Why I Nearly Quit BJJ

I love BJJ but things don't always go smoothly. This is a story of why I almost quit BJJ and what I did to prevent that.
---
Watch the other martial arts vlogs here:
Martial arts vlog #3 - Teaching functional aikido - • Ex-Aikido Sensei Taugh...
Martial arts vlog #2 - The hardest martial arts training of my life - • The HARDEST Martial Ar...
Watch the full talk with coach Matt Thornton here: • Learning More BJJ Tech...
---
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.
---
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:
► bit.ly/1KPZpv0
Check the video "Aikido vs MMA" which started this whole Martial Arts Journey:
► • Aikido vs MMA - REAL ...
#BJJ #MartialArts #BrazilianJiuJitsu

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Watch the full talk with coach Matt Thornton here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn6khIigabSKe8k Or check out the previous martial arts vlog of the hardest martial arts training of my life: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baCWhGmZaNR7bc0

[@Smarfton]

Bud, big fan of the page, been a sub for a few years now but just wanted to share a friendly piece of unsolicited advice/request. The wipes, so many wipes, it's honestly making it hard to watch the video itself. I find that instead of watching the video, I'm turning it on and then looking away from the screen because the constant wipes are making me anxious. It's like my mind is ready to digest and focus on what's being shown, but then you wipe and change the scene rapidly. It's jarring. Couple that with the traveling shots for your commentary and it's hard to watch for me. The message is the important thing, what you're talking is the important thing, but when that message relies on visuals and on que visuals and the viewer isn't watching, it doesn't connect. I'm speaking for myself here, and I'm writing this to help. Please if you feel the same as I do, this isn't an invitation to negatively dogpile on it. I'm genuinely trying to be constructive. If you agree with me, say so, but don't come here to just be a jerk. Making these video essays aren't simple to make.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

@@Smarfton Thanks for the feedback OneToGoBeyond! I appreciate it and see what you mean. So far I have received positive comments about my new editing style, but I am sure you are not the only person that feels this way so I will definitely take it to mind and will search for alternative solutions. I will also continue to listen to other people's feedback to see if many more people feel that way.

[@wrist-protection6013]

@@MartialArtsJourney Definitely jutsu has a lot of applicable self defense techniques. At the very least techniques that can help you dislodge, move away, imbalance an attacker.

[@ransakreject5221]

Once your fundamentals are in your DNA it becomes more about hot new moves. Granted good teachers can help instill fundamentals fast but rolling even at a gym that doesn’t teach it much will eventually get u the basics u need

[@harliiquinnstarlight]

@@MartialArtsJourney hey I sent you an IM on Instagram

[@RamseyDewey]

So you’re saying martial arts is like a journey??? Whoa! Good video.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Haha 😄 Thank you Ramsey!!!

[@wisecounsel6135]

Ramsey and the playful sarcasm.

[@tiagodacruz2484]

Boa viagem! Godspeed!

[@tiagodacruz2484]

Dude, relax! I know this is the worst thing you can say to someone overthinking stuff and getting anxious, but it is actually the way. Enjoy the journey, appreciate every moment now, don't just focus on the end goal, learn and enjoy now what you can. You will get there. And when you do, you will find more to learn and develop. Also, I too trained several martial arts and combat sports. Some martial arts sistema where focused was on the techniques, on having people learning the program (we did have sparring, though). But in one of the places I trained at, the instructor would explain the principles behind each technique taught, we would then pressure test it and flow into other situations, a kind of controlled sparring that started with a specific technique and the attempt to counter it. This taught me to look for the principles, the body mechaniques, the logic and context of each technique I learned anywhere. And if I can't get it, or I am not sure, I ask. Presently I know hundreds of techniques. Sometimes I use some for choreography in my work as fight coreographer and stage fighting teacher. But when I fight I feel like I use no technique. I flow from movement to movement and situation to situation. If you would look from the outside you could see perhaps an Aikido move mixed with Tai-Chi, with a crane Kung-fu in the middle and the perhaps a Fencing step it with a Judo throw and a Kempo lock and hit. But in truth I would have just been moving and using body mechaniques and fighting principles. I am far from being the best martial artist in the world. But this works for me, has helped in many situations during my life, as I grew up in a bad place, and I am enjoying my journey and bringing joy to other people while doing it. Don't worry, enjoy your journey, learn all that is taught to you, accept it while you are training, don't judge. Afterwards place your questions and choose what you want to keep. In the end you will have your own personal style. But above all, enjoy the journey. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@mrchoon2010]

Do youtubers often become friends through their videos?

[@brentc.lundell8593]

I've been practicing BJJ for 29 years. Every advanced person I know has almost quit 50x. Good for you staying the course.

[@LukeSoldier1106]

Is your favorite move the d’arce choke?

[@onewithnature8435]

I'm new to bjj and already broke my foot. Already thought about quitting. Do you think if I took private classes that would reduce risk of injury? Thanks-

[@andjesussaid2343]

I trained BJJ with Carlos Machado from 1994-2005, & he was fanatical about basics, sometimes we would just pass the guard the whole class, but he ingrained the basics into all of his students. I had to quit in 2005, kidney disease, but I still remember everything he taught. I can't even hardly watch UFC fights, its so ridiculous how sloppy people are just passing the guard, I realize someone is trying to knock them out while doing it, but still! My fave memory from training with Carlos is my oldest son, then 13 took his kids class, we lived a good 45 min away, so I just watched my son until our class started an hour later, Carlos asked me if I wanted to train instead of just sitting, I jumped at it, I was his 'practice dummy' for his one on one private classes, in the early days a ton of UFC fighters came through to train with him..great memories & he is an amazing teacher!

[@jitsroller]

Looks like you are on the right track now. You will continue to grow. Just relax and let the art reveal itself to you.

[@ConveyApp]

I always enjoy your video’s. I was doing something similar trying to get more strips on my blue belt and wanting that purple belt. Then something happened, I was put into side control from a very large (270lb), very strong brown belt and I almost had a full blown panic attack. This forced me to realize that the belts only symbolize your skill not the other way around. I decided that if I want to progress having a panic attack is not the correct direction. I had to master my fear, and focus on the things I was very uncomfortable with. About 4 months ago I started having everyone I roll with from a new white belts to that big brown belt start off in any dominant position, in any way they wanted. I was getting tapped fast and a lot, then I was not getting tapped, then being in a compromised position started felling normal, now after 4 months I am able to escape from purple belts, and reverse blue and white belts to gain a dominant position. Doing this has just exploded my game. Now when a higher skilled person is getting the upper hand I have stopped panicking.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks for sharing! I had the same type of panic attack very recently too. I'm planning to make a video about it. Really great to hear how you faced the challenge and overcame it!

[@kodokudeusotsuki]

Your BJJ journey is widely different from mine. I learned the basic few techniques of BJJ and then I simply sparred and sparred again. When a technique didn't work, I asked a teacher where I did wrong. When an opponent used effectively a technique I didn't know, I asked him to teach me. That way I've never learned something I wasn't eager to learn and I could gauge my level all along the journey.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I've actually started BJJ by mainly rolling and learning some techniques on the way. But I do have a passion for understanding how things work. Maybe it's just me :)

[@RedHairdo]

@@MartialArtsJourney Since I'm not a martial artist, it may seem hard to believe, but I greatly relate to your drive.

[@fletchkeilman2205]

To me, basics are what works. Everything else gets you back to the basic technique, or it is a variation thereof.

[@tristankendrick2582]

This is exactly what my instructor says, "The basics are what works"

[@Ilyas_animates]

Wow! It feels so relatable to me, and I dont even train BJJ! This wisdom you got is really essential thing for everyone who striving to do his best on his own journey! Thank you for this video! It really helps a lot!

[@VikingSamurai]

"Enjoy the journey", that is certainly key! Mild frustration is fine, a delicate balance to keep pushing yourself further without being discouraged.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Well said

[@thehammerman4436]

Glad to see you've made the next step up the mountain. Keep it up

[@stratagem-riseoftheshadow9558]

It's an interesting journey you are on. Enjoy the journey and all the martial arts for what they have to offer. 👍😁

[@schafswiese]

Watching this video, yet again, makes me realize how lucky I was to start of with Gracie University right away. They teach in this way only. First fundamentals, always pointing out the individual principles occurring in each technique and connecting the dots. Rener says: a student who knows 20 techniques knows 20 techniques, but a student who understands the principles is limitless

[@christophervelez1561]

Because you became a blue belt. All blue belts quit BJJ. Haha I’m glad you’re continuing the martial arts journey

[@MartialArtsJourney]

The good old blue belt blues 😂

[@jc-kj8yc]

@@MartialArtsJourney oddly the white belt could be called the blues belt 🤔

[@steveking1037]

Came here to make this same joke when I saw him tying on the blue in the preview image, lol

[@erikmedina6966]

It's only natural that you went extra into efficiency, you were feeling like playing catchup, love it. Glad you decided to relax and enjoy more

[@thepaladin7816]

It was a nice change to see the different backgrounds while you were talking about BJJ 🤘

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks The Paladin!

[@baywest]

As a person who absolutely loves the fundamentals, I would just say that you can still grab a whole lot from techniques. It will just be different. The fundamentals are still there in all the techniques, it hard part is just reverse engineering them so you can understand how to use them outside of that specific technique. Just keep asking yourself in each little detail, "why is this important." Then when you understand that, see if you can utilize that detail in a different scenario. It will be trial and error, but you might also realize that you can make certain things part of YOUR fundamentals if that makes any sense.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I like that a lot. It's something I'm looking into doing too

[@EduardoHernandez-mz3eq]

I loved the video, fundamentals are taught in my sessions but I believe I should incorporate a noticing process after teaching it. Not every practitioner tends to overthink as you do hehe thank you very much for sharing Rokas 🙏🏼

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you Eduardo! All the best in your training

[@grantsolomon7660]

That's awesome how you break down your approach and analyse it to eventually find the solution with help from your instructor and then it all falls into place.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks Grant Solomon! I'm planning to go through a similar process again

[@roelhoremans5887]

I have no doubt a lot of people can identify with the mindset you described. Really liked this episode, because I could really relate to the sense of 'failure' and frustration - caused by overanalyzing - instead of 'celebrating' and enjoying the ongoing activity. Nice one!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks Roel! Glad to hear we have something in common :)

[@jacksmith4460]

This is a great video and helps with any journey, Martial, or non Martial, anything that requires dedication and learning

[@AnGhaeilge]

I attended a seminar by Matt back in the mid 00's, he's a very tall guy! A very good coach too, really breaks down BJJ theory very well.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Agreed on both statements

[@humann5682]

BJJ has one the worst teaching cultures in martial arts. There's no real structure in most gyms. People don't like to hear this, but part of the whole "it takes 10-15 years to get a Black belt" is because BJJ has really inefficient teaching. People like John Danaher and things like Gracie University are changing this thankfully, but there are still too many poor teaching practices in BJJ.

[@bryantharris5914]

A purple belt in BJJ is typically close to if not a little superior to 'black belts' in other styles in terms of fighting technique. Compare the time to getting a purple belt to these other styles black belts.

[@xFlow150]

I had a similar experience during my graduation internship. I was focussing so much on wanting to do things right with fear of failure lingering in the back of my mind that I spent way too much time reading documentation. I was running in circles with my fear of failure, my thirst for knowledge and the fact that certain subjects are way too expansive to learn within the time frame of several months. I made the mistake of wasting so much energy on all of the stress and work required to read through the documentation that I had barely anything to do what was asked of me: building something. Not to mention that most of what I read I didn't even necessarily need to succeed. In my opinion, this is a common loophole for people who love to analyze and do not have any trouble being, overly, critical of themselves and what they are doing. The most difficult question in my opinion is: when do I know enough? When am I competent enough to call myself "skilled"? Etc. All of these questions are closely related to the Dunning-Krueger effect.

[@abdillahazhar1833]

Been there. Done that. Still doing it. 😅😅😅 It's like "I'm never ready" feeling, or "I'm not good enough yet". And things go down a vortex of anxiety, depression, and procrastination. Focusing on the now and small targets and close little deadlines really helps. Keeping and maintaining schedule also helps (not like I once believed in my paranoid past state where schedule would be shackles). Also, having a partner that has the same rhythm and brain frequency helped me a lot going through all of those crazy crap I fed myself with. 😄

[@xFlow150]

@@abdillahazhar1833 I can relate to those feelings and I agree. For me it helped to sort out what was important and focussing on that, letting go of all the rest. I have always been a firm believer in tight schedules and how they help to get things done efficiently. Also, I convinced myself that as long as I learn from my mistakes and as long as I have good reasons for making mistakes doing my utmost to prevent them, it's okay to make mistakes. Anxiety will always be a thing for me, but I can decide how much power I give it.

[@abdillahazhar1833]

@@xFlow150 Sure thing. It's about mindset. Facing our anxiety and not let it rule over us. Each person has their own way facing their respective demons.

[@visisloth]

Good insight to keep motivated. Excellent

[@voltagefitness3071]

Hey man I love this video. I actually recently came to this same pitfall and I wanted to learn fundamentals which weren't really emphasized where I currently am. As a result i lierally have not been to in training in months just looking for somewhere to learn fundamentals as there is only 1 bjj location in my country and the pandemic doesn't help either. This video kind of helped me showing me I am on the right track since my realization is the same as yours. Keep up the awesome content.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks for sharing. Really glad you could relate with the experience and that the video was helpful. I am working on overcoming this challenge and will release a video how everything turned out in a couple of months. Hopefully we will find a solution

[@knw-seeker6836]

the advice of Matt Thorton at the end was really good

[@lofiholic]

It's hard to be critical but it can be helpful, too. Well said, thank you.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@ThatKenpoGuy]

The lack of focus on fundamentals is why I haven't really got started with BJJ. I decided to give it a go after years of TMA training and got instantly irritated by lack of fundamental instruction. I was in the beginner class and we were going over all sorts of cool techniques but I was sitting there thinking about how they were all predicated on my not being on the bottom in full mount lol. The general attitude was that you just have to keep coming to class and eventually you "get it." However, I really appreciate hearing your experience and how you have adjusted your perspective on training BJJ. I look forward to your video about how you are training efficiently as possible!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks O Crawford! It seems that gyms that teach fundamentals are far and few in between, but... It also seems that maybe there is a way to work around it :) I'll keep everyone updated as this process is still ongoing for me!

[@PhreshNicky]

I needed this. I’ve been training for 2 years and I’m still a white belt and I have seriously been thinking of calling it quits lately. I just need to get in more and fall back in love with it.

[@arielsuarez5471]

0:06 How... Just HOW?! Very inspiring and insightful. Keep up the good work!

[@Macromacroxxx]

Man visai reikėjo šito video šiandien. Thanks

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Ačiū, Matai. Džiaugiuosi tai girdėdamas

[@emansfvera]

Dang that’s crazy, it’s definitely a different journey for everyone. I got smashed for over a year and a half until I started escaping, surviving or submitting my piers as a white belt. When I became blue I felt so overwhelmed by trying all these new techniques but not all of them worked and got smashed when I would try a new technique to the point where I became hesitant about trying it because I got scared I would get smashed haha. Now as a purple belt I find myself discarding a lot of pointless moves in my old game and focused on sharpening my fundamentals and like 6 solid moves that I can land from all positions and my game has improved dramatically and my love for this art grew even more. I love your channel brotha, keep up the good content.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

That's an awesome story! Thanks Jiujitsugamer

[@seanphillips6622]

Great video, I feel like most martial arts, BJJ comes in waves of improvement and stagnation which gets pushed through with more time.

[@sonnentatze566]

@martial Arts Journey I think we have the same problem. A bit of fright about the outside life, with its dangers and just "questing" through life to become famous or at least nearly invoncible to normal aggressive People. Yet I cannot change it but you Video really helped me to find a decosion

[@RovingPunster]

Another thoughtful and insightful video (+1). Yeah, it took me a long time to establish something loosely resembling a balance between being overly analytical, and mindfulness (being in the moment). Perhaps consider looking to see if there is a local club that focuses on zen meditation, and/or a kyudo dojo. The latter often includes emphasis and sessions on the former. I think it might be exactly what you need, or close to it.

[@RovingPunster]

@Go To Channel [𝐋!𝐯𝐞 S.A.X] No, I dont think you can, otherwise you'd have noticed most of your clone accounts have already been archived (for legal purposes) and disabled by YT, and that this wont end well if it continues. Pls, go do something kind/productive for a change, and dont look back.

[@aikidomark1]

I am happy for you, like I said long ago about you is you have to have the attitude.The Mind set.

[@terryminator4208]

I've studied in various styles throughout my life. From judo, karate, taekwondo,kung fu, Ninjitsu. And finally, I came to understand the concepts of Jeet kune do. Use what is useful in a certain situation. Defending oneself on the street is a whole lot different from in the classroom. React to an impending threat immediately and descisevly and deliberately. Practice senarioes for a potential situation. I use visualisation. What if this happens or that happens. How will I respond? Or, how can I avoid a situation all together? It's not how much you know. It's what you need to know. From past experience,as the old saying goes, I wish I knew then what know now.

[@freethemimes]

Hope to see you back at sbg Portland sometime!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks! I'm planning to come back as soon as the world situation will allow it again

[@maxzhao8331]

great life lessons

[@stanleykongyintsang4842]

Finally you got it!

[@thebocop]

Wow, this is great, can you let us know your belt progress as well? Obviously you want to get black belt but curious on all the levels up to it? How does it all work? How do you test for it? what colors are we talking? lol. Keep going!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Different martial arts have different grading systems, but for BJJ it's White -> Blue -> Purple -> Brown -> Black. It can take up to 12 years to get a black belt and usually a few years in between the other belts. In BJJ there are rarely tests as far as I've experienced it. Usually a coach just tells you you've reached the next level and promotes you. Sometimes there are certain rituals to celebrate it like an "ironman" where a newly promoted belt rolls (grapples) with everyone in the gym until they get a go with everyone. You also get "stripes", white lines on your belt that represent how close you are to the next belt. You get four stripes and then the next one is the next belt :) I think that pretty much covers it

[@ryanyates570]

Bjj fanatics has good fundamentals videos. Then I ask my coach about the moves I have trouble with. It doesnt replace my class but adds to my game when im not there. Plus my coach has fundamental drills that flow from one move to another we do every class.

[@notproductiveproductions3504]

I nearly started BJJ, then my wallet happened

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Sorry to hear that

[@nem3908]

Sorry to hear that

[@HomeBizNetworkscom]

You hit the blue belt blues bro.. dont quit.. get to purple... dont quit man.... focus on the journey bro... i went thru something simmular.. I stoped thinking about goals / worry about the goals i just showed up... keep going man.. dont quit bjj man... akso read robert drysdale book opening the closed guard... lots of masters discusd there experience.. dont quit man.. get to purple.. your in the blue belt blues bro.. get thru it n keep pushing

[@geoffreyfletcher6976]

Good video, and this approach can apply to any martial arts system or style one studies, not just BJJ.

[@guilhermebotelho8691]

Wise words!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

🙏

[@TennisSmith]

Hi. I really enjoy your videos. It's great that your documenting your journey. I tried to add a comment before and somehow I think it got lost. My question for you is this: what is your goal? Is your goal to be good at self defense, or to win competitions? They are not the same thing and should not be confused. Thanks for taking the time to read this and good luck in your journey

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Hi Tennis Smith! At the moment my goal is to enjoy training martial arts, become as good at them as I can without burning myself out, overcoming various challenges and documenting and sharing my process as I do it. That naturally lend to improved self defense skills but I agree that martial arts are not self defense, nor is it my focus. I've spent a few years dedicating myself to and learning self defense before. Competition for me is also not so important. I am planning to attend some to challenge myself but my goal is not to become the best competitor. In a way for me it's all about the journey and sharing it, not as much as what I will get out of it :)

[@TennisSmith]

@@MartialArtsJourney thank you for your response. Now I understand better your perspective. One person you might want to look up is in the UK. His name is Mick Coup. He runs an organization called core combatives. I'm not associated with him or his organization. But I thought his training methodology was about the best I had ever seen. I wish you the best in your journey and look forward to seeing your videos

[@NoTouchThrow]

Good stuff

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@deiwis34]

It’s like playing a video game you love with an amazing story line, you don’t want to rush it, so you do side quests and enjoy.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Nice

[@simonedwards5220]

I've decided against training aikido. I've gone back to judo. And within one randori session it reminded me how silly it was thinking aikido is effective. I ask any aikidoka who thinks their system works to do randori against a strong player with a good gripping game. Try pulling off anything...You won't. I'm going to cross train bjj to strengthen my newaza to

[@windigo1592]

Pls report if you somehow will fight an aikidoka I am very interested in fighting other martial arts pls

[@windigo1592]

I train bjj and always wonder how efective would it be against other fighting styles

[@doitferdapasta4280]

Here's the thing nobody wants to tell you: it's okay to quit. It's okay to stop training, there's no problem at all with it because jiu-jitsu will always be there when you're ready to come back. If you're new to grappling, push thru, if you're a purple belt or higher like me and younwant to quit, then just quit

[@dragonrider59]

A great combatant doesn't make a great teacher, I look forward to finding the right teacher for me!

[@copper169]

hello rokas, i found you in jesse enkamps videos. i started watching you bcoz of the curiosity that u were into aikido for many years and an expert in it but found it not useful therefore searched for mma. I am in sort of the same case. Well not really.. since i have been a ballerina my entire life.. lol but since i am in a country where most, if not all of western arts is not existing or accessible, i had to find ways to continue being physically active. And the only thing there is here where i am now is martial arts. lollllll at first i never wanted to.. obviously.. coz i dont want to fight and damage myself but i had no choice. Especially there is a pandemic going on and when establishments started to open, i had to do martial arts. Now after 3- 4 months, i find myself doing kickboxing, weight lifting, kyokushin karate (which led me to jessee which led me to you), a little bit of muay thai and lethwei. No, i do not like to do bjj as yet coz i dont want anybodys ass on my face. lolllll sorry.. in connection to your videos, i find so much inspiration from you to push me in my own journey. AND I FEEL THE SAME WAY AS YOU DO IN YOUR JOURNEY TOO. i have so much hunger and i think i am getting serious to want to learn martial arts. BUT there is still that voice inside me that says i am a ballerina, a performer and i dont want to damage my face or body. :))))) sorry... plus i think and feel the same way u do too when it comes to learning- the need for fundamentals than just technique and etc, over thinking or analyzing things, being a night person and hating mornings, since ballet training is always afternoon til late evenings etc. One difference i see between you and me is, no offense please, is that since ballet has so much cardio going on that i have been used to it and love it and really am looking for this in the activities i do and am constantly hungry for this. Also did i mention that i am a female and that i am 40 years old but i am still in very good shape that people think i am so much younger than i look though i have many injuries too due to decades of doing ballet. Anyhow, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR JOURNEY and I am rooting for you and will watch all your videos as it feels like i am in the same journey. god bless u and i hope u see and read my message. _ much respect and love, CATHERINE URMENITA

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Hi Catherine, I'm really glad to hear that you decided to start your martial arts journey despite that little voice! I wish you all the best in your training

[@copper169]

@@MartialArtsJourney

[@rollinOnCode]

I am also struggling with the same thoughts as you especially about the fundamental and mechanics vs techniques... way too many random techniques and i hate that! no way i can incorporate even half of those techniques - it is far too random! Instead what i have been doing is trying to grasp and focus on specific aspect of my game like principles of kazushi and takedowns - and when i get that aspect down somewhat, i can transfer to other parts of training like wrestling or transition.... But i ultimately do not know... what to know for the ultimate of knowledge.... that is the biggest metaphysical question and rabbit hole.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I'm looking into it too! Hopefully I'll offer an answer I find soon!

[@StarKnightZ]

Nice video. Out of curiosity are you taking a break from MMA/Striking to focus on grappling?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Actually it's more the opposite at the moment. I am doing 3 striking classes per week and I either add 1 or at best 2 grappling sessions

[@StarKnightZ]

@@MartialArtsJourney Ok cool! I like the Collab you did with Jessie on the karate punch. Would be interested in seeing a "making aikido atemi work" video!

[@bluemoonwei]

Hey brother I hope this can help you as I have also had the same journey. I have gone pass many years of martial arts and finally found a road that is clear. I asked the question what is a master? And what is mastery in a martial art? I then realized that techniques are variations in fundamentals, and are made for changes when you muck up.... The more you sharpen one technique the more invincible that movement becomes. The reality is that movement should be tailored to your own height, weight, age ect. As you age and your knees ware out you should be able to do a throw or a strike in that movement without your body adjusting too much to accommodate the partner your angles and positions would sink and mold into what ever the person does. The higher up you go the more simular you would find all techniques and there is no superior technique so you are right to find a good master to guide you. But at the end of the day you would need to test this stuff in the open and I really hope you teach again, as this would put many heads together to let you test these techniques. I learned more teaching than being a student. You are honest to yourself so I think you are at a good start already.

[@ThousandTimesNo]

If anxiety had a face... And i mean it. But still it's fun, entertaining and interesting at the end of the day. I was training aikido like 20 years ago and after 2 years i got into "situation" on the streets... Obviously i got beaten really badly. I like Your channel for same reason You take Your journey as life goal. Keep up good work for all who couldn't find their way. I found mine some time ago, so i can truly relate.

[@williamdingley5336]

Hey, I’m about to start bjj and I’m a bit worried about how physical it is when your grappling someone else, any tips?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Hey William! It really depends on what you mean by saying: "How physical it is". Do you mean because there is so much physical contact? Or because it's "rough"? One way or another a lot of different people train BJJ successfully of all ages, genders and sizes and if they can make it - I am sure you can make it too! My only advice would be to do your best to find a BJJ gym which is friendly and doesn't push people too much from the get go.

[@warlord6935]

You taught me the best philosophy of life so far. Don't know how to thank yo😁 But I personally wanted to learn Aikido now it seems to be a trap. Please help me. What should I do?? 😨

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Just try out other martial arts :) There are plenty of effective martial arts that you may fall in love with. I'd start by trying out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a good school.

[@warlord6935]

@@MartialArtsJourney I can't belive you actually replied me. You are very humble even after having so many subscribers😭. But the main reason I and thousands of others want to train aikido is Korean Aikido youtubers and especially Korean Aikido KZbinr "Aikido Shinburenseijuku" and many others. They represent aikido like its some sort of magical art and also spar with different other martial art practitioners which even an amateur in fighting can say is fake. It really would be rude of you to make a video exposing him and other aikido youtubers like him but just this rudeness can save 5 to 15 years of other people's life convinced by them that it is a God level art just like me. After reading your reply I researched a lot about Aikido and changed my mind to study Muay Thai instead. Lastly thanks from heart to save my 5 years❤🔥

[@quickstep2408]

glad you've kept at it. but everyone seems to get frustrated with bjj at one point. isn't there a startling statistic that alot of students drop out when they get their blue belts? you haven't yet and you're a blue belt. that says alot. i think fundamentals are extremely important to ingrain right away, and i've heard from higher level bjj practitioners that they can instantly tell if you have good fundamentals vs just pure technique players when they roll with you. i'd honestly want to impress higher belts with my good fundamentals at the start before becoming a 'technique rockstar'.

[@ayurvology7537]

Once you learn fundamentals then mat time is the most important thing. You begin to develop your own techniques based on your solid bjj mechanics

[@Cody.Tafoya]

I train at an SBG in Washington state. To escape technique overload for me was to look for the underlying principles in different techniques and positions. For example, in every position there is baee, posture and connection. With every choke there is a space that becomes smaller.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I'm looking into a similar thing right now too! Are you training at SBG Seattle? I've never met the coach from there but I heard good things about him

[@Cody.Tafoya]

@@MartialArtsJourney I train in a small town across the water called Port Townsend. However I did get to meet Jay from SBG Seattle a few days ago and he was cool.

[@JSMinstantcoaching]

That's not possible, the cortical thinker that you are will stick to bjj, I will never doubt it ; -)

[@MakingaStink]

Could you describe what the differences are between fundamentals and techniques? I’m new BJJ and the distinction isn’t clear to me.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

It's a tough one to get at first :) The way I understand a technique is a step step move done in the way exactly how it was shown, while a fundamentals are the underlying principles behind the technique. It can also be a fundamental technique which encompasses these main principles which don't rely on attributes and work for everyone instead of techniques which can be done for example just by tall people, or by fast and explosive, etc

[@katokianimation]

Fundamentals how thing generally works in the game of bjj or in physical space general. Like your body has to be close to the other body to roll with it. Or space beetwen you and your opponent means less controll and weaker chokehold. If your shoulders or your hip is pinned you can't move with your body. If some bodypart is in the way you can't roll trough solid objects. If you understand the underlying principles a trinangle escape technic goes from 8 joints moving around in different angles at three variation until the sequence ends, goes to you are giving presure, pinning the shoulders and move around to make the chokehold weak then insert your elbow to creat space. But don't worry much about it. If you just go to the gym and get experience your mind and body will automatically get used to it. Before you don't know how to ballance yourself naturally learning theory won't help much. Later when you can defend yourself against a newcomer and handle them well then you can go to step 2. actually realisticly use technic on anybody. Then knowing fundamentals could help you to learn faster. But the most important thing is anyway just to get out focus on and do what your instructor sayss. If it isn't a mcdojo you will improve and tap out everybody who is less experienced then you. You can not learn how to run from a textbook or an hour long youtube video. You can only improve your running if you are alredy able to stand up, ballance yourself and go from A to B fast. And how did you learned how to run? As a baby you tried and failed until you could confidentally move without falling.

[@Fer-De-Lance]

I have been wanting to resume my kali and jkd training for a while. I have been on my own for about 4 years.

[@riichobamin7612]

I have never learned BJJ properly (just 3 classes with a Brazilian guy who couldn't speak anything but Portuguese) but even in boxing, 90% of the time I use the basic jab and cross, the basics. I only use hooks and upper cuts ONLY when I know for sure that I have created a good opening. Otherwise my go to techniques are the basic, jab and cross. And I have done pretty well if I say so myself 😂

[@bobbydabutcha]

BJJ is weird. You get a technique a day, a counter and a alternate entry. Drill it a few times. Bow out, partner up, bump fists and roll for an hour. Rinse, repeat lol. They always say “more mat time”, which is the painful truth, as it takes FOREVER to actually get efficient at it. I’m still only going on two years and even though I’m a slow learner, I do learn something new in every class. There is no real secret, just show up to class, drill the techniques and roll for the night. Not gonna lie, it does get monotonous for long periods of time, but you just have to keep on at it and find small improvements here and there. I also quit for a year and a half (covid!) but find myself falling in love with BJJ again.

[@bmpunk5056]

It’s all about the principles

[@Trollvolk]

Since this is a journey (this is just an idear, maybe for further Videos) you could take a beak from. Bjj, just for a month or so maybe, and go to find a good school for "catch as catch can" wrestling. Just to get an other input and take a Look on that and eben compairing these two styles. Not to Look what is better or worse, but to find similiarities, different approaches on the same topics etc. Etc. These might be some good New and informative Videos :). For the Plateau Phrases in training, i just focus on different aspects of movements and techniques. The speed, weight distribution etc. Just focus on small details and not rushing through a techniques for the Sake of doing it.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I'm planning to get into different practices and to try them out for sure! I may even soon make a vote asking what people would be most interested to see me try :)

[@damabjjfloramax9498]

Love your video PLease you are a Aikido Black belt , can you please make a video of the principle of KUZUSHI and how to apply the principle into BJJ no GI stand up , Trying to implement JUDO into my bjj/mma game , i know fundamental works ,period Peace

[@anthonygerber8261]

I'm a little aggravated myself. Running a martial arts academy throughout this pandemic has been trying to say the least.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Hi Anthony. I can only imagine how difficult it is running an academy these days. I tried to imagine myself running my old aikido school now and it was a headache already. You deserve great respect for doing it though!

[@anthonygerber8261]

@@MartialArtsJourney 👊

[@anthonygerber8261]

@@MartialArtsJourney thx man

[@mrchoon2010]

That point about fundamentals applies to anything you can learn. Language, chess, music, martial arts. Anything

[@harliiquinnstarlight]

I'm at minute marker 4 minutes 55 seconds where you're talking to the older gentleman about people comparing themselves to other people. And I actually made a meme and I stated in the meme, " I'm not chasing a belt color, I'm chasing a skillset "

[@simoneriksson8329]

Perhaps the years of fundamentals focused training may have given you a base to incorporate many of the new tecniques more efficantly?

[@flatstanley6232]

At first I thought my gym taught too little technique but now I realize they were just hyper focused on a curriculum. While letting people grow through rolling more.

[@ironjavs1182]

The thing is.. it is good to know those other techniques even if you don't use them, that's how you can realise what your opponent is trying to do... Because BJJ is like playing a chess in the mat. I didn't also like to use a lot of techniques, but I wanted to know how to do those techniques I preferred from different situations/positions as much I could 🤔

[@israelcanada8969]

Hace poco tuve una enfrentamiento con un borracho que me queria golpear, yo soy amor y paz, sin embargo es bueno aprender a defenderse. Que arte marcial me recomiendan BJJ o Judo? Saludos

[@BJJCheckmat]

oss

[@davidelbaze2784]

Very interesting i would advise to see the fundamentals of gracie family and please try russian systema with vasiliev or talanov not techniques but very useful and interesting

[@ReDuVernay]

I don't know why it took KZbin so long to show me this one, but I've been really burned out on BJJ myself lately, so the timing is great!

[@anamnesisekklesia]

According to one study it was recommended to learn something like three techniques. The techniques in Aikido flow into one another. I have to say there are a few things wrong with your Aikido. Why do you not get off the line? Did your nage ever attack with energy? Did you not train with dynamic attacks? There are some improvements though, but things that other people did way before you. You seem to just want to get into a clinch, but if a technique doesn't work use another one. Get behind the opponent. Saito Sensei said that kokyu nages were the techniques that worked in real fights. So I'm sorry I didn't see any kind of Aikido that I recognised from you in your bouts with the Karate Nerd.

[@Emp6ft10in]

The best way to teach someone nothing is to try and teach him everything.

[@909.3]

If you want to experience a really hard martial art with a high learning curve yet very effective try judo, the mindset of using aggression to create an opening for an effortless beautiful throw is found in a handful of martial arts

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I'm planning to try judo in two months :)

[@juanagustinjuannaz6143]

Is it weird if I say I like BJJ, but I don't like the excessive ground game and the poor teaching/usage of takedowns? I been thinking in trying some Judo only for that reason

[@amospizzey1]

Have you checked out Gracie university online . The combative’s program is the 32 foundation techniques all underpinned by the basic principles of BJJ . Have a look at the first 3 chapters free on KZbin. In any fighting art the basics are the foundation.

[@mooinabc1]

Yes but this can apply to other success goal. Effective thinking.

[@nathandrake9129]

I like no-gi BJJ, hated the gi, also hated the club I was at so needed to get out of there. Currently looking for a no-gi gym that isn't a cult.

[@mixsa6844]

martial arts its lifestyle 💡

[@raweriio3306]

Look into ryan hall on first principles. I think you are misunderstanding the difference between move collecting and fundamentals.

[@buumonster11]

Blue belt blues.

[@eastafrika728]

As a veteran coach I can see what your real problem is, it's not technique nor is it basics, it is the fact that YOU ARE NOT FIGHTING!!! Look, fighting is not what you see on TV, you don't get into a fight and start thinking of many moves, you get into a fight and do the one move that comes to your head for what you see and feel in front of you, whatever you remember at that time, do it and modify it determining to execute it, use the punches and kicks to keep your opponent busy or even to knock him down, but you have to determine to fight for your own survival realistically

[@jameswilliamsjr.akae.f.gec6611]

Personally if you can't get the the enemy on the ground BJJ isn't effective as people think. But a great standing game will prevent you getting them to the ground

[@MartialArtsJourney]

By now I'm not training BJJ with self defense as my focus anymore. Instead I am practicing it for what it is - a fun and challenging martial arts experience that helps me grow as a person.

[@oengenheirodecustos478]

@@MartialArtsJourney Try coming to Brazil, i really don't understand it when people say that bjj doesn't work for self defense, if you can avoid the punch and do a takedown and submit someone, this is pure bjj. Most of it, i know a lot of police officers, prison guards and alike, that have already used bjj to control an individual in a riot. When you have to control someone, you will not kick then in the face, you will mostly try to control her. Really, i think that this self defense experts do not consider that mostly, you will try to defend yourself from a stressed and panicked atacker who will mostly easily be taken down, i mean, will your atacker be an experient judoka/wrestler to prevent being taken down????

[@bryantharris5914]

I have yet to see the stand up game that keeps your from going to the ground. It's the ground game skills that keep you standing. It's a fantasy that someone without grappling skills will stop takedowns consistently.

[@jameswilliamsjr.akae.f.gec6611]

Ok, my stand up game is better than most as a short person I've learned the truth. But I can reword this for the doubtful. To get me to the ground you have to come in if you get kneed in the face or elbowed in the back of the neck the way I was trained to do it someone who is not me going to the ground. In the event that I can't stop from going to the ground a knee to the lungs on the way down mean I can get up from the ground first. Again and respectfully not all fights go to the ground. BJJ is not superior Martial arts. A good none trained fighter can still beat the fight on any given Sunday

[@bryantharris5914]

@@jameswilliamsjr.akae.f.gec6611 This really isn't a question at this point, we have over 30 years of MMA to look at. The way strikers have learned to deal with grapplers is by learning wrestling and becoming good at takedowns themself. The only fight I've seen where a knee stopped a takedown was Ralph Gracie vs Takanori Gomi. But Gomi was more than 'better than most' at striking, he was top level and in general Gomi got subbed, it was sort of his one hit wonder against a grappler. But I'm not here to tell you you're wrong, I don't know you, you obviously enjoy the training you do, good luck with it.

[@robedwards6926]

What's the difference between fundamentals and techniques? Are they not one in the same?

[@katokianimation]

Technic is a sequence of movement. Fundamentals are overarching themes beetween technics. That rather focus on phisics and biomechanics and strategies than gripes and body placement. Technic is how to do, fundamental is how it works and why are you doing it.

[@oengenheirodecustos478]

Rokas, i have followed your journey since you were still starting to realize that Aikido was not realistic. I'd like to suggest you to come to Brazil, record some videos with champions that live and train here. But Honestly i dont understand why some people say that bjj dont work on the streets, if it works in MMA where two trained guys will try to smack each other down, why it wouldn't work against an untrained, stressed individual?? I mean, unless you try to pick a fight with a Navy Seal! I have seen it working a lot of times, even police officers and prison guards train bjj in order to control other individuals in a situation where the goal is stopping your opponent from fighting, not destroying their faces with punches and kicks. Try to contact a brazilian teacher called MELQUI GALVÃO, he is the father of the young champion Mica Galvão, he speaks english and lives in Manaus, a very unique city in the middle of the Amazon.

[@laser__unicorn]

Who says BJJ doesn't work on the streets? A girl in my old neighborhood stopped a thug from robbing her with basic bjj move. I stopped a guy mugging me when I was 16 with Judo, and the guy was twice my size (I'm a girl too, by the way). Only a person that never trained bjj would say it doesn't work in real life situations.

[@grantsolomon7660]

@@laser__unicorn People say that about anything and that's the problem.It comes down to the individual, the instructors ability and the bloody mindedness to keep up your training .

[@TheSengik]

Melqui Galvão é focado em Jiujitsu esportivo... Se fosse para indicar alguém que realmente é focado em self-defense no jiujitsu seria o Sylvio Behring, Relson Gracie, Rickson Gracie.. Hoje em dia com o sistema de campeonatos são poucos os lugares que praticam self-defense, hoje 90% dos competidores de jiujitsu não sabem se defender na rua, pois só focam no jiujitsu esportivo. Aqui um mestre que é expert em self-defense: Sylvio Behring kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5jbl5WMqLJ-mc0

[@MMAShredded]

awesome video!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you Jeff! I'm really glad you liked it. This is the direction I'm planning to take all of my videos to from now on (vlog style overcoming of martial arts challenges)

[@jameswilliamsjr.akae.f.gec6611]

But all martial arts is a life lessons that's the point.

[@jameswilliamsjr.akae.f.gec6611]

Thanks for the 👍and I really wish that all Martial Artist would try tell yall the damn truth about Martial arts like I do.

[@heavymeddle28]

Yea, whatever you're looking for in a m art, there'll always be things outside fighting that will make you both mentally and physically fitter. Granted... There's a big difference in going to a wtf taekwondo school, learning the sport as a sport compared to maybe a much more traditional m arts where you learn more "philosophical" things. But yup I agree

[@rollinOnCode]

6:00 what is the most efficient training?????? I WANT TO KNOWWWWW lol

[@MartialArtsJourney]

"In the next episode..." 😂

[@chubbymoth5810]

Taking smaller steps on your journey, you won't fall that much and progress faster without the muddy pants and bruises. It takes time to learn stuff and often you have to unlearn things in order to make progress. Take that time.

[@danieldunlap4077]

I remember one time I was sparring with one of my coaches and he told me he could hear me thinking. He told me don't think just move.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

😂 Nice story 👊 Although I don't think thinking is necessarily bad in BJJ. Maybe overthinking is?

[@danieldunlap4077]

@@MartialArtsJourney I think that's what he was implying. I was overthinking all the time which was slowing me down, creating hesitation, and not being confident in my moves.