, I usually wait for the opponent do something and we just go from there...

[@jacobberg4007]

+1, it's exactly the same thing for me

[@shibosuru]

I'm the same as well. I thinymine is out of fear to make the first move and have it not work.

[@Alta368]

great to see I'm not the only one

[@JiuJitsuTrashcan]

@@shibosuru this is what I believe my problem is too, the fear of failure

[@sleepingsleepsleep]

Historically I was never aggressive enough but after starting training I've become much more aggressive and stand up for myself. Where I used to be afraid of confrontation I'm now ready for it.

[@BboyCorrosive]

That's more assertive than aggressive :)

[@sleepingsleepsleep]

@@BboyCorrosive There's the word! I've become assertive

[@brotendo]

The problem is when that aggression starts to blur technique. I've been hurt by lower belts (younger guys... I'm 38 now). It has to be controlled aggression.

[@FGKing-gc3xn]

Guilty aggressive whitebelt here 🙋‍♂️😂

[@brasileirokubrusly2]

I've seen in Vsauce that instinctive aggression has a snow ball effect and is just incontrollable over time. While controlled aggression (in the form of punching a bag in that scenario) was believed to dissipate overall aggression afterwards

[@metalmayfantasy]

I try my best to not get aggressive while rolling. I'm now finally able to submit people without needing to rely on my aggression, which feels great! I've been doing Jiujitsu for a year and a half and am a Blue Belt.

[@xckj3776]

What a great feeling

[@ryfree]

You put into words what I've been thinking about a lot recently since I started BJJ: that I notice how great I feel the more I integrate my aggression that I had buried under a lifetime of societal pressure. I also notice that now that my fire has been rekindled (and thank God for that), the task is now not to let it spill over in a negative way. Thank you Chewy.

[@jeffhelmly122]

I always love your perspective. Ive trained now for about three years. I struggled more with a aggression in the gym with my training partners than anything because you don't want to hurt them and you would hope the same would com from them However, when I started to compete it had to change. Competition forced me to be more aggressive. I feel like it becomes a mind set that you learn to turn off and on. I have to tell myself when I compete,"This person is not my friend and he is trying to hurt you." Then at the end of the match you flip back to," We all love jiu jitsu and this is fun. Now we can be friends." I don't know, it worked for me so far. Thanks for continuing to answer the questions that are realivent. Oss

[@jonesywilliams4595]

Thank you... Needed that talk... Keep em coming brother.

[@christopherxdylan]

I've been told my "20% is like 5%" 🤣 but I'm just happy to be here. I should actually thank you for your videos on getting started, they motivated me to finally join an MMA gym after a year of wanting to and watching your videos and others. Thanks Chewy!

[@mises296]

Great stuff, chewy! Thank you 🙏

[@Angachs]

I'm 29 years old and I definitely lack aggression. It's not like I can't get angry but clearly that's not gonna happen while training with my partners. (Never competed and trained for about 6 months).

[@Blurdage]

I feel exactly the same. I definitely do not want to hurt my mates.

[@GreatestCopywriterAlive]

@@Blurdage In the same company here. Though the permission aspect to go heavy is helping me

[@austinbotter001]

You just gotta find that one person that you can really turn it up on and have them knowledgeable and strong enough to kick your ass if you get too wild. Lucky my training partner is that and he’s family.

[@JakeV.]

Same here, but I've turned it up in competitions and could irl. I can't bring myself past 75% in my gym

[@CaptPostmod]

PSA-Unless someone's taking it too far over the line in either direction, please don't tell people which they are! There's something about me that looks very approachable. And I've had people who didn't know me say "Oh, you're not aggressive enough." Zero people who actually know me would ever say that 🤣 And it's really invalidating when someone who doesn't know me says "You're not an aggressive person so that's why you're doing XYZ." I've had that happen in jiu-jitsu and I've told the other person they were wrong to their face, which is proof that they were. And they still didn't want to hear it. If someone needs to build confidence, let them build it. Don't break them down by constantly saying things to make them feel like they're naturally unconfident. And by the same token if someone is naturally aggressive, don't keep harping on them about how they're such an aggressive person. Again, in both cases, within moderation. Obviously if someone lets someone else break their arm because they were too meek to say "Please stop." Or someone breaks someone else's arm because they're a psycho. Then a pretty blunt conversation should be had. But in situations not that extreme, instead of saying "You need to be more confident," reward them when they SHOW confidence. "Hey, that was awesome. You really went for that kimura!" Or if they're too aggressive instead of saying "You're such a hot head" reward them when they SHOW empathy. "Hey, thanks for taking the time to talk to that white belt and help him figure out that move. I know he really appreciated your help."

[@TonyJelev]

your content is gold.! At 48 i started JiuJitsu and I can find pretty much any answer to all my questions in the chanel!

[@brandonmcninja]

Well put, Chewy. 👏

[@Chewjitsu]

Thanks buddy!

[@ernestomontalvo2786]

I am trying to unlock some of that aggression while on the mat. This has been very helpful. thanks

[@willb169]

Hey Chewy, I'm recently joining BJJ as a brand new white belt full of excitement and not really knowing what the heck is going on and heavily surfing your new and old videos. Thanks for contributing so many great topics. Very very very much appreciated 👍

[@crazedspidermonkey]

Thank you so much for this! I'm still in the "I dont want to hurt anybody while rolling" phase in all of my white-beltiness lol. I have a difficult time trying to go after moves, in the moment at times, that are rattling around in my mind that you've shown BECAUSE of feeling that I'll hurt the guys that I like. (And I'm sure it wont) Team Shawn Hammonds!

[@dethcorebrekdown01]

First day back on the mats in over a year and wow can’t believe what I still remembered lol trained for 14 months and earned a blue belt glades I’m back but still never missed a video thanks chewy

[@stanprocter1]

Great video man!!

[@yibitibunny]

I lack aggression for sure. I've heard a lot of girls say that their aggression comes from feeling like they have something to prove in this sport, but I've never felt that way. I've never had that feeling in any aspect of my life. I'm much more technical, so that's what I rely on. However, I do get overtaken by the more aggressive girls. I just dont feel it or feel the need to "turn it on". I'm not sure I know how. 🤷‍♀️

[@Chewjitsu]

A lot of women take time to unlock that aggression. Keep in mind aggression doesn't mean crazy or spazzy. You can be technically aggressive. I'm sure you'll find it with time.

[@sketchsyrup]

Same really, I have trouble turning the aggression on, what has been helping me is two fold. One I'm developing a core game that I am always striving to get into ie oh no I'm in a scramble what do I do-aim for a piece of my core game and two I am working really hard on aiming for submissions this year instead of just "winning" a round on points. Almost fake it til you make it :P . Best of luck!

[@pingislife2653]

I'm not aggressive when I train. I think that if I can use proper technique and good timing then I won't have to try to make things happen. I think 99% of the time an opponent leaves some kind of opening. I need to be able to find it and take advantage of it.

[@bamseper]

Definitely lack aggression, but working on it. I just like to be chill and zen, but I think it's also just a lack of confidence and skill so far

[@Chewjitsu]

Definitely can be. Learning to be physically confident is definitely a thing in BJJ.

[@theItalianshamrock]

As a beginner i lack aggression. But i try to get into better positions and see what options i have. If im too aggressive i feel like im missing out on the chance to learn. And im just trying to muscle my way into a submission instead of using good technique

[@shahree100]

This is a tough one. Thank you.

[@AceVenturaXii]

I’m a 4 stripe white belt, busy family life, busy work life, 41 yrs old. I can’t turn it on. I can’t bring myself to engage with the ferociousness my training partners do. Everyone I started with is a blue belt, I’m probably the biggest pushover in my school. I’m also a very devoted Christian, which I suspect may be contributing to my issue - I’m gentle, I’m mild mannered, I turn the other cheek. Whatever it is... I don’t seem to reach the gears that everyone else can.

[@JasonSmith-oi7rd]

Your situation is exactly the same as mine even down to the number of stripes and being a Christian although I'm a few years younger! You made this comment a year ago did you figure out how to turn it on and be more aggressive?

[@AceVenturaXii]

@@JasonSmith-oi7rd I haven’t figured it out yet. Covid put the brakes on my training. Once I go back I’ll start again. But I’m thinking I might shift my focus to just healthy lifestyle rather than trying to keep up with the young killers. I’m 42 now. I’m not dead by any means, but I think my high potential days are gone.

[@benjaminhie5325]

I remember starting aggressive but since I toned it down it’s been a struggle to turn it back on. Current coach keeps reminding me I need to turn things up.

[@Wrahns]

The (children) fire analogy is spot on the mark. That was me totally. Was told never hit anyone / don’t be aggressive at all unless someone hits first etc etc etc... you become well at least I did a pushover, especially since I had no knowledge of how to hit even if I had to. It’s damaging. That glowing ember with nothing left described me perfectly.

[@mjbague507]

I stumble across this channel last week and I had my very first bjj class two days ago. From AU, Thank you chewmaster! 😎 It was super scary cause it built up to my head that these experienced bjj has the ability and skills to physically and emotionally end me. Surprisingly, they are more gentle than the people I tend to interact in my day to day basis as a sales rep. Now, because of this, I am finding it difficult to balance my aggressiveness when rolling with a ranked belt cause i know I won't stand a chance and I dont want to be that newbie who goes all in every single time; making it look like im being super disrespectful. But then again, if i dont show enough muscle when rolling, I might injure myself (i.e. being throw down or whatever you call it) or worse, find them to lose interest in teaching me as a partner. Ps. I find it easy to just be honest with the situation and let them know my worries such as stating that I'm scared of falling on my back and etc. lastly, thanking them every END of the session for taking it easy on me. (I have no experience with any contact sports but basketball and it wasn't competitive)

[@Clinterus]

I'm 100% a rookie still in combat sports with a scattered history in various ones--but I can say that you're bang on, and that I think it mostly stems from the you and yang of confidence and humility that combat sports teach you. When you train in boxing, bjj, mma etc., you will be first humbled by the gap between you and others, and also learn confidence when you look at how far you've come from your starting point and just having the confidence to handle yourself in a fight of high pressure situation in general. Makes a big difference. And since there's always someone better than you at the gym or competition it keeps you level headed. Sure it gives an outlet for aggression, which is also important. A safe way to release stress and frustration. But I think the biggest two things that give a good balance of aggression are the confidence and humility you gain. Great vid Chewy!

[@adammanning1805]

Aggression starts when my partner lights me up.

[@waffensuperninja]

Amen!

[@majorburly2007]

Great topic - Control / release the fire. Recognize the red and intelligently use it. BJJ is a huge benefit to my 9yr old in learning to control exactly that.

[@JackOperaMan]

Love the metaphor of a controlled fire you can use for cooking, heat, light, etc.

[@alexprice38]

For me I grew up as a really aggressive kid but was reprimanded for my aggression so much that I would bottle it up and it would come out in unhealthy ways. After I began doing Judo and BJJ not only do they act as an outlet for me to manage my aggression in a healthy way but its made it more of a tool for me through learning how to control it like you said. Learning all of that also helped a lot with my everyday life with confidence and being able to be firm without being threatening. Just overall grappling has helped immensely with how I go about managing and using that aggression and confidence.

[@jack5117]

This video made me realize something important. Im 6 months in as a white belt, but have a hard time flipping the aggression switch to on... but when I was younger (I'm 34) I was someone who got in to a lot of fights for stupid reasons and it took a long time and a lot of focus to be able to "grow up" and turn that off. I think now I have an issue turning that back on when I need to in jiu jitsu.

[@angelpsyche-toy5295]

I’ve been training for about 9 months and In the beggining I was always very non-aggressive so I could be aware of not being “that white belt” that goes crazy and hurts himself or others. It was until 6 months in when my coach told me he trusts that I’m not there to hurt anybody and he told me to start getting aggressive. Now we get after it hard on the daily and I feel much more comfortable knowing my coach gave me his blessing.

[@nickl6752]

Going through graduate school. Bjj and judo are lifesavers. There is much to graduate school that causes frustration, being able to let it out in a controlled manner keeps me from snapping for sure. Plus it helps that you actually get to learn skills too.

[@matteus006]

The aggression is there but I can rarely tap into it, it just sort of builds. I'm new to Jiu Jitsu so I'm looking forward to when I'm more comfortable and not so worried about messing up so I can play with tapping into it. Like you said it's a great outlet for people that tend to bottle up that anger

[@richardbartholomew542]

One of the things I love about BJJ is having trainer partners that I can roll with using 100% aggression yet 0% malice.

[@MustiiDrums]

My opinion with aggression is to let it out and fight to get dominant positions until you’re 100% certain you have a submission, then gradually submit until they tap. That’s how I do it, though I do tend to be very careful with how I grab or take people down because one mistake can lead to hurting them.

[@garybolenable]

When I first started I lacked aggression when it came to trying to finish a submission because it felt like I was being a jerk. I was aggressive trying to defend myself, but not when trying to finish a position. That started going away after about 8 months of getting smashed. Now, unless I have an overwhelming weight advantage or experience advantage, I will do everything in my power to make the person I'm rolling with just not like life for five minutes. Even a new guy. I give them back the energy they give me. Then, after the roll is over, I tap knuckles with them and tell them what a great job they did!

[@taelyar]

I was a hyper-aggressive kid that got it completely stamped out by an abusive home, school, and the military. It took me 6 years of BJJ, 15 tournaments, and training with hundreds of different people to learn how to really turn it on again.

[@dakotaeldridge7369]

That's funny. An abusive home and the military are where my naturally aggressive mindset come from...

[@taelyar]

@@dakotaeldridge7369 Yeah they gave me that mindset and then tried to crush my spirit to control it. Didn't work

[@MochaZilla]

Man i feel like you described me on so many levels. I haven't been to jits in about 3 weeks and I've been super edgy and aggressive when i dont mean to or want to be. Especially with driving. Gotta get back to the matts....i can hear them calling my name.

[@adrianarroyo937]

I really like the analogy of aggresion and fire. I'm gonna borrow it haha I usually roll with people less skilled than me, so I'm not very aggresive to let them work. And when I'm rolling with people higher than me, I just follow the rythm they set. I'm only aggresive when I'm facing people of my level and size. Then I go to war as if it was a competition!

[@johnhagebeuk8]

I think Jiu Jitsu is the best thing in the world on all levels its just amazing. And the people who practice it are all nice people

[@jrtien]

When I started weight lifting my aggression evened out. I started doing Krav Maga too and it helped a little more. Jiujitsu has given me exponentially more confidence and outlet for my aggression. I don't feel intimidation or fear anymore about other guys, even if they can beat me up. I know what its like to be dominated. I know what I'm made of. I am confident in myself and have some self worth knowing that I am tough. Before I did any physical training I was repressed, depressed, insecure and needy. Jiujitsu is a huge life changer for me. There are other factors, even greater ones that make me content but I know jiujitsu is a big piece of the pie.

[@RicoMnc]

My aggressiveness rides my confidence, specifically how confident I am in my control and ability to execute. My coach has told me I've spent so much time defending against larger, younger, more experienced grapplers that I need to change my mindset from defend to counter and attack in order to get to the next level.

[@Guntherbabies]

I used to be so timid. I turned on the fire a couple times and hurt/choked out a couple equally green-stubborn white belts, and felt like a huge, bullying pos like many that raised me. Eventually, with showing up to class, controlling your emotions and pride becomes almost second nature and it's never complete. This video really resonated with me, and everyone should watch it when they start, if for no other reason, safety.

[@maxwagonheim1722]

Thank you for this it really resonated with me...could you do a video on overcoming fear of injuring rolling partners?

[@Chewjitsu]

Are you worried about injuring someone? Has it every happened?

[@maxwagonheim1722]

@@Chewjitsu thanks for the response...I haven't hurt anyone rolling but it is a constant worry I have. I usually end up releasing submissions before I finish as I dont want to muscle through them. This usually makes me end up in a horrible defensive position or I end up getting injured. I'm not sure how to handle these situations

[@alexandriatolley352]

Hi, I am a 17 years old woman , I can totally understand what he was saying about wanting to rustle and just fight but I am often told not to do it at home. I am one of those who went to Taekwondo and BJJ when I was only a little girl because I was bullied and had no self-confidence when I went to elementary and middle school. I cant thank BJJ and Taekwondo enough because my instructors taught me things that I can use for the rest of my life. ALso I learned that this is the only real sport that I trully love. I am going to try to find a place in TN so I can practice BJJ. Thank you very much for makeing this video. :)

[@cunn1n6ham]

When I roll with someone that knows what they are doing and I trust, I crank up the aggression, because I know it’ll be safe. If I feel myself getting aggressive when not in that situation I literally give up control and take a less dominating position and play defense. This has worked pretty well for me

[@soaringeagle9597]

I definitely lack aggression in the gym and when training with my friend at home. I've definitely missed a lot of great opportunities while rolling that I could have taken if I had been more aggressive. I can be very aggressive at times, but it usually stems from anger, and sometimes I can be too aggressive when I'm angry, so I try to keep that in check. It's a weird balancing act.

[@darx_huskydash]

With the right training partners I can be aggressive and have it under control. When I started I was very aggressive and spazzy, but I've learned to calm down. Now it all depends on who I roll with and the mood of the day. With some the flow is the goal, others the submission.

[@joshuachenault4601]

Bjj has re-ignighted my aggression and competitive spirit that I developed playing football. I didn't even realize something was missing from my life. Now I have a reason to eat right, stretch, and take care of myself.

[@froschkonig1084]

I‘ve recently changed gym, and I‘m very passive in sparring since I dont know how they usually spar. Been getting smashed a lot tho, so I‘m gonna turn it up today 🤜🤛

[@angelchab5979]

* Match the intensity of your partner. Most of the time you'll be good. * If they are to aggressive play top game, be as heavy as possible, tire them out and suck the energy out of the roll. When they're tired thats when you can move around more. * If your partner isn't aggressive enough, play your guard game, or you can practice your escapes. Take the opportunity to work more on movement.

[@mikehowd3743]

I've been watching yoir channel none stop! Great info and so much knowledge. Im 39 not in great shape anymore but interested in getting back into grappling. Mainly BJJ should I hit the gym for awhile and change the diet? Or is it ok to look at local gyms and get back into rolling? I just want to avoid to much damage being 39 but i need to get back into grappling.

[@AndyBtattoos]

Love the channel! Just subbed! I’m starting jiu jitsu this month! Is it cool to start with a coach who’s a brown belt? 🤔🙏🏽

[@mtbjason4]

Couldn't agree with you more about what your outlook on aggression. It's so unhealthy to suppress ANY part of our nature. We, as a society, should be focusing on creating healthy outlets for aggression instead of just outright suppressing it. Growing up, I had track. It was nice being able, and encouraged, to allow myself to straight up GET PISSED before a race. And then its all hugs afterward!

[@knyghtkrawlr]

I was just telling my buddy this a couple months ago, he's like an intense fire but with no focus and i suggested he trained a martial art for that specific purpose; to focus his drive

[@eddiemartz678]

this was an awesome video ... its an issue I've been thinking on for a little bit ... not for me but for my grandson, he's been training in bjj for a little over a year ... he's one of the biggest kids in his class and is naturally laid back and easy going but I'm concerned for when he is rolling. I know he doesn't want to hurt any of his classmates but by doing this he has put himself in a couple of very bad spots and its almost cost him, injury wise ... I don't want him to get hurt or anyone else but I've been trying to make him understand that when he rolls he has to be a aggressive to a point so he doesn't get hurt but I also feel by him being so compliant that he is cheating himself and his partner because their not getting the full benefits of what rolling is supposed to provide ... I'll have him watch this video with me and see if it helps him understand what his old grandfather is trying to say ... thanks again for the video!

[@Docinaplane]

In life, I will apologize if someone confronts me. Maybe apologize twice, regardless if it's no fault of mine in the first place. If that ends the problem, great. If they think that's my weakness and decide to bully me, I flip the switch, if you know what I mean. But that's just me. Everyone has to find what works best for them.

[@Chewjitsu]

Agreed. There is no one size fits all with this.

[@poolkrooni]

I'm pretty much the same. Everyone gets a chance (or "gets away with 1") but if you continue pushing down a path, there's gonna be pushback.

[@theexplorer7139]

@@poolkrooni same. I adopted a 3 strikes rule. If some jerk mess with me, he gets a warning, if it happens again, another warning/walking away this time, (ive been followed before/antagonized-not letting that happen again) if it happens again, well what happens is on the other guys head.

[@afajalaka]

I’m a 42-yr-old white belt. The best part for me so far is actually being allowed to be in physical competition with someone of the same size in a controlled environment. So glad I found BJJ. Thanks for providing a place for us to practice the funnest thing I do as an adult!

[@CrystaTiBoha]

I suspect my want of martial arts practice may have something to do with the lack of play with my father, and lack of finding the boundaries in childhood as you mentioned. I liked to pick fights, I suspect in order to get parental attention when I was boy. I feel a great joy and enthusiasm to play when I have someone to practice with. I feel like there is never enough force that I am applying. Especially when I do exercise and practice regularly, but unfortunately solo. I am told I have a very calm and composed aura, like I am prepared to deal with anything. When I see aggression and the possibility of a fight in the streets, I light up. I think I can draw enjoyment the way sadists do, I just do not act that way. I think there is a great difference psychologically between approach behavior and the natural reaction to being attacked or approached by someone else, but I am starting to get into combat sports after a long time now to make sure I have this skill to enter the approach/play mindset when I am being actively attacked as well.

[@someguynamedgod2342]

I’m the Bruce banner and hulk student, I’m a very friendly person in general but I also got a bit of a temper and get aggressive in training or just in any type of fighting.I’m tryna work on being more level headed but I agree with what you said that people need things like BJJ

[@FR-ty5vn]

Great discussion and advice - I instinctively try to match my opponent’s aggression so if they go light I go light, they go medium I go medium, they go hard I go hard…unless I can get the job done going lighter then I do that. Sometimes I don’t match energy levels perfectly and I’m sure misinterpretations are made both ways sometimes and escalations can occur 😂.

[@wowfrosted13]

I lack aggression to the point some of my techniques don't work. I've been told I'm very physically strong by other partners, but before bjj I wasn't used to being physical with another human being in combat terms, so it just feels odd throwing people into submissions or sweeps by using some of my strength. This video helped out

[@stephenwillis9133]

Tuesday in no gi class i was rolling with a blue belt, and I am a 1 stripe white belt. During the roll I managed to get into half guard and secure my under hook but could not bring my self up to get into the dog fight position. The blue belt is a fit fella, and I am mildly fit at 230 pounds with some blubber but with some decent lifting experience so the strength is there. After the roll he gave me some tips to help me improve and said that I did really good on my technique in the half guard to win the under hook battle, but that I needed to be more aggressive when trying to get into the dogfight position. I am in general not an aggressive person. I do have a temper unfortunately but in recent years that really subsided and I have become a more go with the flow kinda of person. That is also how I am in jiu jitsu. I really focus on hammering the drills and nailing the tiny details of a technique. I have noticed however that with time i have become more assertive with my pressure and deliberate with my movements, but not aggressive. I tend to be somewhat aggressive with my defense, but not at all with my offense. I have run into a similar situation with a guy that is about 150 pounds and we basically got into a position where we were both on our knees facing each other but his head was on my back and mine was under his chest, my coach kept telling me to stand up but i could not do it. I always just seem to give in to the pressure in that situation. Any tips on how I could become more assertive or aggressive in these situations would be helpful. I know i have the ability to do it, I just cant figure out how to apply it offensively.

[@tommyballard1059]

I’m not the most aggressive person but my aggression coming out was a big reason i started jiu Jitsu , going thru a bad break up a few months ago I went to the bar looking for a fight and at the time I was training to be worlds strongest man so I was 290 and stronger than almost anyone feeling on top of the world, the guy that I was about to fight I ended up talking to for about an hour after things calmed down and I found out he was a state champ wrestler back in his day, the next day I walked into my first class so I could get this aggression out safely

[@differentangle2842]

Nice to go at with another aggressive partner, and give a hug after . Oss from Brasil

[@JASNSOUNDS]

I'm not really a passive person but I am too calm, especially in competition. I don't have crazy fear or anxiety before a match because I do a lot of internal work in my regular life. but the last two competitions I noticed I went into the matches almost lackadaisical to the point where I just rolled with what was happening instead of asserting dominance. I haven't learned how to flip that switch from calm and receptive to focused aggression.

[@craigchkw]

Somewhere in the middle, I used to have a very aggressive side but over recent years have gone the opposite way, super chilled. I tend to roll with very little aggression and if my partner does I still keep mine under control. I know I have levels in me when I really need to step it up, say for a competition but it still needs to be controlled aggression. Often when I have an aggressive partner it means they’re overly sloppy and make mistakes, it’s probably a white belt thing but being aggressive from the get go I can’t imagine is the best way to learn

[@theodoricthegoth4027]

As a white belt I feel my best weapons are calm explosive movements to stay alive, and a strength sport background to muscle through some tough positions.

[@ivanhayes5633]

When I first started training Jiu-Jitsu I was kinda aggressive but one class during a roll I popped a guys rib out going for knee on belly and ever since I just don't have it

[@jeangtech1830]

Bro same thing happened to me. I was rolling with a girl much younger (I was 17 at the time, she was probably 15-16) and I tried to do a move that the professor taught us (I didn't use much force, considering that she was much smaller than me) and her shoulder popped while I was doing the move. After that roll, I became much more passive and shy.

[@FelixFrost]

I'm a timid guy, used to play with my Legos, piano lessons, white collar job etc etc. Came to a point in life that I needed an outlet to release all pent up energy. Turns out I'm pretty good at it given the chance!

[@g8eo3]

I start off with less aggression and ramp it up slowly, whether in a roll or over time (like after returning from an injury). Some of it is for safety reasons, like I have to trust that whoever I'm training with will react to my aggression in a way i can handle. The other is just etiquette. Although we all know we're doing a combat sport, i just think it's best to start low in aggression and then work your way up...unless the context is clear like at a competition or competition training

[@giokadzo]

I’m just aggressive not too aggressive ✨💯

[@MatthewDavidT]

For sure lack aggression! Need up up my level so I can do my best to enter the competition world. I am by all means an obsessed hobbiest, but want to do the best that I can do as a grappler!

[@1138howie]

My professor has consistently told me I'm not aggressive enough. I'm not naturally an aggressive person when rolling so it's very hard for me to just be aggressive. However ... instead of looking at my rolls as needing to be more aggressive, I now seek to be more active. What I mean by that is instead of aggressively trying to sub hunt or chase someone down I'm consistently trying to cut them off at the corners. I'll Attack defend its a kid then an attack attack attack and use my attacks and movements to become more active in a roll. This is been a huge and helping me develop higher skills and paying with my peers

[@InkThinks]

My issue is that I just cant find a middle ground. I am either too passive or if I am agressive then I feel like I am being spazzy

[@Chewjitsu]

You'll probably find the middle ground with time. I was a super aggressive spaz and had to learn to chill a bit. Took time.

[@theexplorer7139]

@@Chewjitsu thanks chewy.

[@blockaderunner]

My dad was a marine. His example for me growing up caused aggression in me early on until today in my 40s. If I didn’t have my dad - loud, a brawler, a running back in high school, had his own horse in youth, growing up then I would not have the mentality or warrior mind I’ve had all my life. He passed 2016.

[@JER_Liam]

You have many subscribers, I'm a little new to the scene. I had a moment in my gym where I got angry with myself and I shut down on the mat. Is it normal to reassess and stop for a period, before going back into rolling?

[@tavish4699]

i feel like i have that problem generally in life , often enough i just wont stand up for myself because i feel like it just isnt necceary only later to nearly bite my ass of for not doing it or doing it only half heartly .... i wish i could change that because that would change so many things to the better What makes it even worse is that i know a decent amount of agressiveness or as you called it being that warrior will bring you further in life

[@KevinZieglerBTC]

Hey Chewy great video! Where are you located? I’ve only been training for 2 months but I’ve fallen in love with BJJ so I’m just wondering ..

[@Chewjitsu]

Louisville, KY

[@sysadmin9396]

For me is not about scared or shy. It’s about worrying about the other person. I’ve only really ever wanted to “hurt” someone when I was angry. I’m trying to find the balance and trying to stop being so nice.

[@ratamahatta1300]

I am lacking aggression when I'm rolling. Sometimes I get really mauled before becoming aggressive and getting the situation under control. And I believe I had the same kind of behaviour in social circumstances. I got very aware of that during the last year (during a breakup).

[@Slashoom]

I need to turn it up.

[@IronChad_]

I have that feeling lots of time

[@joseichoshow9846]

Jiujitsu helps me get my anger out in a positive way. I been getting more aggressive. My couch is liking my aggression. I am not that aggressive on new people and kids. I learn how to measure it.

[@ccb3313]

It’s the same with lifting weights if you can tap into the serious side of yourself you’re gonna do alright

[@odysseyauthor]

I definitely lack aggression. I’ve always hated confrontation but I love Jiu-Jistu as weird as that is. I’m a female and a white belt. I know for right now as I’m a white belt my goal is to survive as long as possible. I’ve seen a lot of improvement in defense already but remembering submissions in different positions can be hard for me. And in life, I don’t stand up for myself as much as I’d like to. But I’m hoping over time both of those things will change, considering I’m thinking about a career in law enforcement lol

[@Clinterus]

Also from my past history I didn't realize it at the time but I was a little too aggressive, or had a hard time turning it off while rolling. I never cranked submissions too quick or hard, but had a hard time not going a 100% even when I shouldn't have been. Now I'm 29 very fat and out of shape and starting boxing. I am very much on the other end of the aggression spectrum now. But it will come back with time, hopefully tempered and in the middle lol.

[@yammie9660]

Yeah even in wrestling I’ve never been aggressive enough, I’m a bigger dude (like 6’1 240lbs) so I’ve always been conscious about not owing to hard especially on smaller friends or less skilled partners. However that has backfired because I’ve never had that “switch” that I can turn on in a match and get assertive.

[@ianwatch7476]

My coach told me to relax, be patient and calm down when rolling. I can’t be aggressive and patient at the same time. I am 4 months as white belt. He said I lost my aggression (I used gym strength when I started rolling because it’s all I had, now I prefer to focus on technique) but to me I am becoming more patient and relaxed. Where is the balance? When I turn aggression on I get swept or end up in a bad position.

[@gigitman123]

I’ve been seeing recently in my classes that I’m not aggressive enough and I play more on the defensive side of my rolls, but it’s just different getting aggressive in a role with friends and teammates vs getting in a real fight and not caring that you could hurt the other person. But I can’t relate to the non aggressive push over persona, I just can’t get serious with people I’m comfortable with.

[@Chrono826]

Definitely not aggressive enough. Noticing it's actually a problem with technique when I prioritize NOT putting my weight on someone and it alters my balance because of it. 6'0" and 260 pounds. I definitely don't want to injure people and am very non confrontational by nature. I'm a white belt only a month in though so I'm learning as much as I can about it. Thanks for the perspective!

[@shreyasshanker858]

Hey chew, i very recently started training so i don't quite know/understand the difference between being technical and being passive And also the difference between being spazzy vs being aggressive/strong, would really appreciate your thoughts