7 Principles To Prevent Stupid Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Injuries

[@alanhabib1942]

Summary: 1: Grip strength training 2: The higher colors on belt the lower the risk of injury when sparring 3: Do your strength training before bjj, do not neglect strength training, deadlift, squats etc 4: Let it go, when you have a grip hold it with 60-70%, if someone make a grip break it won't injure your hand badly 5: Standing with heavy dudes or standing overall is higher risk to injure you, sit, play guard. 6: Tap bro tap, understand when to tap to proceed. Do not be stuck in a position for long time, tap and go forward. 7: Train with a loaded spine. Do not get worried about getting injured but train smart.

[@project-arlo]

spoiler warning bruv???

[@sharlah4057]

I'm a white belt 60 kg woman. Just had my ACL severed and tibia fractured by a bigger blue belt deciding to invent a new takedown. There was no scramble and since his grip on my knee (with his leg) was so tight I wasn't even resisting. I was just waiting for him to take me down safely. Obviously he didn't - he kept the knee trapped tight and shoved me sideways over it. I'll be out of sport for a year and can't work / parent the way I could 2 weeks ago. I might consider going back to to training with other small people only at a good wrestling based club one day but I will NEVER go back to the club with the "blue belt" who destroyed me! I think BJJ coaches who don't teach a standard level of safe takedowns as a basic skill need to get with the program.

[@-gz9lu]

This comment is disgusting. I train at a grappling club that is pretty competitive even though we are hobbyists. We like out training partners and want to keep training. We have not had any injuries in the three years we have been around. As a new blue belt I am always watching how people fall and help them fall during a take down. Saved a few from blown out knees and broken ankles. We have to start taking care of our training partners.

[@charleskageleiry7116]

fuck that guy that injured you. what a dickhead

[@mrsssman23]

Give us an update bro

[@tba3679]

What?! How come disgusting for expressing her opinion? And also for willing to get back into the sport. Come on dude stop the gaslighting and live up to the sportmanship

[@3nt3rtain]

​@@tba3679 The situation is disgusting, not her comment... 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@RMILLSMMA]

As a 46 year old dude who's trained bjj for close to 20 years but rarely trains in the Gi I wholeheartedly agree with this message and even learned something I'd not thought about myself. Ref white belts I once heard a really experienced fighter tell me 'its hard to read what a guys about to do when he doesn't know himself... That's how they hurt you' Another great video man. 👍🏻

[@ashtopham3130]

Lol that is so true

[@jakerowsell8752]

I’d love a video on how to create a schedule for weights, bjj and cardio

[@de_Ratsman]

Woah, feels like every coach should give these tips to beginners, thanks! The part about white belts really hits home... Beginner whit belt here and I got way more hurt from one training session with other white belts the other day than I did from several sessions with blue/purp/browns...

[@paultaylor107]

It's always reassuring to me when I hear others say they don't like competing. I'm currently competing for points for my judo black belt. I love training and training hard in both Judo or Bjj. But I hate the nerves of competing, and I agree that it's the nerves of under performing, or travelling 3 hrs to get nothing.

[@tolypolonty5766]

Got a bad calf injury 3 weeks into training from a botched takedown. I tried to go back but it just aggravated it. Ive been out for 4 weeks and counting now but have learnt two things. 1 - respect injuries, they're not fixed til they're fixed. And 2 - you can always hit a bag instead.

[@aaroncraig8176]

This is EXACTLY the video I needed to watch as a heavy-gripping, non-weight-training, trying-not-to-tap-until-its-excrutiating-white belt ;-)

[@theonline9]

What an excellent video. Great tips, good stories and analogies. Well done. Thank you.

[@dandoherty1142]

Amazing information and presented in a way that makes it interesting and easy to follow. Thanks!

[@mogwait3835]

This is actually nicely applicable to some of the other martial arts. I started trying to build my strength about 18 months ago because I felt I had plateaued a bit in my art and I was getting mangled by the big strong white belts. Wish I’d realised sooner because it would have saved me so many shoulder issues.

[@ThomasIsRich]

I had a non union fracture on my collar bone a year ago, and i have been so hesitant on going back. Really looking to put myself into serious injury prevention, this helps thank you!

[@DePistolero]

Hey thanks, I'm not even a white belt, will start my first training session this week... Will remember all of this!!!

[@af4396]

I really appreciate the "pull guard on big untrained guys" part. I always had this... logical... feeling that trying to take down a spazzy guy 100lbs bigger than me had many more ways of going wrong than right. Usually I'll get some dumb comment about pulling guard from the same big tough guy, but then they just get swept from guard anyways... so I really don't care :P I practice my standup on people my size or smaller, or higher belts, but never new big dudes. May as well learn to sweep them or escape their pressure, because if you can do that, the guys your size aren't going to feel so bad.

[@lehoff]

As someone well into their 40s with decades of strength and rugby training the only thing I'm struggling with BJJ is my knuckles and fingers getting sore. But that's age and arthritis related unfortunately which is why I prefer no GI. However your tip about letting go and redoing the grip is spot on.

[@Theshaman12]

Higher belts mirroring intensity is so true!

[@hak6647]

Great video once again James! - Not sure if you have done a video on this before but would be great to see your take on key vitamins that are most important for mens health - cheers

[@Fun_Dealer]

Great video James! I found your channel a few days ago and have been watching lots of your videos. I currently do BJJ 3 days and do 1-2 days of weight training. Is this a good ratio?

[@swishdiggler]

i love the use of your big words - great video well done

[@ThatguyFirst]

"...you'll see a little bit of their soul escape them and it's quite a beautiful thing." HA! That made my day!😀

[@gmeister3022]

I can summarize the entire video, as well as other related videos (wrestling, judo, etc. injuries) in just one sentence - Train and spar lightly, very lightly as you initially get into the sport, and never compromise on sparring with calm people. Cheers!

[@Michael-nh1zt]

Love the info, mate, very useful. Ty for sharing.

[@recep9095]

Best preventing way the injures is staying away from jiujutsu lol, I just quit and best decision ever I made. No more muscle soreness and pain when I wake up every morning, I love it !

[@vvonton5674]

this guys the man love the jits vids thank you

[@mikelister9581]

This was really helpful Smith thank you! More jits related content please! Looks like you’re not far off a brown belt too now?

[@kierontreas5971]

Super informative! Keep the bjj vids coming please 🙏

[@23Mijk]

Thanks so much I’ve just started bjj and sprained my finger yesterday, will definitely do these exercises !

[@mundea]

I didn't read the second J and nearly had a stroke

[@mundea]

@@squelette0 😭

[@melaboul5020]

Atleast I wasn't the only one

[@jesmondo5785]

Yeah you did, you dog you!

[@brethitmanhart275]

A stroke of what?

[@mundea]

@@jesmondo5785 😂

[@The-Contractor]

Good information. Liked and Subscribed.

[@emanl84]

Tap. Just tap and restart. Best advice

[@travis8106]

Exceptional (Good word) video!

[@rockrecon]

Chat Summary: Close Hand Training: The speaker advises practitioners to adopt "close hand training" which involves using grips similar to those used in BJJ during their gym training to improve hand and finger strength, which in turn could minimize injuries. Be Cautious with White Belts: The video suggests being cautious while sparring with white belts (beginners) as they might inadvertently cause injuries due to their lack of experience and control. Weight Training: It emphasizes the importance of weight training to build strength and mobility which can help in injury prevention. The speaker suggests performing exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in a way that is more aligned with the demands of BJJ. Letting Go of Grips: Advocates for not holding onto grips too tightly or for too long to avoid hand and finger injuries. Recommends letting go of a grip when an opponent tries to break it, and regripping afterward. Be Mindful of Standing Opponents: Advises against standing with untrained or much larger opponents to avoid unnecessary injuries. Recommends pulling guard in such situations to maintain safety. Tap Early and Often: Encourages practitioners to tap out early during submissions to prevent injuries. Highlights the learning opportunity in tapping out, as it allows for more practice in escaping or improving one’s position. Spinal Training: Suggests training the spine in loaded, slightly rounded positions to mimic the demands of BJJ. This includes performing exercises like Zercher squats or deadlifts with a rounded back to build strength in awkward positions, which is more realistic to the demands of BJJ.

[@maxshramkov]

Very good advices! Thanks man!

[@PSYCHOPATH_AT_LARGE]

Tapping early also allows you to quickly reflect, learn, and adapt to what they did to better you

[@paulgregory2601]

Superb video James, good luck with your bjj journey x

[@johnatkin3983]

I've never done BJJ and don't have anywhere near me that teaches it but I watched this anyway in case I ever got the chance to. Hopefully one day I will. Thanks man 😁

[@40sPlusFitClub]

Great video. Really helpful. Just started BJJ at 42 so this will def help

[@monkoko6441]

Wonderfull video thank you so much I am a white belt and I appriciate this very much

[@courtneytweed9783]

Hi James! I’m not sure if you’ll see this as I’m sure you get tons of messages. However, as an aspiring PT, I began reading your books last week (very helpful to say the least) however, a lot of your talk is about “CFD”. What about those of us who are in a calorie deficit that want to get back up to maintenance when nearing the end. Could you please touch on reverse dieting. Do I need to increase my calories slightly each week for thermogenic adaptation or can I jump my food back up to my previous maintenance levels. Will doing it slowly actually hinder the fat regain, will jumping back cause me to put on some more fat? Thank you :) loving and appreciating the content you produce for all of us

[@WA-of7nk]

Respect - helpful info

[@sashapotop6811]

Hey James! Not sure if this was someone else's comment or mine asking for how to prevent injury and deal with it but thank you for the advice. I have gotten back into BJJ and have now stopped neglecting my workouts in order to balance out the strain of BJJ. Also, a great thank you for the possible workouts I can incorporate! I look forward to trying them out in the gym and seeing what works best for me!

[@jaydee2982]

Yes, More beginner BJJ stuff please jimbo!

[@akramarts4228]

Sick video. Sub'd. Watching after impact injury to left knee. Just landed on mat after drilling jumping guard. I'm going to avoid practicing techniques which are high impact from now on. I'm 41, white belt 2 stripes. Just going to focus on your points, plus old man techniques. Some good instructionals on BJJ fanatics for this.

[@SoundSignals]

As a white belt, this was really useful, thank you

[@arches_aviation8584]

An important point though is that not all black belts are actually going to be gentle. I had my kneecap pop out of place from a black belt, and I had a lot of soreness/mild injuries from rolling with black belts.

[@oldguy4057]

I have only been doing BJJ for 3 months. The blue and purple belts have not caused as much pain as the white belts, so good advice. I have to be extra careful of this because I am 84 and 130 lb. Everyone else is bigger, except maybe the teenage girls.

[@Wombat57484]

Would love to see some content on common bjj injury rehab. I've had an AC injury for months now - private physio, online videos, articles.. none of it has helped greatly because none of it was specific to bjj training Sadly I'm a white belt so I don't get to choose my rolls - I either roll or don't 😂

[@danielandrei1709]

Really solid advice. Thanks man

[@therealodin3866]

Kettlebell exercises are very good for protecting your joints during bjj training

[@Chillpillspill]

Any specific ones you recommend? Im new to bjj

[@therealodin3866]

@@Chillpillspill Turkish getups, windmill squats, hardstyle swings, and clean-jerks

[@Chillpillspill]

Awesome. I'll look into those. Thank you! @therealodin3866

[@phobowl]

When u feel any of your limbs stuck in a weird position it’s ok to tap and reset. Whether it’s your foot/ knee/ wrist/ neck just tap and reset.

[@af4396]

Yup, sometimes I even just ask my partner to freeze so I can just untangle my toes or fingers, and then resume. No biggie.

[@bossman674]

The clumsy point is the most frustrating. Somebody jumped guard on me, blew my knee out and it was simply because he didn’t know what he was doing as a Spazzy white belt…

[@fazer12779]

Definitely let the grip go otherwise you’ll probably end up with a broken or finger or two.

[@kashg.5973]

It would be great to address knee and lower back health on the mats. Those take a massive beating over time.

[@kinnick5643]

James "good word" smith🐐

[@MylesGM]

I'm a newly promoted purple belt (this week) feels bit weird to actual say I'm a purple belt, I been training bjj for about 5-6 years and done MMA for 7 years within that 5-6 years. but any tips for newly promoted purple belt?

[@phobowl]

Skip warmups 😂😂 Jk don’t worry you’ll feel like an imposter for 6-12 months. It’s ok just train and you’ll grow into the belt.

[@Passarinho86]

Who do you train w, bro? Used to train at Roger Gracie's then at Leicester Shootfigers when I was in UK for work and studies.

[@jamesoconnell7591]

James , any views on using neutral grip tools, such as the angle 90’s or Swissies for deadlifts? Is there more likely to cause injury or neutralise the maximum benefits that can be derived from a deadlift?

[@sebastianstache3201]

more BJJ content please :)

[@kinnick5643]

9:07 "dont tap go sleep". -eagle khabib

[@UltraWhale]

I started BJJ about a month ago and I tend to be overly careful to not injure myself or my opponents (mostly other white belts). What is the best way to go about it if I want to increase my intensity without increasing the risk too much?

[@wrxstock2820]

I quite like this fella

[@TheCreatorMindSkool]

Sell BJJ to me over things like boxing, MMA, kickboxing, judo. I want to do one and I have a Gracie Ju Jutizi studio right near my gaff but it also does the others. Which is the best?

[@sleeplessdev7204]

Kind of depends on what you're looking for. Are you training for self-defense? For fitness? For fun? Great thing about BJJ compared to those others you mentioned is that you can spar full-strength in BJJ without greatly increasing risk of injury. You don't typically spar in Mui Thai or MMA at 100% because no one wants TBI from training. I'd say just take the plunge and sign up for something. Don't waffle on about it, because you can always try a different gym or a different martial art.

[@endurojimmy3109]

Under 30 Judo no question. Over 30 probably consider BJJ.

[@kev9385]

Did you ever have any abductor (groin) injuries training BJJ James

[@enforcersrugby896]

After you profiled creatine, be interested in your personal preferences for other supplements that you use for BJJ….

[@0hopscotch0]

All my injuries have been done by higher belts

[@Timjacks01]

Looks like I need to take up BJJ to take on the Rolex AD 😂

[@TKWIKI]

Thoughts on Cauliflower ear?

[@YouTubeChillZone]

quality info ! i lerned this(weighted stretch) from Alex Leonidas 8 y ago or so also very good sorce of info in hes YT channel

[@user-oi3lt7nu8g]

Everything is good and interesting. The only thing I would not recommend is strechting under load. Your muscels need to relax when you are stretching.

[@mattthompson8657]

Can we get a video on lifting to failure big lad

[@Stopwars0809]

On standups - "If they've done Judo/Wrestling before, don't worry, it'll be over before you know." 😂😂😂

[@ThomasIsRich]

I was standing when i broke my collarbone! Big dude on the ground and i was standing he grab my wrist and ripped me straight to the ground

[@phx4closureman]

Dayyyyum didn't even know that was possible!!!

[@ThomasIsRich]

@@phx4closureman i got fucked up G lol

[@bennconner1195]

I like doing pull-ups with a climbing rope to build grip strength.

[@alannorman4097]

I would appreciate some advice. I am thinking of taking up BJJ but wonder at 61 years of age what this will do for my joints. I still run and weight train and have no problem with being bruised and battered but I would not like to have a dislocated shoulder or knee. Am I worrying about nothing or is it not for an old man?

[@kcwliew]

Wow! I would say do it. I started at 40 and I'm now 46. Ive dislocated both knees during that time. Understand that the risk of injury is pretty high/unavoidable. Plus BJJ is inherently hard on the joints. But as James has said here, there are lots of ways to mitigate the risks. Some of which I wish I had followed! All of which is great advice. I would avoid stand up. I would avoid bigger, heavier training partners who are inexperienced i.e. white belts. The biggest factor will be your mentality. I would view it as a game like chess rather than combat or a martial art. i.e. focus on technical skills and accept losing. But given that you're in your 60s I would expect you have a good grip over your ego! The thing that will get you in trouble will always be your ego. It will make you roll with that 20 year old athletic guy with testosterone coming out of his ears because it's amazing to still feel like you've 'got it'. Be selfish and don't be afraid to say no to people. I told a white belt the other week that I didn't want to roll with him anymore, not because I couldn't handle him but because he took every roll like it was gladiatorial combat to the death. I'm playing chess and he's fighting the Nazis or whatever in his head. I would tell him 3 or 4 times in a roll to calm down and I think he took it like I was scared of him or something. I would submit him and he would come roaring back for my blood. In the end i just said enough... he was wasting his time and mine. My time on the mats and my body are more precious than his feelings. So go start BJJ but be selfish. It's your body so protect it and you'll have a great journey.

[@alannorman4097]

@@kcwliew Thanks

[@jamesdelcol3701]

I was an experienced wrestler and a white belt after my showing him what 65% was and this kid pulled my arm out of the rotator cuff. This guys was a dopey guy. He didn't mean it. I have other injuries which the rotator cuff was like a hole in my head. Watch who you roll with. Stay blue or higher early on. Great martial art.

[@_channel6]

Me to a T. I have ASD and ADHD. Screwed my childhood but I'm a stronger person for it.

[@makkavelli3972]

He sounds like Ubank Jr

[@TrishCanyon8]

A white belt 250lbs, landed on my hip rather than her knees after bridging me. They're clumsy and can't manage weight/strength very well.

[@linusji1732]

One tip I learn my self recently is: if you are 40+ with questionable joint flexibility, don't do those fancy new wace stuff. My blew my knee 5 days ago in a matrix back take, without my partner adding any extra pressure on my leg.

[@scott7344]

Because your ego, STOP IT. Lol subd for that!

[@sturingnico]

thanks to blue belt, during specific sparring, who decided during a single X to push me and make me fall backwards, almost turning my knee locked by him (i'm super white belt)

[@aldeshotoffice]

Omg..my mind..I read that quickly and thought it said ... prevent bj injuries

[@tinytim71301]

Thanks-spazzy white belt.

[@jujitsuman9934]

I would add that be cautious rolling with the middle aged ex high school football player who’s gotta take TRT to rekindle his youth. 😂

[@jamieday959]

White belt here I didn't let go now broke my middle finger two months off work and training

[@brucejensen3081]

I tried doing front squats as something new, ended up being a zercher squat. Good to know its a thing. Lol

[@datacrafting3755]

I had a white belt who started to elbow me in the face and another kicked me in the head.

[@jacktaylor8872]

I would like to start but don’t want my arm / legs getting snapped in half

[@kronk420]

To prevent white belt injuries, do not roll with white belts as the crazy fuckers are unpredictable and will spazz out at any given moment.

[@ethersecure2432]

Lol, when the 5th card come out in poker, youre usuakly looking at either 100 or zero percent.

[@matts2264]

How to avoid coli?

[@millsstrongfightstrengthco662]

Top man for this , more white belts need to know this !!

[@connorrobbins391]

TAPE, i used to make fun of people that tape there feet and fingers then i dislocated my toe couple days ago now i tape my feet everyday.

[@allones3078]

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? I do not think there is that many Jiu Jitsus.

[@JoeMercersWay]

As someone in my early 30s who's never trained, this space has presented the benefits of martial arts but I guess I'm a bit hesistant. I want to get into shape for the first time in my life so I've started lifting and tracking calories but I guess my biggest fear is injuries curtailing progress. I know they're somewhat inevitable but I'm hoping to make as much progress as possible with fat loss and muscle building before then. I guess my question is what's the optimal time to join something like BJJ? Is it worthwile when you're untrained and out of shape or is it better to make gains through normal gym work and then incorporate it when you're leaner, more mobile and in better shape to handle it?

[@sheper00]

I used to do bjj and did every wrong thing discussed here I just think this guy is very genuine

[@matthewturner1201]

Immediately unsubbed when I saw crocs 😂

[@jamesmcgeachy5433]

🎉

[@88bjjmichael]

You want better grip for bjj? Do more BJJ.

[@confetticow]

again but with a spanish accent this time