Why I Suck at BJJ (and What I'm Doing to Get Better)

[@midlifebjj]

Let me know if you all like the format of this video...sharing what I'm working on in BJJ....or if you hate it...as always, appreciate you all!

[@kmahajan83]

Hi friend, can I get a copy of your mind map(s) for BJJ? Would be tremendously helpful. Exactly what I’m after!

[@matthewcrawford4216]

Awesome stuff. Found your channel the other day and it hit the sweet spot. I’m 44, been doing combatives for 7+ years boxing/muy Thai/no gi BJJ. I think I’m probably a 2 stripe white from all the years of Combatives. I can’t get enough of the bjj so I made the jump to get a gi and start going to gi classes. I’ve also been doing the 5x5 big 5 to get stronger and keep the T levels normal. It’s a challenge to balance life responsibilities with BJJ, but it’s so worth it. Bjj is like mental chess that I can’t get enough of. I love keeping metrics in the weight room, helps me focus and see where I’m improving or not. Same with BJJ. I started making lists of fundamentals to drill... “drillers make killers” love that line I’m stealing it. People say don’t worry about stripes but it’s like a metric for progress and I like to have a game plan for improvement. Yes I am hunting for stripes and that’s ok. If you have any drills solo or with a partner that you find improve your game or are absolutely essential let me know. I’m a weirdo that likes to drill... Content is great. Video is sharp and the graphics are helpful without being too much. I see some nice effort in the editing. Liked and subscribed! Solid stuff!

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate the feedback! If you're a driller, you will absolutely become a killer...I've just now started to like drilling more than rolling....Glad you found the channel and appreciate the fact you notice the editing work....I'm trying to get better at it....getting there. Again,. thanks for the positive words and support! Oss! 👊🙏

[@mikecoble2001]

I like the strategic rolling and mind mapping ideas

[@FancyCarJoe]

Thank you for the mind mapping tip! Subscribed!

[@midlifebjj]

🙏

[@johnmedige1612]

I always enjoy your perspective...keep it coming!

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate it brother! Will do

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate your support!🙏

[@johnmedige1612]

We need more of you in our community ❤

[@midlifebjj]

Man! Really appreciate this comment! 🙏 sincerely! Keeps me motivated!

[@m.j.m.2mccall99]

I like documenting/tracking stuff (list making). GREAT Video!

[@midlifebjj]

Definitely helps keep things on track ---- and exposes what's off track. Appreciate the comment! 👋🤛🤙

[@radishbeet2130]

excellent ideas. I like the theory of the action of writing a plan down, which can make it stick in your mind better. I have discovered myself that sometimes making a change outside of bjj, can positively affect your bjj. I had been neglecting dedicated strength training, and was mainly using only bjj for awhile as my resistance training. Now that I have implemented weight training back in to my routine, twice a week, I find a noticeable change in my rolling. Example, I am now able to sometimes break grips using one hand instead of two, etc.. I think people can look for other things to improve in outside of bjj such as more quality sleep and diet, stretching, breathing exercises, meditation, the list goes on.. as well.

[@midlifebjj]

Absolutely! Cutting sugars and adding 2 green salads to my diet has helps tons...a variation of the 5x5 is helping as well....appreciate the comment and support! 🙏👊

[@michaelcomer1645]

Hey man really appreciate your videos!

[@midlifebjj]

Awesome! Really appreciate the feedback🙏. Just trying to share some things that might help others... 👋🤛🤙

[@oiseo4498]

really enjoy yoru videos man looking forward to more!

[@midlifebjj]

Awesome! Appreciate the feedback and support! 🙏 Did you subscribe?

[@oiseo4498]

@@midlifebjj just did!

[@midlifebjj]

Thank you!🙏

[@reptilefrenzyllc3721]

I think mind mapping is great for a sport like Jiu-Jitsu where there is so many different techniques. I like it!

[@chopsueykungfu]

How do you train with Covid? Did I miss that video?

[@midlifebjj]

here's the link if you missed it... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKCWi6etr92Bo6s

[@chopsueykungfu]

Man Unfiltered thanks, but it didn’t answer what I want to know. Do you wear a mask while grappling and other physical things with partners? Or are you not back to that part of the training yet??

[@midlifebjj]

Ahhh.sorry about that. Restrictions are lifted (for now) where I live. Masks may be worn if uncomfortable with close distances. We keep it safe. Sorry about the confusion.

[@Chical209]

Its hard with Corona, but take advantage of seminars and videos, they are intense focus on certain skills and postures. It will help with weaknesses.

[@midlifebjj]

I'm thinking of picking up some John Danaher videos...any experience with his?

[@alrey1538]

Awesome! I also do “Mind-mapping,” but I didn’t have a name for it! This is very helpful...Thanks!

[@midlifebjj]

Anytime! Thank you. Appreciate the support. 🙏👊

[@amccarver]

Were you at Gracie Raleigh when you were in NC?

[@midlifebjj]

Yep

[@amccarver]

@@midlifebjj Awesome. I literally signed up there last week. Were you happy with them? I'll be 45 in November and just starting this journey. Your channel has been super insightful.

[@midlifebjj]

I really liked them…back then it was called forged fitness…CrossFit on one side and BJJ on the other. Guys were great but i think it’s under new ownership now. Back then the Black Belts name was Billy (if I recall)…

[@cgreen4395]

You already know what I'm thinking. *sips tea*

[@midlifebjj]

Be honest...it’s alcohol😂😂😂

[@jacobharris1846]

Sounds like you're fighting something other than all those white belts. We all have our struggles with the darkness, being better at fighting people probably won't help. Love your vids, thanks brother.

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate the perspective! and your support , brother! Oss. 🙏👊

[@leroyjankins7368]

Hey bro I’ve enjoyed following your journey. It inspired me to join a jiu jitsu gym last month. How is your 5x5 progression going? Can you tell if the increased strength has helped you in rolling?

[@midlifebjj]

What’s up! That’s awesome, man! Love giving a little inspiration where I can! The 5x5 is awesome for BJJ (in my opinion) - the frequent squats help build muscle fast. I topped out on the squats at around 300lbs...usually kept the squats at 275 pounds. I’m 45 so my main goals are to not get hurt, keep a little muscle so I can hang with the young bucks and to keep rolling as long as possible....I’ve stopped the 5x5 recently to start working on stretching and calisthenics using a pull up bar and wooden rings....will be doing a video soon on this..created a little workout space at home! Appreciate the support, brother! How’s BJJ training going?

[@leroyjankins7368]

@@midlifebjj That’s what’s up. I’ve been trying to put on as much muscle as I can before I start rolling soon (have to go to 30 classes 1st). I’m enjoying it! I joined a gym called Alliance in the Charlotte area run by Lucas Lepri if you’re familiar with him. If I recall correctly you said in a video you used to be in the Charlotte area right?

[@midlifebjj]

Alliance is a great affiliation! I was in Raleigh....so you need to attend 30 classes before you’re allowed to roll? Do you have to just attend the classes or do you have to prove you are ready???? Just wondering...like the concept but have never heard of this before...also, how do you feel about the 30 class rule?

[@leroyjankins7368]

@@midlifebjj Yea from what I understand pretty much everyone after 30 classes gets a stripe and can start rolling (I assume that’s the only “participation” stripe ha). From a business perspective I think it’s a good idea because it probably gets people more invested so they don’t want to quit after they get smashed in rolling the first time. I personally don’t mind it, I’m about 20 in though and starting to get the itch to start ha

[@FreedomsGuard]

Copy and where are you located?

[@midlifebjj]

Virginia. Where here are you located?

[@FreedomsGuard]

@@midlifebjj North Carolina...saw you with a Tar Heel hat on. I'm 55 and just starting my bjj journey. I wrestled and took judo for a bit when I was young and rolled a little bjj in the early 90's.

[@midlifebjj]

I’m from NC...went to Chapel Hill for grad school..from Greenville originally.

[@jeffscribner6853]

Any advice for a guy that has 2 young kids and a wife that works 2nd shift? My biggest problem is finding the time to get my ass to class.

[@midlifebjj]

That’s a tough one...unless there are morning classes (early am) that wouldn’t negatively impact your work schedule...or Saturday classes...and Sunday open mats...at your school or sometimes other schools. For example: the school I go to allows anyone to come to our open mat on Sunday’s...That schedule is tough though because you also want to spend some time with your wife....if she works second shift - I’m guessing you’re on first shift...which basically means you both are seeing one another briefly as you hand off the kids....I’ve worked second shift before, so I know that it can be tough. I’m sure you’ve tried the things I’ve mentioned so I’ve probably been of little help....respect for trying to keep the BJJ journey going though! Are you able to make it to class any at all right now? Appreciate your comment.

[@Jusgoaway]

The morning class with all the other dads👍🏼

[@Jusgoaway]

I suck because I'm tired all the time 😟

[@midlifebjj]

I feel your pain...sometimes I’m about to fall asleep on the way to BJJ...I know if I can get to those mats, though, I’ll wake up...and feel incredible afterwards. Do you mind sharing why you feel tired all the time? I’ll tell you my story about being sleepy all the time. It wasn’t my fault! I’ll tell you if you respond to this comment . Hate to just put my BIDNESS 😂 out there but if it’ll help you out, I’ll respond and tell you. Appreciate your comment!

[@Jusgoaway]

@@midlifebjj Well, I work irregular hours, and between the family/life balance along with the daily grind- I tend to be burnt out by 6-630 to do 15 minutes of instruction and then trying to concentrate on my rolls for the rest of the class. At 44, I feel like I missed my opportunity to focus on this lifestyle/hobby.

[@midlifebjj]

Irregular work hours is a tough situation to deal with. The bodies always trying to find it’s rhythm. So here’s my story about being tired. I’ve dealt with it my whole life...being able to sleep anywhere....my family wife’s family use to laugh at me (in a joking way) because I could literally lay down on the floor during family functions and fall asleep. It wasn’t like I was randomly falling asleep...it was more of a choice because I always felt a little tired. Sometime when working, I’d have to do these audits that took hours ...man, I’d I didn’t keep my brain active - my knees would buckle from almost falling asleep. I know - crazy! So finally about 3 years ago I decided to get a sleep study (doctor recommended it) - weird situation because you’re connected to all of these wires from head to toe and sleeping in a strange place...turns out I have a mild form of narcolepsy. The doctors put me on something called Armodafinil. It’s a pill I take once a day. It’s not Ritalin or anything like that...I wouldn’t take it if it was...it does clear the foggy brain I used to always have but thought it was just a normal thing...seriously changed my life man...I just feel like a normal person now without feeling tired 24/7....Armodafinil, ironically enough, is also used for shift work tiredness...🙂 I commend you on making it too class - it’s tough enough to make it but to make it when you’re really tired is beyond rough. Thanks for sharing, brother!

[@DD-tt2oh]

@@midlifebjj Did you ever make the video detailing what supplements you take? I saw you mentioned it somewhere in one of the comments.

[@midlifebjj]

No...but I will this week...work is killing me brother...I’ll get something up Saturday.

[@adrianojordao4634]

You are going the get hurt. Going two times a day at 42... tss tss this is a long run. Do all the study but let your body heale. No wife no kids I suppose... if not think on that too. Cheers

[@midlifebjj]

You won’t get hurt if you don’t go 100% every time...but you still get the technique and drills (repetition) . I have a strategy and stick to it...I know guys that are my age that go 5 days a week...been dong if for years and are fine. Again, I’m not saying everyone can or should do what I’m doing...just sharing my current state BJJ...yes, happily married for 15 years. 3 kids that practice BJJ as well. We all have fun, roll on the mats..I definitely make sure the home life is good before making commitments like this and - I’ll miss a day if needed....God, family, finances, BJJ....that’s my hierarchy of needs.... i appreciate your concern - sincerely I do...but I’m taking precautions...at 45, I have to...also cut sugar, keeping diet clean, eating greens 2 time a day...vitamins..stretching...and freezing myself in the cryotherapy chamber....

[@keonevaldez1790]

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[@kmahajan83]

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