Going Back to BJJ After a Long Break? 3 Tips to Help You Succeed

In this video I go over 3 strategies to help your return to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A layoff from the mats, no matter the reason, can create a variety of feelings (many of them are negative). These feelings are to be expected, and I want to help you work through them, because I truly believe training BJJ can serve you again in so many positive ways.
When I'm not teaching my students at Matakas BJJ in the Bordentown/Florence NJ area, I write books about the intersection of Jiu Jitsu, Philosophy, and Personal Development or I am leading and engaging with my 1-on-1 Life Coaching students.
Want to work with me directly? Apply for 1-on-1 coaching here:
www.chrismatakas.com/coaching
Find my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu books on Amazon here:
On Jiu Jitsu - amz.run/5r0L
5 Rules for White Belts - amz.run/5r0R
5 Rules for White Belts Training Journal - amz.run/5r0Q
IMPROVE: Grow As if Your Life Depends On It - amz.run/5r0M
Jiu Jitsu and Resistance: An Antidote to Modern Struggle -
amz.run/5r0N
12 Rules for Jiu Jitsu - amz.run/5r0P
5 Rules for White Belts Training Journal - amz.run/5r0Q
Jiu Jitsu and the Ego - amz.run/5r0S
Hero: The Path Through Jiu Jitsu and Life - amz.run/5r0U
On Behalf of Jiu Jitsu and Wholeness - amz.run/5r0V
The Daily Martial Artist: 366 Meditations on the Philosophy, Routines, and Training of the Successful Martial Artist - amz.run/5r0W
Jiu Jitsu Kids: Roman Redefines Winning - amz.run/5r0X
If this video brought any value to you it would mean the world if you hit that like button, left a comment to share your thoughts on the subject, and subscribed to my channel.
I am grateful for you, friends! -Chris
(P.S., Feel free to find me on Instagram and say “Hi!”, @ChrisMatakasBJJ)
Links to Other BJJ Tips Videos
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Gi vs No Gi - Is One Better? • BJJ Gi vs No Gi Jiu Ji...
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on them, Chris Matakas may receive a small commission. This helps supports the Chris Matakas KZbin channel and allows us to continue to make more videos. Thanks for your support!

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Needed to watch this one today; heading back after a 3 year hiatus! Thanks for sharing this, Chris.

[@bend1499]

How'd it go? I'm wanting to get back after 3 years off too but keep getting the worst anxiety.

[@hello-zh3jr]

Same. I started in elementary and stopped in seventh grade. I’m coming back as a sophomore in hs and I’m kinda scared.

[@badassoptic]

Also the social pressure too. Returning and all the sudden you just don't know anyone there, and the gym vibe suddenly changes compared to before you left.

[@liam_timcke]

I trained last night again after 5-6 years of not, I realized I forgot a lot of things, but as my instructor was teaching the butterfly sweeps etc. A lot of muscle memory came back into play

[@ChrisMatakas]

Great job getting back out there!

[@iiCRANKx]

That was so beautiful. Thank you

[@jamiewanley7855]

Just what i needed after a rough year and a serious injury

[@ChrisMatakas]

Jamie, I appreciate the communication. Wishing you good health on your journey through Jiu Jitsu.🙏

[@Skepticology]

Thak you very, VERY much for this. I did not even consider that my technical game will grow as a result of my lack of conditioning. Great, great helpful video.

[@JoeParkerPoe]

Took three years off. Back on the mats today. Zero cardio, but we'll get there!

[@dieselmma144]

Thanks brother, I needed this

[@Chefrabbitfoot]

Much needed, just returning after months off. Really enjoyed how you broke everything down simply yet informative and friendly. You've got a new Sub in me, and I just ordered your WB book! Looking forward to watching & reading more!

[@robbwylde2002]

Thank you for this Chris!

[@ChrisMatakas]

Thank You!

[@-D34DM347]

Needed to hear this 🤙

[@beatricevossebein2757]

Just what I needed! 🙏🏼

[@ChrisMatakas]

I’m glad to hear it!

[@bradleeroy-wojciechowski4134]

Love this, moves country 6 months ago and stopped training when I did. Heading to my first class since I stopped today. Cheers for the encouragement

[@ChrisMatakas]

To new beginnings, Bradlee! Restarting always carries with it a variety of emotions, and I applaud you for going to your first class since you stopped a few months ago.

[@crabdaddy2010]

Thanks for this one dude

[@sacko2011]

Thank you for the video. I needed this as i want to go back tonight after going through a serious mental breakdown in my life. Its going to be tough but like a rebirth. Coming out better on the otherside Oss 🙏

[@user-pq9gh7pq8z]

Thank you so much

[@johndeegan7925]

Great content thank you! 🙏

[@ChrisMatakas]

My pleasure - thank you for watching!

[@OmariBroussardHSCEO]

This was so helpful thank you

[@ChrisMatakas]

Omari - my pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@Presence_o_Mind]

Fantastic video. Subscribed. What about workouts to get back into some kind of shape before returning? That's what I'm worried about. The last time I came back, I had a minor groin muscle tear while defending a knee cut pass.

[@marcosrosado6748]

oss gracias . por las palabras soy de tabasco mx. es ahora o nunca mi momento de regresar.

[@Stogner]

I lost hearing and developed a Hyper Accuses in my L ear after a 1/2 year of training. I really found this great advice! I’d rather not sulk and keep feeling defeated. As soon as I’m clear, I’m going to sign back up. Thanks!

[@ChrisMatakas]

You have an incredible mindset! I love to hear this - your attitude will indeed serve you well!

[@gasparottogui]

Hi Chris, great video, thanks for the tips. I've been out of BJJ for 8 years now, I ended up stopping due to developing cubital tunnel syndrome, which required surgery in both elbows... I also hurt my neck once during practice due to a whiplash that happened when I was on guard defending from a heavier colleague... later I developed fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, which frequently causes very stiff muscles or muscle spasms that end up as injuries, specially on my lower back. I've been delaying going back to training for years, but I really want to get back, I'm a bit cautious about all those issues, but I plan to focus on drills, avoid rolling for a few months until I feel ready and so on... My question now is, going back, should I demote myself? I had just graduated as blue belt when I stopped, and it feels a bit weird to go back after so long and keep the belt, as I will certainly struggle for a while. Thanks again!

[@mattsbjjjourney5601]

Had to step away from training for 5 months...first night back was brutal

[@ChrisMatakas]

Good job getting back out there!

[@izayacobbin5589]

First day back after a couple injuries better than ever🎉

[@ChrisMatakas]

Awesome, congrats!!

[@altruex]

Hahhaah i knew some of your knowledge sounded familiar from the mindset video! You got Rom Dass portrait, simon sinek, tim ferris, tony robbins, jordan Peterson and more.

[@mchughbjj]

This is scarlett

[@spencer2887]

So I've been gone from BJJ for 3 years. I got my purple belt literally a month and 1/2 before COVID started and haven't trained since ugh. Now when I train (started 1 month ago) I feel like I'm not worthy of my purple belt. I forgot in so many situations the moves/combos what I used to do!!! Any advice on how to remember the old moves or will I at this point have to develop a new game?

[@ChrisMatakas]

The neural connections are still there, they are just dusty. It's always easier to "remember" these skills than to acquire them in the first place. If you consistently put the reps in, your body will remember. The compound effect will occur and you'll start to feel like your old self!

[@spencer2887]

@@ChrisMatakas The problem is, I don't remember a lot of stuff I used to do lol. Will it just click eventually when I'm in certain positions?

[@heyjohnitsguys5804]

​@@spencer2887 once you start asking your instructor, the techniques will come back to you