I Swore I Would Never Do BJJ Again

[@StrawberryGates]

I'm 47 and I started BJJ for the first time 3 weeks ago after spending the last 5 years sitting at a computer. First class was a 1-hour military-style workout that ended with having to carry people on my shoulders across the room 10 times... Then they taught me one technique (americana arm bar) and made me roll with a blue belt that was twice my size. I could barely move my arms at this point so I just tapped out and told the guy I couldn't do any more that day. The next day, during warm-up they told me to run backwards and then roll without teaching me anything first... I did and something snapped in my neck and shoulder blade, and I've been in terrible pain ever since. Already seen 4 Osteopaths and still nothing has changed. I really want to learn BJJ but I don't want to go back to that place.

[@garybesaw]

OMG that's terrible. I'm so sorry you had a bad experience. Hopefully you'll recover and get back to a BJJ gym that you trust and is knowledgeable and highly skilled. I hope you get some answers soon and feel better. 🙏❤️

[@jeffdj1975]

You need to find a CTC as soon as you’re healed up!

[@StrawberryGates]

@@garybesaw Unfortunately there are no Gracie CTCs in my country so I'll just have to keep trying different places until I find a decent one... But right now, the goal is to get better and actually be able to move my neck again.

[@garybesaw]

@@StrawberryGates Yes first things first and that's taking care of your health. What country do you live in if you don't mind me asking? Seems like Gracie jiu-jitsu is all over the world. I'm sure not every country but I was quite surprised to see how far they branch out.

[@gracieconceptshq]

Dear @StrawberryGates THANK YOU for sharing with us your experience... that is in my opinion the reason why 95% of people trying BJJ will never go back again! Rener and Ryron, that I know from many (many) years, are not only doing a good, but an EXCELLENT work in showing how it should be really done. However, many still believe in that "shit"-wanna BJJ Bro Military Style... therefore only with Time and Consistency we ALL together will achieve that BJJ/GJJ will be taught it should be. Hope you would find the right GJJ location for you. Best regards from Zurich, Switzerland -Franco

[@falkhammermuller9342]

I love how Renner can say to complete opposite things in one sentence and still make sense. "They came in with a unique story, one I've heard often before." 😁😁😁

[@mobiledetail4you]

As an older 54 year old, who has been a part of their training process, it is awesome. 40 classes in now. 2 stripe white belt. I know many basics of the combative program and have not ever felt concerned about potential injury. Thank you Rener and Ryron Gracie for the online course and the implementation of Gracie CTC schools! Seattle Gracie CTC is awesome btw… Kypros and Torrey and all the students their are doing great!

[@هذاأنا-ذ3ث]

This definitely a common problem. Some do Jiu-Jitsu for recreation and self defense and they tend to be older (over 30) and have regular jobs. Others do it for competition and they want to be professional fighters. They tend to be younger and more athletic. The two groups have different objectives and putting them to train together daily doesn't have much benefit to either group.

[@DigitalNomadInvestor]

I was a student at The Gracie Academy in 2006-2007. Rener and Ryron were my instructors and they were awesome! One of the great lessons they instilled was how much we had to support our fellow students when we trained. I only left because I moved but I miss these guys and the supportive training environment. In fact, Brian Ortega of the UFC was in our class back then. he was a wee lad, maybe 14 or 15 years old. Even when we rolled with Rener, he didn't make us feel like dummies. I'm so glad they have gone to continued success. They are the real deal, their enthusiasm is real. They love teaching.

[@ValDADVic]

As someone who lives in the area as these two, and been practicing BJJ for 4 years at another school, I always try to bring Rener's message to my training partner and any classes I teach. New people are not fresh meat to beat on. We want these people to come back. As a higher belt, you don't get better by hurting a new person. Sure you can try more advanced techniques, but a higher belt should also have the control to catch and release. Love Ryron and Rener's content. I met them once at a master seminar in Seattle 2018. Thanks for the message and hopefully you find someone to open a CTC in Surrey/Langley BC :)

[@movingdragons]

Awe. I'm so glad someone is properly teaching Ju-jitsu out here.

[@randomlyroxanne5760]

Mine was the opposite! I started with GJJ then moved joined a BJJ academy (relocated for work) that did not have a plan and that they would stick with. I was the only lady at the time so they were not too hard on me all the time when rolling, but eventually I couldn't stay due to travel for work. I was already thinking of leaving before that change. However, I SO missed the family friendly environment and clear curriculum of my GJJ Academy in Cape Town. I still consider them my GJJ family almost 8 years after moving.

[@sunbrah]

I remember training Bjj and everytime a completely new person would come in and I'd be there rolling partner (only on the ground) I didn't want to show off. I let them try practicing techniques on me while I'd try to avoid getting caught in anyway (submission, sweep etc.) I wanted them to feel welcome and come back the next day feeling motivated and ready to go. I also never did submissions on them

[@halfduplexmedia6395]

This story resonates. My journey started in 2017, trained for 2 years...then covid brought it all to an abrupt halt. Then life/work took over and I relocated - couldn't continue training as I started working over nights. Came off graveyard shifts 3 weeks ago so now I got back into it. I must say...the return to the deep sea that is jitsu...there was a sense of belonging. Jitsu comes in waves...like the ocean tide - at least in my opinion. Each time returning with a stronger intensity and vigor.

[@Tokennns]

Love you Gracie Jiu Jitsu! ❤️ never taken a class with you all but I love everything you all do for the sport

[@garybesaw]

Same here! My nearest Gracie CTC is probably at least an hour away from where I live. There are other BJJ gyms near me but I have my reasons for not going there. First of all between the Gi and other equipment along with the class it's an investment so I would want to make sure that I am in the right place and I totally trust anything Gracie related.

[@loganlabbe9767]

My gym does a lesson for the whole hour, and then theres optional but highly encouraged sparring after. Definitely got to find the right fit for you

[@leonardolt]

God bless you Rener 🙏🏽

[@1tylerd1]

I Love the gracies and especially Rener he is so enthusiastic and he wants that everyone is able to tell his story he is treating every person with such respect !!!!I if we had more human like him we had world peace believe me!!!! Tons of love to all of you !!!! Rener you are a hero for me!!!!! Greetings from germany

[@dominiclamar1]

38 year old here. Watched the combatives program all during 2021 because no one was open for classes. I run 4-5 miles a day at work, so I'm in pretty good shape despite my age. Joined a jiu-jitsu gym in February of this year. On day 2 of my journey, the instructor tried teaching us an overly elaborate way of executing a straight armlock. Practiced with someone about 20-30lbs heavier than I am, blue belt, and still couldn't execute it right. He sat all his weight on my chest, and as he transitioned, it was very awkward, and he pulled a muscle in my back and my oblique. I was out for two months. It's pretty sad that even the blue belts weren't getting it. I'm in good shape, so this wasn't because I'm older or out of shape. This gym got 2 months of dues from me without me being able to have any mat time. Needless to say, I left this gym when I found out there was a Gracie-approved gym that opened up close to me. I joined and never looked back. I no longer worry about injury because they teach partner safety and the moves are simplified so anyone can learn, even this 38 year old white belt.

[@mikegreen5502]

DAMN I HAVEN'T SEEN THE GRACIE CHANNEL IN AWHILE IM PROUD OF THEM ALMOST A MILLION SUBS BOUT TIME THE MASSES STARTED SUBBING IT UP.

[@mikegreen5502]

@@darkoverllord yeah bro seriously I owe my health first to GOD then Renner lol year's ago I injured my back herniated disc and Renner had the same injury he spoke on a old video of his about the DRX 9000 and ever since then my back injury was healed thanx bro I will definitely sign up to a Gym

[@aavv1818]

San Francisco fan girl loves your CONTENT

[@jeffdj1975]

Gracie Jiu Jitsu for life 🥋

[@daniavi1358]

This Gracie family are incredible human beings and their Methodologies amazing are What Proffesor Riron and Rener together with theirs wifes, are doing. It's a social service to all whom need a special method for: kids, teenagers, women and men, Police and the Army. His grandfather, Master Helio Gracie, I'm sure from Heaven very proud and happy with all of them is. Their father Master Rorion and all theirs uncles too. As the humble Ju Jitsu Instructor I am and retired Police Officer, I'm very proud and happy to see young teachers with so an awesome ilusion teaching on and that make me feel safe for real Ju Jitsu' s future: Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Congratulations and blessings from Spain.

[@mikegreen5502]

It's always good to see older people training BJJ HELIO GRACIE trained until he was 95

[@anatoliymoroz1]

That’s how most of the schools out there, no direction and no supervision

[@sleepysleepy9913]

That's weird, the only thing I hated about jiu jitsu is when higher belts looked at me and treated me like a bore or rubbish. I'm kinda training to kick their ass now.

[@GlueFactoryBJJ]

I STARTED BJJ at a competitive/sport BJJ gym at 43. I had a pre-existing knee problem and was WAY overweight. The gym was, uh, "intense" is a good way to put it. Most of the people training there were 10-20 years younger than I was and in good shape. I had a Brazilian Top Team black belt who was the head instructor and his approach was, basically, the same as described in the video. You survived by doing and TRYING to not get tapped. I guess I was part of the "5%" and stayed with the gym for about 20 months and lost almost 100 lbs while doing so. I still was about 40-50 lbs overweight. Unfortunately, it took me about 16 months to get my blue belt. I say "unfortunately" because other people who started either at the same time or after I did had gotten promoted to blue belt months before. I had asked the instructor, when my peers were getting promoted, what I needed to learn to get my blue belt and was told, "You'll get promoted when you are ready". This was SO frustrating because, by that time, I was about as good as almost all the other white belts, but had no idea what I needed to know to get promoted. Anyway, at about 16 months I finally got my blue belt. But, unfortunately, it was kind of anti-climatic because I had no idea what had changed in the 3-4 months since I had asked what I needed to do to get promoted. It caused me to feel like it was a "pity promotion" because I didn't feel like I'd had any "breakthrough" that would have, in my eyes, justified the promotion. About 4 months after my promotion, my knee problems had gotten to the point where I needed to get a knee replacement. It was kind of a relief because, at 45, the pace of the gym was beginning to wear on me mentally. It took about 12 months before I felt my knee was in a position to begin training again (80%+ of my good knee, and at least 50% better than it was before), BUT I didn't return to training at that gym because "fear of the grind" and not knowing what it would take to get my next promotion just psyched me out. Now, 13 years and a shoulder replacement (2 years ago) later, I've been training for the last 4 months at a Royce Gracie gym and I'm much happier. Like at the Gracie University, the training is following Master Helio's "self-defense first" focus and the environment is MUCH more cooperative. It is great to have a lower keyed environment that allows everyone to work through issues in a cooperative fashion, while still getting in rolling time. I'm probably crazy, but now, at almost 60, I FEEL like I have better handle on my Jiu-Jitsu than I did 13+ years ago. It is, frankly, "freeing". I'm excited when I go to class, but with none of the anxiety of I'm going to be "ground into paste" by the higher belts because it's "score points or die". None of that. If I'm hurt or just exhausted, I can ask to go easy or work on a particular position. If I'm feeling spunky, then an "all out" (but SAFE) roll is still in the cards. Anyway, the point is that not all gyms are the same and it REALLY pays to take the time to visit a few to make sure it is what you are looking for. If you are someone who likes competition, then a sport BJJ gym will be the place to go. The instruction is typically very good and technical, but the pace is, well, competitive. If you are looking for a more self-defense-oriented approach, then I'd suggest a Certified Training Center (the local one is another 30 minutes further away than my current gym) or Gracie family affiliated gym. If you are wondering what that might look like, do a search here on KZbin for some of the Gracie Combatives "slices" Rener and Ryron have posted as teasers. Thanks for the videos! Just watching y'all's videos makes me want to train some more! 😃

[@Maddogg414]

I’m 52 years old male veteran and DOD contractor. I took other martial arts. I had a major injury lower back and knee replacement. I want to get back into martial arts. My friend Jason in Dallas Texas in a class. Anyone know where I can find classes near Sherman Texas. I miss being a part of something.

[@garybesaw]

Thank you for your service! Best wishes on getting into a BJJ school 🙏👍💪

[@emansfvera]

Man that’s crazy I started 5 years ago, no athletic ability, fat and over weight and depressed. Since day one I rolled with the higher belts and got smashed bad for like two years straight before i defended or even tried a submission. It was some of the best learning experiences ever, taught me grit and determination that I never had. I feel learning by throwing me with the sharks since day one actually was beneficial to me.

[@lucanthunder]

There's a lot of truth in this video. I'm 50 and I train at a sport BJJ school 4/5x a week. What I do is only roll with certain people, and work a lot on my defense. It's fun, but absolutely risky. Not the most safety conscious environment. My dream is to train at a school that more emphasizes the martial arts aspect of BJJ. Oss!

[@jaii9301]

I am trying to find a school here in Columbia sc....And make sure it's beginners with beginners! Where we move up in training together ❤

[@muriaticfpv2328]

I started about six months ago and yeah, I got injured every second class and I always felt like I had just been in a car accident. Because of this I quit and came back twice. But now I have found that if I stay in sort of a zen mode while rolling, focus on my breathing and be hyper aware of every part of my body, I get injured much less. This is just something that works for me. I defiantly don't want to quit again because I think the benefits outweigh the odd bruised rib, sprained wrist and other random pulled muscles. Is there any other advice you can give for rolling in these rougher environments?

[@garybesaw]

Rener I'm digging that rash guard and Gi. I'm wondering if that is a new line. Never seen it before but it looks pretty cool.

[@donalddube3145]

It is a shame this facility is not in my area. The only places I have been able to find seem like a McDojo’s.

[@ValentineLogan]

I can totally relate to this. I recently started BJJ and although the senior guys are great when rolling with young white belts it feels more like a sumo fight! Do you have classes in Tokyo or Chiba in Japan?

[@tjl4688]

Rener and Ryron know this probably better than anybody, but those who say "jiujitsu is not for everyone" don't consider what GU is doing to be Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu anymore. That's how detached and fragmented the BJJ community has become, to the point where BJJ is only a sport and people actively try to steer other away from it for self-defence.

[@MAR7LO]

Perfect video! All ju jitsu centers should watch this. Many white belts get taking advantage of and bullied. And quit!

[@brucesbuzznewyorkrealestat3823]

Has anyone ever had a neck injury from rear naked choke, the throat pops and clicks on swallow and no physical therapists can figure out the issue.

[@brucesbuzznewyorkrealestat3823]

@Aryan Toon Posture might possibly be aggravating it a little but the injury is surely from the Jui Jitsu. I noticed it immediately when he released the hold. I am thinking maybe someone on here has a similar injury and can give advice.

[@joehiggs4349]

Must’ve been Gracie Barra

[@hawkgeoff]

Cleveland Ohio Jener!!! I'm not an online guy.

[@funstory4024]

I just stop doing after 4 years of training 2 times per week .in some place if don't compete u never get promoted. Means white belt forever .disappointed I still love jiu-jitsu. But I'm sure rener gracie like he's father rorion gracie have a great method, i follow than for long time .

[@thejohnstonzoo]

I love them

[@theboogeyman9813]

Good stuff

[@JoseGonzalez-wb8cg]

Hello

[@BjornHansen314]

To

[@ramonperez9863]

I quit Brazilian jiu-jitsu because I got injured🤕🤕🤬🤬

[@BjornHansen314]

WTF!

[@BjornHansen314]

Never quit

[@phuckfumassters]

For a lot of schools getting injured is like a badge of honor

[@rafaelsantana1707]

Hei 👋 I live in PR🇵🇷 But they dond have any GJJ only bjj and i don't want nothing for sport if I do jj have to be your GJJ am 55 now I tried everything so I don't think they have a GJJ in 🇵🇷 the I know 👍

[@Jcar1392]

Make a school in Chicago please !!!

[@raddaradda3996]

Renzo Gracie owns that territory. Ya gotta come to the suburbs like Geneva or south Elgin for a CTC.

[@davewhite756]

I love the into the fire style my school has. Been training 5 months and already place 4th in a tournament. 7 person bracket, over 30 220lb+ white belt division

[@graciejiujitsusayville7108]

🙏❤️

[@marqueswilsonn]

First