Mandatory sparring or rolling in class?

[@stuartclubb4302]

Good perspective. Nobody should be forced to do anything. I started a foundations class last year and even now, if you asked me to roll, I'd decline. If you made it mandatory, I'd quit.

[@NBeaver-bx4yl]

Imo rolling is the basis of Jiu-Jitsu. You truly get better when you are rolling and Imo it's the thing that defines BJJ from other traditional martial arts. You should really give it a go and not be stressed about it

[@stuartclubb4302]

@@NBeaver-bx4yl I agree. I'm just not physically and mentally able to do that yet. I hope to get there, but it's going to take a while given how old, weak and fragile I am.

[@808BJJ_Black_Belt]

I agree roll if you want to

[@semperfortisjiujitsu]

Thanks!

[@richmello2710]

You sound like a great teacher. I'm a (trash) purple belt that had to take 3.5 years off, moved 10 states and just went back to training a few months ago. My cardio is garbage, my techniques slowly are coming back to me but I'm very much a lay n pray type right now. There are times I really feel like maybe I shouldn't roll in class.

[@semperfortisjiujitsu]

It is hard to come back after a long layoff, but stick with it my friend. BJJ can be very humbling, but I assure you that your skills are not trash and if you keep working hard you will achieve the level of skill and proficiency that you desire.

[@georgevancil7032]

Perfect answer. Must say though I’d pay to see a new white belt breakout with a flying side kick off the start. That would be awesome.

[@semperfortisjiujitsu]

Hoping to avoid that day, but it would be worth a ton of laughs for years afterwards.

[@GrapplingDoc]

I just stumbled on your videos. I dropped in for a few classes last year. I thought it was really welcoming to have the instructor pick me for his first roll. I didn't know you were screening me but I really like that idea.

[@semperfortisjiujitsu]

Looking forward to training with you again my friend. You are always welcome at our school in San Antonio any time you are in town.

[@boyertb]

Makes a ton of sense.

[@semperfortisjiujitsu]

Thanks my friend! Been doing this for a long time and never thought of explaining it until I got the question of the week.

[@retro6652]

Hey coach! Just found your channel yesterday. I really appreciate the informal feel of your conversations with us. Our school rolls at the end of each class, but our coach never makes it a mandatory thing. Your reasons for omitting rolling from the formal lessons make a lot of sense though. I am fortunate that our school is very understanding of older students. If I say "not today", there is never pressure for anything else. Where in San Antonio are you located? I live in Houston and my wife is from San Antonio. Would love to keep you guys in the back of my mind the next time we visit!

[@semperfortisjiujitsu]

The school address is 5723 N Foster Rd #112, San Antonio, TX 78244

[@mkinghorn71]

I totally agree with you. 100%

[@semperfortisjiujitsu]

Thanks!

[@eddietheblasian2043]

Respect that!!