How I Beat Overtraining

I wanted to become the best as fast as possible. It took me a long time to realize that this goal was actually working against me... Here's what happened.
Check out the previous martial arts vlog of my kickboxing sparring against a beginner, then an experienced and then world champion kickboxers: • Sparring vs Beginner v...
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Welcome to the Martial Arts Journey KZbin channel!
My name is Rokas. I'm a Lithuanian guy who trained Aikido for 14 years, 7 of them running a professional Aikido Dojo until eventually I realized that Aikido does not live up to what it promises.
Lead by this realization I decided to make a daring step to close my Aikido Dojo and move to Portland, Oregon for six months to start training MMA at the famous Straight Blast Gym Headquarters under head coach Matt Thornton.
After six months intensive training I had my first amateur MMA fight after which I moved back to Lithuania. During all of this time I am documenting my experience through my KZbin channel called "Martial Arts Journey".
Now I am slowly setting up plans to continue training MMA under quality guidance and getting ready for my next MMA fight as I further document and share my journey and discoveries.
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If you want to support my journey, you can make a donation to my PayPal at [e-mail]
SUBSCRIBE to see when the next videos will come out:
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Check the video "Aikido vs MMA" which started this whole Martial Arts Journey:
► • Aikido vs MMA - REAL ...
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► / rokasleo
#martialarts #mma #kickboxing

[@KARATEbyJesse]

”There is no such thing as over training… only under recovery!” 💪 Great video Rokas san 🥋

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Great quote! Thanks

[@Aleks479]

There is such thing as overtraining but it happens if you lift a lot of weights. Martials arts are a joke in terms of recovery.

[@SEAMLE55]

True

[@oldnatty61]

Cliche. Totally stupid and expected from jesse the Laurel to Roka's Hardy. When you guys are really ready to be warriors and not stupid youtubes fucks reach out.

[@GiangoPT]

@@Aleks479it seems that you never trained seriously any combat sports ever. 🙃

[@timsohn7057]

Im “retired” from doing martial arts training because I was seriously injured (not from martial arts sadly haha). Long story short had to learn to walk again. Now I am about 60-70% back, and while rehabing I realized how much I over trained for years in kickboxing, bjj etc. Over training increases likelihood of injury but also hinders recovery, and creates small injuries that accumulate over time train smart. Unless you are in the UFC or something, there is no sense of taking risks to your body

[@vaderdust]

I have been training in martial arts for about 20 years. Consistency is key. I have no aspirations to be a world champion or fight professionally ( I have a day job). I train for the love of martial arts, and I realized that I have time on my side. I want to train and learn martial arts for the rest of my life. That means that I have to be healthy in order to be able to continue training. That means that I need to avoid injuries and fatigue. Therefore, I am consistent in attending my classes, but never over train.

[@peachmelba1000]

That final sentence says it all. I'm currently OT'd. Feels nasty. I'm impatient and naturally enthusiastic, so it feels wrong to not be biking and lifting, but I have to listen to my body.

[@vicarious7858]

I found out around a year ago that I had to settle for three / four days a week ( variable depending on how hard the sessions are ) or else I would just fry myself out. Normally goes something like - Muay Thai, rest day, BJJ, rest day, MMA rules sparing then weekend chill. It took a while to listen to my body and not just push through it but it's well worth taking them rest days. You will preform better and retain far more information from the sessions.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

100%. I think my training capacity is similar to yours. And as Kwon said: it's also possible to do some theoretical learning on off days

[@MakingaStink]

I'm getting back into martial arts after 20 years of being sedentary. Twice a week max is what I can do at this point. I am beyond sore and range of motion is limited. I want to keep going, but I have to tell myself to pace myself so I don't burn out or get hurt. Thanks for the video, Rokas! -Chris

[@themilesinkorea]

Quite logical and relatable ~ for areas beyond martial arts also. I find that I look for something to focus on, only to discover that it is not what I thought, so I end up changing direction, to some degree at least. I’ve had to lower my expectations continually over the years because of this. Problem is, also, that measurable “success” (like getting a belt ranking) often requires focusing on a specific area but there can be a lack of balance (like neglecting groundwork?) or burnout, as Rokas describes. Currently, I’m trying to integrate things, so there is more of a singular focus, but am still spread very thin. The battle he speaks of, I guess I’m in, though not in terms of martial arts. It always looks scary to do smaller amounts with consistency, but maybe this is often required. It’s also more flexible, rather than shooting forward?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I think that doing things slower but with greater consistency helps us notice better when we are not on the right track. Meanwhile if we focus ourselves completely towards something it may be easier to lose ourselves in the process and to forget to take a step back and to evaluate if this direction and its results are desirable

[@themilesinkorea]

​@@MartialArtsJourney Yes! Thanks, Rokas! That's a main idea I was trying to express. (One goal is for me to write shorter comments... Thank you for considering it so well!)

[@wagutoxD]

This is very insightful!

[@wernerfuhry]

Great video as always Rokas! Can heavily relate to that. One question, 3-4 days training is I guess more technique/sparring/endurance or do you do strength and conditioning also? Cause I struggle a little bit fitting all in.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I do some recovery training at home but it's rather light. I also do some light recovery too. But strength and conditioning at the moment I am leaving off to the side since my body gets quite a challenging workout already with the training I do. Even the warm ups in our BJJ academy are quite physically demanding :D

[@wernerfuhry]

@@MartialArtsJourney yeah I feel you! ^^" Doing kickboxing and luta livre myself and hot damm they are challenging :D

[@Qladstone]

Your video on the backward roll is great, Seems like a lot has happened since then!

[@MrFalk358]

You also have to keep in mind that in mma, steroid use is quite widespread in regional pro circles since testing is very lackluster. The main appeal of PEDs for fighters is increased recovery, so there is no way an amateur who doesnt use can match the training regime that some of these pros have. Even more so if you study fulltime/ have a regular job.

[@msdungan]

So, agreed. You weren't trained on a properly- scaled program that fit your skills, conditioning level, etc. A common beginner's mistake - even for some who've clocked hours over decades of training (I hope that's clearly stated). But, why didn't your coaches and training partners notice, reassess, realize where your condition was at, and make personalized adjustments for you? That might speak to their abilities/ skill set as coaches, but maybe your were in a program to be a one- size- for- all.... that's what I put together from your narration, anyway. I trained for hours daily. Kept full time at both college, and a job. For years. When I finally took a real rest period for recovery, whoo man...! To jump track: This video's content departs from the supposed message of the title, Rokas. Dial in a bit. You'll still attract a large enough audience. Thanks!

[@sparkyy2890]

What do you think of firas zahabis principle of never redlining the body so you can train every day?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I like it a lot and it's one of my inspirations of saying the phrase at the end of the video: "consistency vs intensity". Unfortunately when I train martial arts sometimes I don't get a say in how intensive the training will be. Making my coach will tell us to do a HIIT type of workout, maybe I will roll or spar with someone who will go all out. On the other hand maybe I could step off the mat when I reach my limits, but that's a difficult thing to do given the circumstances

[@Kianwan]

Hackers need to burn!!

[@PauIdenino]

🔥🥵🔥

[@zegarek840525]

hello, You mentioned that You will be in Poland ... how far in advance the date will be known, I have a problem with getting a free day's wages at the last minute, I work in an unusual work system, when I go to work it is 24 hours ... I would like to participate in these "classes", I haven't moved for some time ... ------------ witam, wspominałeś, że będziesz w Polsce... z jakim wyprzedzeniem czasowym będzie znana data, u mnie jest problem z załatwieniem wolnej dniówki w ostatniej chwili, ja pracuję w nietypowym systemie pracy, gdy idę pracować to na 24h... chętnie uczestniczył bym w tych "zajęciach", już jakiś czas nie ruszałem się...

[@GiangoPT]

So you are back in 🇱🇹 at least for now? You don't train in grappling anymore?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I am back in Lithuania, yes. I'm wondering why you thought that I don't train in grappling anymore. I was showing footage of myself training grappling in this video when I spoke about training four times per week :)

[@GiangoPT]

@@MartialArtsJourney Sorry I didn't want to bother you, I assumed that there you have focused just on kickboxing because of your good coach. 😁

[@Bbookinn]

I want to work out more in the mornings before work but I have no motivation as soon as I wake up lol idk how people do it

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Personally I just don't think about it or more precisely I don't even think about not doing it. I get up and go for it before I give myself a chance to doubt. Starting slow and gradually I think helps too

[@robertnewell4054]

There’s a lot of of “ism’s”, theories & personal predilections when the discussion of Athletic Training comes up. With that I’d like to submit the efficacy of REM NAPS into ones High Intensity Training as developed by The Bulgarian WeightLifting 🏋️‍♂️ Team. W/O going into a long winded treatise, this is an area of real promise. Remember our bodies need to reach REM for the pituitary gland to its thing in releasing HGH & other healing anabolic responses. Many over trained Athletes are fighting the chronic self induced catabolic state ….

[@tayloredandelions6089]

Haw do you know what is the right levil

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I think it's important to listen to your body and to take breaks when you need to. Various heart rate monitors like Whoop can help you track your recovery too

[@mikeneidlinger8857]

If you train in prison you will know real intensity.

[@xFlow150]

I'm glad one of my trainers taught me that the body grows muscles during recovery and not during training. You can train as much as you want, but only when you rest and recuperate do you gain muscle.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Also the brain absorbs information during rest as well

[@dymytryruban4324]

I noticed that in the elementary school when learning poems by heart. I used to struggle with them in late evening but every time I woke up the next morning my knowledge of them is confident.

[@MrAroone]

@@dymytryruban4324 I noticed that with kid. He always do it at the last minute. So we do ot together. I put it as a game, who will learn first. He struggles but in the morning he remembers and get the maximum grade.

[@migBdk]

I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause I will travel across the land Searching far and wide Teach Pokémon to understand The power that's inside It's you and me I know it's my destiny Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend A heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me and I'll teach you Pokémon! (Gotta catch 'em all) Gotta catch 'em all Yeah

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Haha 😄

[@way_of_water]

😂

[@andrewwhite925]

World class athletes are special, most can train as hard as humanly possible and then walk away and be present with an unrelated activity. I think that’s because it comes a little more naturally to them. I often overcompensate with effort for my lack of natural ability and the result is a broken down body haha. Thanks for the reminder to avoid overtraining!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I'm wondering if eventually I'll get used to training 5 days per week as if it was normal and will forget about the training right after as well 😄 I guess if I managed to do it with two days, maybe it will happen eventually with more. At the moment I feel doing more than 3 training days doesn't feel natural to me. I still think about it, have to plan it, etc. But in the future once it becomes a norm, who knows :)

[@stevenlindsey2056]

Start supplementing glutamine or drink a protein shake that has lots of it. If you are training hard you will need 3-4 grams daily. I faced the same issue and am taking a month off because my knees are currently shot.

[@JohnRBIV]

also they're on PEDs, so yeah

[@mattbugg4568]

Chop wood carry water. Sure it's work Training and sparring rolling. The thing is make it light and enjoy it. Rome wasn't built in a day.

[@antifasuperstar]

I also go to 13 Aikido classes a weak, but actually It's super easy, barely an inconvenience

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Haha, I know where this phrase comes from 😄 Wow wow wow...

[@wernerfuhry]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Elburro92]

Thanks for this video! That's the reason, why integrating "soft styles" like qigong/tai chi is so important. It's still martial arts training and brings a lot of benefits for speed, strength, softness and energy. Yin and yang, right? Blessings to all the martial artists out there 🙌

[@mikein60fpstwitch.tvaliber73]

Yep, great point. These days its the "thing" MMA training and you can rule the world! em ya.... no. Sure, nothing wrong with hard training BUT you will also have, with every action a equal and opposite reaction. I yousto hate forms in martial arts/(in multiple styles). Now not so much, as I get older there is a reason why people have done things like internal training /Tai Chi , forms , Chi sao, and or meditation for hundreds of years, growth can come from many directions. Of course leaving out sparring and or full contact completely is a big mistake/just in the opposite direction. Best of luck on your martial path, 🙏 -Cheers

[@stefanobio7045]

Train hard.......fight easy......

[@martinterrizzi515]

Recovery is the Key , The only person that can train with All Out Intensity is the superior Genetic on T , or should I say PED ‘s . Been there seen it all the time . Consistency Trumps iIntensity a moderate 70 - 80 % is the key. . Same shit happened to me . CNS shutdown . 3 - 4 times weekly .

[@kevinsargent]

The Kickboxing gym looks like 4 men sparring in a closet.

[@kenanpalangic7539]

I've been practicing Judo for 10+ years, 6 days a week..and yes, many people told me I should catch a break. And I do. When I'm sick or injured.😂

[@willkido9641]

Yeah and you probably only miss if it's contagious or if something it broke. 👍

[@niledunn4641]

Excellent video rokas, aye its tough training 5 to 6 times per week especially for camps. 2 to 3 times per week is plenty as your body will need to recover. A good quote my jujutsu instructor said to me once is listen to your body it's a well oiled machine if it's looked after. It will perform to what you want to achieve

[@littlegiantrobo6523]

Oh, there is such a thing as over-training. That's how people get hurt. We also need alot of time to process what you have been training and reflect on it; this is key in order to achieve Mushin. I believe training too much prevents people from using as much of their brain as they should during training--this is important because there is actually time to think about things during training. Not so much in a match or, Lord forbid, an assault. These are just my opinions.

[@akaizenmind8440]

I think this great video could also have a sub-title... ‘Mindful MA Mindset’!

[@stayhappylittlemermaid]

You attract the energy that you give off. Spread good vibes. Think positively. Enjoy 🌞🙌🙏

[@dusandragovic09srb]

Bodybuilding is the base for all sports. Listen to Mike Mentzer on recovery.

[@Jenjak]

I lived the same thing. As soon as I got back to combat sports I trained like crazy, broke myself physically and mentaly and then i understood progressive overload doesn't work only for weight lifting. I added different new sessions incrementally, once I was used to my new schedule, then I burned out again, now i can train almost everyday, but now I know the sings that tell me I should train a bit lighter or even take a day off. I believe to know your limits you've got to experience them.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

That's awesome Alex. It's really cool to hear for me that eventually your body and mind got used to training daily. I'm hoping to get there one day as well :)

[@Jenjak]

@@MartialArtsJourney Yeah most of the time I go 70%, some day I go 100% some day I go 30%. But I still train. If I'm really sore, injured or just tired... I don't do much but shadow boxing and Taichi forms. Sunday is "sacred" I do nothing except Taichi forms or having a walk if I really want to move. Sometimes I still think I don't train enough but I also have a full time job, I can't really do more than that and it wouldn't be healthy I think ^^

[@Jenjak]

@@MartialArtsJourney I've got to say I admire how hard working you are and how you can dedicate yourself to something as much as you do. It's a great quality. I'm lazy by nature I had to learn to work hard. You seem to have that quality since a long time.

[@TheInfantry98]

What limits ?

[@Jenjak]

@@TheInfantry98 that's the spirit xD

[@TheOriginalJAX]

Ok, i may of had the Pokemon theme tune playing in the back of my head throughout the video. Im sorry. Although this video was packed to the hilt with truisms about personal development, athleticism and martial arts that people would be wise to take on board instead of learning the "hard way " for sure so well said man.

[@andreasrydstrom9112]

I can relate a bit. I'm 35 and have been trying to train BJJ regularly since 1,5 years back. But bouts of influensa, covid and so on has stopped me several times. My son started kindergarten last August and this autumn I only managed to train about a month due to all the sickness in our family. Now I've done two sessions of BJJ for the first time in half a year: The first I did 40 min technique and 20 min sparring and was barely able to ride my bike back home (usually takes 15-20 min, but took me over 30). I just figured I need to rest more in between the rounds, add salt to my water and have sugar readily awailable. The second session was yesterday at 10:00 am where I did about 60 min of sparring. And even with taking it easy, resting one-two rounds between each round and with the extra salt and sugar, I was completely exhausted afterwards. I took the bus home and I was fighting the urge to lie down on the floor of the bus most of the way. Spent the rest of the day in bed or on the couch and in the evening I started to get a fever. Thinking I got an infection coming on I took paracetamol and ibuprofen and went to bed. When I woke up this morning I felt like my normal self again, just had a bit of sore muscles. So, no infection, just overtraining. In my early 20s I got a much worse case of over training when doing Thaiboxing. At the time I had no idea what was happening and it took me several years to get back to being able to do more intense exercise. I have concluded that though I have an easy time learning sports and martial arts, my cardio has never been good enough to practice Thaiboxing or BJJ as much as I wanted to. Now I'm motivated to focus on basic cardio (zone 2 training) and isometric exercise (hoping it will demand less rest than other strength training, while still improving my fitness for BJJ). Although I can't stop myself from wondering if there's something more to this. A mild form of asthma? (Was diagnosed with Exercise-induced asthma at the age of 19, but figured it was mostly related to pollen allergy. Over the years I have had periods of regularly feeling short of breath at rest, but have been thinking it's anxiety or stress-related. Have tried broncodilators a year ago for about 2-3 weeks with no clear effect, but then I haven't had as much shortnes of breath overall the last year, maybe due to less stiffness in the back, neck and shoulders?) As you might notice, I'm still right in the middle of figuring this out.

[@danielfaller5617]

hol up, did you change the thumbnail?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Yeah... 😁 I got some feedback that the one before did not reflect what the video was about

[@akimsi2949]

Been taught a lot by watching your videos! Thanks for sharing your experience. Best wishes, from Argentina

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks Akim Si! Glad to hear it

[@beeriangel2716]

Just started training in mma, anyone have any advice? BTW great video

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks Beeri Angel :) My advice would be to take your time, enjoy the process and to not push yourself too much (I guess it relates to this video). There is so much that you have to learn in MMA right of the bat, that if you expect yourself to learn everything right away it may feel frustrating. You will get there one day, just take one step at a time

[@beeriangel2716]

@@MartialArtsJourney thanks a lot

[@Jenjak]

GO HARD OR HOME !!! GRRRR !!! just kidding

[@mikein60fpstwitch.tvaliber73]

Great vid. So easy to get obsessive? , fanatical?, addicted? to any sport/martial art. Ben through that a few times, starts with ritual/going every day at a certain time/(programed, habit) then movies, and or books and dare i say it? online videos on the tube ha ha! o well tis life. Currently working out and or martial arts a few times a week/going nicely. Just fighting the other thing working to much at work(working for a boss) struggling with you know the normal problems, stress, carpol tunnel (mild) running around with braces, compression sleves, yep many of us know that routine 🤕. Anyway, lovin the vid, laying it out for all to see, the benefits and the drawbacks that are the reality of it. 🤷🙏 -Cheers

[@DILIPKUMAR-xm4dx]

What is your opinion about Bruce Lee and his speed. I have asked this to many youtubers but no one answered me please make a video what's your opinion on Bruce Lee martial arts and his fights & speef

[@MartialArtsJourney]

It seems that Bruce Lee had great speed. I'm not sure what else anymore to say about it though

[@mikein60fpstwitch.tvaliber73]

He had small stature and was not "lankey" as in long arms, there is always an advantage though to that-long reach; but I digress he was sort of "built" for that, others not so much ie overweight, tall, clumsy etc. Just start with doing lots of cardio and stay away from (heavy weight lifting) light weight many reps is ok. You to can focus train for that many ways, one i can think of just off the top of my head; go out and get a speed ball either fixed (one point) or dual(attached to ceiling and floor/ or weight) that will increase your speed and accuracy. His base martial art was Wing Chun also known for speed (smaller people)/ wont open that can of worms but if you do Wing Chun and have no speed you woulden't be very effective. Warning; as martial arts journey would tell you there is alot of watered down Wing Chun out there, some dojo's that cant even be bothered to do sparring * =(read the fine print) if that's one direction you take... Do your research and you will find many ways to achieve your goals. Best of luck , -Cheers

[@shanemackey3300]

If your over 30 and wanna get fit fast and run 5k everyday at 170-180 heartbeat your going to dig yourself into a hole so deep it will be hard to get out of, for the first 6 months only do 1 hard run a week and 2 slow runs and build your aerobics up and stay fresh, less is better you have to be patient when it comes to fitness when your older

[@MichaelT83310]

Hi rokas. I have a video suggestion for you. Iv been curious about which martial arts have the best defense (how not get hit particularly) and I was thinking you should make a video discussing which martial arts have the best defense techniques and maybe you could compare like ( boxing, mma, kickboxing, Muay Thai, karate, taekwondo, kung fu, aikido, JJJ, Wing chun, etc. I would love to see a video like this and I think many of your subscribers also would

[@lmh4162]

Great! video. Keep up the good work. I do have one question why was 8:30AM to early for you if you were able to wake up 4:45AM - 6:00AM. Was it because of being older and not in your 20's. Just curious as I find getting up earlier can sometime be harder for me as I am getting older. I feel that I have to go to sleep earlier in order to have more time to recover.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I think age has a lot to do with it. It's also time needed for recovery. When you do a lot of training your body needs more sleep. Waking up early and training every day creates almost no opportunity to sleep enough

[@thetruth3611]

Dude really needs to lose that scarf. I can't take him seriously.

[@willkido9641]

Training is like whittling wood you take a block of wood and with long slow smooth strokes you shape it. Then with a fine blade you slowly shape the details. Follow this up with sanding it and you have something beautiful. go to fast and you will probably end up with something that kind of looks like what you imagine but not where you want it. I was always told that martial arts where something that take a lifetime to master. The real question is what do you want your art to look like?

[@kickjacob]

Is it because i am young, i can train 6 day a week... Every evening train about 2hr... I dont feel enough... Or is it because i dont train with professional

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Being younger helps out a lot. You've been probably also doing it for a while so your body may be used to it :)

[@oldnatty61]

What is it w/ your generation? No one cares about your inner thoughts? Are you a warrior, or not?

[@dingomilo984]

Do you know anything about Aiki-jujutsu?

[@TheInfantry98]

In the US military training is much more intense

[@josegomez-es5zv]

We shouldn’t train more than an hour a day

[@yeout4386]

i just want to be the very best like no one ever was

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I think you can be the best yourself like no one ever was :)

[@migBdk]

To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause

[@josegomez-es5zv]

Overtraining exist

[@muayboran6111]

Yeah, that’s what happened to me

[@joaoguilhermebastos519]

Thanks Rokas, i got the same problem.

[@lilith4961]

Great video. I have been thinking about this as someone who hasn't done martial arts since highschool.

[@vault334]

🤘🤘

[@mixck]

Great work man. Keep it up! 👊🏻

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@jasonborges6701]

Just recently I got quite sick and I am 99% sure it's because of overtraining. Or more accurate, under recovering. I would train twice a day on the weekdays and then 3 hours on Saturday, each day just to go work an 8 hour shift, getting home at 11 which resulted in me sleeping maybe 5hours before I'd do it all again. After a few months I got super sick. I am going to start implementing more mandatory recovery 😁🙏🏼 Thanks for the reminder and great video!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Man that's a lot! Glad to hear you started adding recovery into your process 👊

[@jasonborges6701]

@@MartialArtsJourney yessir! Loving watching your journey, please keep on doing what you do 🙏🏼

[@floydo1124]

Cant wait for u to train in Tristar in Montreal and/or AKA in San Jose.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Tristar is definitely on my list!

[@egontokessy1610]

Mate, you just prevented me from making a big mistake. This week I did 4 BJJ, 1 Wrestling, 1 Muay Thai, 1 Aikido and a Krav Maga session which I’m about to do at 9:30am, it is 3:51am right now and I’m watching your martial art video about overtraining. I’ve been feeling really anxious, stressed and burnt out that I had to stop halfway through my Muay Thai and BJJ class. This helped a lot and now know that if I respect my current limit, I’ll end up doing more eventually. This is why I like your channel and why your podcast is my favourite martial art podcast. I hope to meet you in person one day because you’ve provided me with so much value. Love you man.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

So great to hear that Egon! Training less and more smart was a game changer for me. I train less these days than during my overtraining days but I'm in a better shape than ever and so is my progress. Less is definitely more

[@egontokessy1610]

@@MartialArtsJourney I never got that until now. If it wasn’t for seeing the outcome at the end of the video, I would have definitely just kept pushing myself to exhaustion. I’ve learnt from your experience and am very appreciative.

[@TenguTalks]

I'm paying the price for it now lol. I overtrained way too much when I was doing Muay Thai, and all those little "inconveniences" are now massively impactful. I wish I had listened to my sifu back then, he warned me, but I was young and hype. Does lead me to one question: I WANT to get back into training. Badly. But I now have rotator issues in my shoulder, scar tissue in my right rhomboid, and lower back problems stemming from BJJ. Any advice on easing back into training after a long pause/persistent conditions like old injuries or arthritis? I want to go back to training smart, and not make any of this worse.

[@sethmcdonald4]

I took a day off from everything watched some instructional Crane Kung Fu videos trying to learn something different besides the same thing over and over. Ive always wanted to study animal style kung fu like they do in the movies but thats just the movies. But I work a 40 work week job and do my training plus my youtube and been working on my place to live in yes I feel like Im burned out... What do you think on making a video on burned out how to get over being burned out?

[@Kinos141]

Great video.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@HateBear-real]

Mad respect that you pushed yourself to your limits like that. Most people straight up don't have the dedication or the balls.

[@jedBSME]

Yin and Yang indeed. Balance of training and recovery. Overtraining is very real for us working class who only trains for recreation and self defense. It's a challenge for us to balance work, family and training without burning up

[@MrAroone]

I am back to aikido after more than 30 years. But my kyokushin experience 20 years ago is dragging me. So this morning I asked the Aikido assistant if he wanted to do some extra training with me. I forgot complex moves, but we trained and sparred and it was fun. I train twice a week, and I start to feel that I need more.

[@halverde6373]

All you require is to be just slightly better than the opponent you face at the moment. Least amount of expending motion. Conservation of energy.

[@onimekyo7633]

Consistency and respecting your limits beats intensity - rokas Thanks This is true in other aspects of our life too

[@visisloth]

Sometimes pushing our limits helps us to understand where they are, and how important it is to respect our limitations. Training is more meaningful that way.

[@PlanesWithHotas]

You make we wanna go to my BJJ class tomorrow but I'm sick and I can't :(

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Resting is important! And we have our whole lives ahead of us :) I'm sure you'll get back soon enough!

[@PlanesWithHotas]

@@MartialArtsJourney thanks

[@PlanesWithHotas]

@Phoenix 𝙾𝚙𝚎𝚗 𝙼𝚢 PROFILE that's also why my BJJ trainer told me to drink that home made juice with egg so while resting my muscles gain more strength

[@lazarusgrey4866]

So true! Thank you for talking about this.

[@bibobrabo3402]

this channel really rocks! good narrative and visuals! kudos to Rokas and his team.

[@danielordonez412]

Obsession is a young man's game

[@Dillant88]

Great advice

[@tomsheppard378]

But isnt training aikido full time different to MMA training? Aikido training isnt that intensive compared to MMA

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Aikido still had a lot of cardio in a sense of running around after each other and being thrown around, but all-in-all I think you are right. It is less physically demanding

[@halverde6373]

MMA is just another sport. Like cricket or baseball. It's staged choreography. In real life combat, literally kill or be killed, all training goes out the window. Hopefully you have trained enough where it's so automatic you don't need to think as you will be operating only from your lizard brain when you without warning face mortal combat. That happens in 2-3 seconds, then it's over. No time to think, much less follow the sports rules. Aikido is a fine martial art. Promotes self discipline yet by the nature of Ushiba stopped short of killing your attacker. I began the study and training Kung Fu before Bruce Lee was known. Studied and trained in Aikido. I read the Art of peace and can recite all the sayings. I chose Wing Chun Kung Fu as it is a fighting style for women and the most effective if you are a man.

[@tomsheppard378]

@@MartialArtsJourney I've never done MMA, but have noticed that muay thai, BJJ etc are a lot more draining than aikido. I am older than when I did aikido for 20 hours per week but I'm in a lot better shape physically. Even though in total I only train muay thai and BJJ 10 hours per week total. The aikido classes were a lot of standing around and watching

[@tomsheppard378]

@@halverde6373 very nice for you, I live in a very middle class part of England the chances of me ever been in a violent altercation are 0. I train martial arts because I love meeting people and sharing an interest with them. I'm not interested in mortal combat just training with my friends and making new friends

[@halverde6373]

@@tomsheppard378 You are fortunate. I never expected to be in mortal combat but it's been my experience you don't get to choose the time or place it happens. Keep training. Especially gross motor skills as if you are forced into surprise combat it will give you an edge in surviving the encounter.