Why You Shouldn’t Always Roll Easy With New BJJ Students (They're Unaware)

If you have a brand new White Belt in your gym, should smash them or let them work a bit? What if the new person got up after you were done rolling and began to brag about beating you or your inability to beat them? This is the question from one of our friends who ran into this situation recently with his BJJ training at his gym.
He says that a new White Belt came into his gym and during his roll he took it easy on the guy. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a tough sport and so he wanted to help the guy out. Well after the roll the new White Belt gets up and sort of brags about him not being able to beat him.
Frustrated, our friend is wondering. . . do you just smash every single new person that comes into do Brazilian Jiujitsu or do you do something else?
In this video I explain what myself and some of my coaches refer to the "Rich-Rule" and how it's effective for curtailing that kind of negative behavior on the mat. I also discuss how I was very similar to the beginner who bragged. Well I would have never bragged about it. But I would have definitely thought I was better than I really was. Because I didn't understand the reality of training till my coaches showed me that they could submit me every second, but could also take it easy on me and play.
Hopefully the video is useful to you. Thanks for watching.
-Chewy
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[@aqdjbcr]

I agree completely. As an athletic guy who came to jiu jitsu I needed a humbling experience to understand the power of jiu jitsu. If I walked in and won my first time I wouldn’t have come back probably

[@loidreem1948]

My first roll was against a blue belt he got me in an arm bar but I grabbed my pants so I survived the round lol had a good amount of weight on him tho lol

[@smashleyscott8272]

The "power of jujitsu"...??? My goodness. Idolatry run amok.

[@stupidandboot4507]

@@smashleyscott8272 he's not saying it's a superpower. He's saying there's a lot of useful techniques you can learn by doing jiu jitsu What's so hard about that?

[@mateorodriguezbarrantes1442]

@@smashleyscott8272 I don’t want to sound rude, but that comment makes you sound like a complete buffoon. How about you get on the mat with a black belt sometime and keep talking about idolatry? I think it would be a very nice and humbling experience for you :). And I truly mean that sincerely!

[@jfloyo11]

any of this could easily be avoided by having a conversation before you roll on what you will focus on...if you are going 100% etc etc...I do this every time I spar with someone.

[@BJiuJitsuTV]

Sometimes people don't even know what they don't know... That's a part of being the "new guy".

[@Pric3less1]

BJiuJitsuTV huge fan of your channel

[@BJiuJitsuTV]

@@Pric3less1 thanks for the love

[@bezbeanzjett195]

Me..

[@redpillamerican4361]

Dunning Kruger effect

[@shnark4274]

good ol unknown unknowns

[@Jamoni1]

I rolled with an older dude yesterday who literally did nothing but defend. Didn't really work for position, wasn't aggressive about fighting grips, etc. ALL he did was defend, but he did it so well that I really had nothing. It was awesome, a real display of control. He showed me a whole new dimension to the game. A year ago I would have thought he sucked, now I'm inspired.

[@krissauvageot3099]

I honestly really appreciated getting smashed by everyone when I first came to my gym. I grappled on and off with friends for fun and would usually win. It’s an amazing ego check, to have EVERYONE at the gym able to kill me in the matter of seconds lol. I felt knowing how helpless I was helped motivate me to keep coming back and get better. That and the fact that the bjj community as a whole is amazing. Only 6 months in but trying my best to consistently train 5+ times a week! Thanks for the vids, you helped me out a lot early on.

[@FinleyFuns]

Kris Sauvageot totally agree, and welcome to the brotherhood!

[@eamonshields2754]

Kris Sauvageot awesome man, I’m starting next week, can’t wait

[@chadmichaels1896]

Keep it up!

[@blackwingdragonmasta]

The same happened to me man, I have rolled all my life with friends and my brothers and i thought I was pretty good because I did well even though I've always been the smallest when it comes to weight. My first time actually doing jujitsu I thought I know how to do my submissions, but didn't really think about how hard it would be to get one locked in. These guys smashed me because they knew the superior positions and at the end of the day I was humbled and sweaty.

[@angrychickin]

not everyone is like you. at all.

[@taekonjudo]

I appreciate this one massively. I recently did some takedown rounds at the head instructors place, and I'm a judo black belt, so I went pretty easy on most the guys because although some of them had some good takedowns, they don't have the depth of knowledge that I do in that area. After going in what felt like a pretty easy round for me, the guy told me that I had no answer for his underhooks and then proceeded to tell one of the other guys to just underhook me because I can't throw from that position. It annoyed the hell out of me and after that when rolling for real, the guy felt what an uchi-mata with an overhook feels like.

[@bman1235]

Robin Denton Hehehehe git him

[@Bikeadelic]

Mix it up. Simple. Side note, if you can’t tell when someone is going easy on you you’re not so bright.

[@swankmaster2178]

I remember when I used to do BJJ before I went fulltime wrestling and I dont think I ever thought this. I obviously thought I was alot better than I was, but I knew who could get me and who couldn't and who was 50/50. But I realized just how good the colored belt were when one of my coaches picked me up with his feet and twirled me around like some shit out of a cartoon. It was insane.

[@connomaolagain5088]

Tap them twice in 30 seconds so they know what story is, then let them work

[@noway3838]

Best way to do it honestly

[@prandz420]

I always forget to do this and play too nice

[@brandonmcninja]

Great content as always, Chewy! Love love love!

[@The_YouTube_Critic]

I was so appreciative of my coaches and the guys training that didn't smash me. I probably would have never signed up if they all destroyed me. And because of that, I try my best to make new people have a good rolling experience. Once they get a few months in, I'll turn it up here and there just to let them know where they stand. I appreciate the same from the higher belts. I need a good humbling from time to time.

[@RK_peace]

The KZbin Critic we all do :)

[@huston345]

I think both are important. I went in and did pretty well against a few guys who were probably taking it easy on me, but then I came up against my coach and he just absolutely destroyed me. Looking back getting beat like that was a big part of why I came back and wanted to learn exactly what he was doing. I don’t know though for me getting smashed is important from time to time and helps me figure out the problems and deficiencies in my game. I don’t really take it too easy on new guys, but I take off a lot of the pressure so they can work on their movements, but if they leave an arm out I’m taking the arm bar. That’s how you learn to keep your arms in. Then I usually tell them “keep coming, you won’t feel like you’re getting much better, but focus on your defense and work on developing that your first six months, keep drilling submissions you’ll catch em now and then. Then when new guys come in you’ll see just how much better you’ve gotten.

[@LosHitman]

Ahh yes there’s a difference from being humble and then feeling worthless

[@williamcheshire6210]

As a white belt, I am so appreciative of higher belts that take the time to let me work and teach me. I am also appreciative of the times teach by smashing me, it's good to know what the reality is too.

[@heathwhimpress9096]

Thank you!! You answered the question that I was that I was looking for. Love the videos mate👍

[@JustCityFolks]

Great insight! beautiful answer, never even thought about that perspective.

[@caseycharity]

Awesome as always! Way to line up ending on the beat to your jam at the end. 👍

[@ThePickleBean]

One of my best friends is my training partner and we tell each other about certain “victories,” but no one else. We tell each other in confidence because we celebrate each other’s success. I think it’s ok to speak truthfully and celebrate “small” victories, but in private.

[@zaziithebeast4353]

Man I'm glad (little anxious) this popped up on my recommend. I never comment on yt. I just did my orientation at my local gym and signed up right away. Here's the thing. I have major clinical anxiety and a severe learning disability. Just meeting a new person can be overwhelming (fears of being misunderstood), joining a jujitsu gym was hell and no fault of the gym or anybody in it (just getting through the door and staying in the room!). Here's the thing, want to instantly get past all that anxiety and hence ego, which always pops up when you think you need to defend yourself. How about "hey man, your the new guy? Want to get a roll in? I'll show you the ropes... we can start slow or go hard if you want to. We can start in the middle and work it out as we go. You want to ease up or get a little more intense, let me know...." You see what he did for me? He gave me a grip, some context in a strange environment. He gave me a little control back and bam that's how you remove my anxiety. He didn't just ask me to roll without first managing my expectations. If it was just "hey let's roll" and then we go, I have no idea who this guy is. Is he going to try and crush me because I'm new (subconscious potential threat/enemy), or work with me off the bat (potential ally/training-partner). The point is he managed my expectations. If new white belts are not understanding they are being "allowed to live" and are bragging about it. I believe it's because no one managed their expectations at all. I can almost guarantee they wanted to be crushed and feel the power of jujitsu and a high belt so they know what they can aim for (again expectations). I believe this because my partners are all going light on me, and now I think I know why! Thank you. I'm going to let them know it's okay to crush me just because I am new and have anxiety. I want to get crushed at first for the reasons I mentioned. My anxiety isn't physical it's social, and they don't understand that, so I will help them. In striking I always went too light in sparring until you landed a "nice one". Then my head got in (out of?) the game and I could flow. I guess my final point is, and if you have read all this thank you because it's not easy for me to write at all, I know myself better than you, I know how to manage myself better than you. If you need to push my comfort zone as a coach you better first learn where I can bend and where I will break. And if all that sounds defensive it is... and it all goes away just by asking me what my expectations are and letting me know how they match up with what's about to happen. Might sound complicated but in practice it's super simple. Don't know how to approach me or where I'm at? Just ask me and then listen. You'll get to talk again soon because I'm not paying you for nothing :P. Oss! (I think!) p.s ty for coming to my ted talk, books for sale in the back of course :)

[@ClipsFromMaine]

I love these videos, thank you for continuing to make them!

[@Chewjitsu]

Ian Carey thanks for watching them!

[@johnhagebeuk8]

Great one brother. I totally agree on what you say. I had common sense and watched your video’s before starting bjj so i knew what i could expect and left my ego and Muay Thai experience outside

[@onewheeledunicycle]

I have my first BJJ class today! love the perspective!! cant wait to learn!!

[@aqdjbcr]

Will Apitz have fun. Don’t be afraid to tap early and often if you roll.

[@luiscardozo9721]

Have fun

[@iskate40]

Will Apitz good luck, have fun!

[@yoey36]

Nice buddy good luck. Have fun.

[@beykay1257]

Have fun bro!

[@AdrianBears]

Thanks for such an amazing video. I started my bjj journey a few months ago. I've always been pretty physical and strong. I feel blessed with some of my coaches and teammates. They teach me the proper ways to handle myself and we seem to all get along. It's all about how the new guy handles himself. Gratitude gratitude gratitude I have a few purple belts who I feel I should pay. They have taken me under there wing and I feel I owe them somehow.

[@xroth4855]

This 3 subs then play thing sounds great 👍 I’ve struggled with mindset in my first year not knowing how to approach rolling ( mentally) so thanks Chewy .

[@thedickens6490]

Great story! I'm just an armchair athlete these days, but I feel like being humbled the day you walk in is the most valuable lesson a gym/ring/practice field/cage can teach you. Learn your place. Learn to improve.

[@Mike-zb7ts]

Chew! I'm not sure how I ended up first watching one of your videos but, man, I'm totally glad I did! I'm 49, zero grappling/martial arts experience. The idea that I would EVER take part in something like Jiu Jitsu seemed almost impossibly unlikely. And yet, I just finished my first class last night. Oh yeah, I'm signing up. It was great. I actually paid for my first month a few days before T'hanksgiving, but was only able to start yesterday. And like most other people, I was pretty freaked out at the idea. I had all the nerves, the self doubt, the "Please-God-don't-let-me-be-the-idiot-in-the-gym" thing. So what did I do? I watched one of your videos about the first day of training. You told a story about Salsa dancing, I think. I cracked up. I mean, here you are, a grown adult male who can literally kill a person with your bare hands, and yet, your first day of dance lessons had your head spun out. Seeing that got me out the door! Everyone at the gym was very cool and friendly. The owner (Clark Gracie) introduced himself, the other students, teachers, etc. I felt welcomed. Not the least bit the "outsider." I thought maybe the first day of "Fundamentals" would be along the lines of, "Hi everyone. Welcome. Let's all sit around the camp fire and sing songs before we get to work" kind of thing. Haha! Nope, we got in a line, took a moment to address the teacher and got to warming up. Running, rolling, stretching, squirming, etc. You get the idea. A bit of grip fighting, a few "basic" moves (which, of course, I will have to practice 1000 times before I have any chance of remembering them!), changing partners, getting a bit of direct instruction from the teacher and so forth. Your videos had a big part in getting me started. Something I really like how you speak of having respect and humility. How not every gym session is about crushing your partner. Power and strength have their place, for sure, but it's not just that. I made it a point to not forget those words. I practiced a few take downs with both men and women. Learned much from both. And on those occasions when the teacher would come over to demonstrate something or help me with a particular movement, I was able to experience the full, "holy shit, so-that's-what-it's-like-to-be-on-the-receiving-end-of-18 years-of-training" moment. :) Happy Training

[@GabeDec]

Please tell me you’re still training

[@MrJSyer]

Still training?

[@herrapan95]

Thanks Chewy this helps me to understand alot as a new guy. And I have also learned to be humble and nice to those I can submit easy

[@DC-uw8hp]

Good channel! That's why I subscribed. I'm 3 weeks in and thank God I didn't do any newbie mistakes. Yet 😊 thanks

[@scottbolen3996]

Great post Chewy!! Seen a few people like that at my dojo, but most are there during a trial week and don’t always return! Great concept though! OSS!

[@iangoldie6396]

Hey Chewie am pretty new to BJJ but found all your videos very useful. Thanks brother

[@SaftonYT]

After watching videos like this, I remember after my first few rolls I always thanked the higher belts for letting me work because it was all too obvious what was going on. I held no illusions as to my prodigious grappling skill when I was mounting a Blue/Purple Belt lmao

[@SergioGonzalez-xn7xd]

Smash all it’s good for you , earn your right to smash others , as a coach though I definitely respect this mindset. Awesome stuff brother respect !

[@alexcourson3991]

Only a few months in to my BJJ journey but speaking as white belt that gets submitted by the coach and higher belts regularly it’s humbling and also awe inspiring because through getting submitted we are learning. We are picking up new ideas and techniques that we did not know. Things we didn’t know was possible all the while inspiring us to train hard and to learn. So that one day we can be the people that continues the process of inspiring the next group of guys coming in. I think it’s an important part of the learning process that makes us put the egos in check.

[@alexanderflores8235]

Trying to start an sparring club on my college campus. All this stuff is actually really helpful insight for striking too! 🙏

[@MangoTheRetriever]

Good video, as always!

[@robertgeorge7066]

Always good advice, professor! I usually go light but practice a technique I’m trying to get good at. After I hold a position for a while or tap them twice I let them work. I’m only a 1 year white belt so I suck but also don’t mind letting someone tap me out. It happens all the time anyway lol.

[@TopRacer2002]

As a new guy in BJJ I have nothing but gratitude for the great instructor and other students I practice with. Several times I was owned but also was shown the openings and I went for them. This is exactly what you spoke on the video. Love doing the Americana from side control but most of the time I just try to hang on as much as possible (or should I say for dear life, lol) for as long as possible especially when going against the higher belts. But even though I come out like I've been chewed, spat out, steam rolled (literally), sliced, diced and turned into mince meat (in a good way), I also feel a calmness, respect and gratitude especially mentally after every training session. Just wanted to share my take on this.

[@martyblack13]

So true...leave ego out of JiuJitsu. I had a brown belt let me win...but I knew he was just building my confidence! I've been smashed and got hurt by higher belt levels! Its no fun! I'm there to learn it ain't war its training to improve and wish some would understand its a team effort but the ego creeps in! Glad you teach your JiuJitsu classmates this knowledge! I travel all over I will drop in your channel rocks!

[@HandsomeNature]

Great advice!

[@savagecombatives2765]

I love your approach. We usually submit new students 1 time then help them roll but I am going to start using the Rich Rule and I am going to call it that too lol. Great video.

[@gan102]

being smashed helped me get rid of a mental block. I realized how much stronger I am. How long I can surive. That I am not good but that I am on the way to become better at jiu jutsu. It is a sad realization that lifts you. After that rolled more confidently. I had to tap as my arms got weak and I couldnt hold him. But he was so he said in panic how confident I was. I improved my ground game, nearly locked a guy with kimura. He locked me aswell with a clear kimura. But he also told me that this time was a lot of harder to get me. I rolled out of set up for a armbar. Jiu Jutsu is awesome.

[@scotturban54]

Thanks for posting

[@R2Rj204]

The gym I attend is fantastic for their white belts. Generally a safer roll option is found and someone does as you say, some demonstration then teachable moments galore!!

[@glitzandgratitude1170]

I'm slowly realizing that people have been playing with me. Now with newer people I give them a little pressure but let them work. I dont care if they feel like they beat as long as they keep coming back that's all that matters. Later on we will roll harder and they will learn what I am learning now.

[@truthfromthestand9994]

I’m new to BJJ and know my place. Often when I’m rolling with someone who is more experienced, they’ll actually talk me through techniques. Or say something like “keep working the position.” They let me get so far and they’re work really begins in escaping a position of danger to a control position. Super helpful for me. I do t get smashed, but get to feel what experience feels like. Winning or learning.

[@ho335o]

Just started training Bjj myself. I had some martial arts training years ago and when i trained with lower belts, i would start at their effort level and make sure they are learning. But then i increase my effort just enough to "win/dominate" at the end of the drill or round. Once they have a little more experience then you can dial up the intensity. Smash them on occasion to keep them in check.

[@vincentmartinez4565]

Chewy!!! I’m a 6’6 220 pound guy who regularly lifts weights and has a striking background, I went into my first week of BJJ last week, and I have not tapped a single person!!! Very humbling!!!!

[@Tobi1Kanobi93]

We had the exact same rule back in my old dojo. Smash to 3 times in a row, then hold back and help them.

[@Sawbucks23]

My first day i was smashed by a guy who got his blue belt by the end of class. It put my ego in check, showed me I had a lot to learn, and showed me how powerful BJJ really is.

[@campbelljordan4743]

I just had my first class today and I got a really good mixture. Not a big guy, and I don't think I came in with anything close to thinking I would win. Rolled with a Blue belt in a 5 minute and he was being playful and got a submission on me, was super fun. Then I rolled with the blackbelt leading it and he showed me the other side and submitted me about 6 times in 5 minutes, not aggressively, but just showing me the level to reach for. Definitely recommend having both as it was awesome to view how daytoday training could be and also see how far there is to go. 100% going again!

[@centristmiguel8581]

Excellent vid. You don't make a brand new guy any better by smashing them all the time. There are ways to take it easy on them but still also challenge them so they get the muscle memory down and solid reps and they retain the technique better and progress to become solid higher ranked folks later. That Rich rule is awesome, I think most places that are solid have a similar approach to that. When I joined BJJ the owner/professor, who is a 3X BJJ champ from Brazil I was curious why he was rolling with striped white belts and thought that was kind of scary. But as I watched him and other of his higher ranked I realized that it was very controlled and he was working more to develop the white belts strength, conditioning getting them used to basic positions and if they caught on he'd turn it up a little, but by no means smashed them. It was quite impressive and encouraged me to join

[@brainbombify]

I really enjoyed your talk Mr Chewy the guys at my gym beat the crap out of me for the first year I respect them look up to them and it made me tough

[@JamesBrown-]

I find being smashed by higher belts to be highly inspirational, and I was defo guilty of thinking they were just shit when they didn’t beat me in the beginning, so I think at least the first time you’re rolling with someone, let them feel your full force and then maybe consider doing helping rolls with them once you’ve decided they understand what’s up, and if they have a really good attitude of always wanting to learn and asking you for help etc

[@InkThinks]

Awesome video! When will we hear who won the journal giveaway?

[@ryanlee8060]

Getting smashed quickly shows you what you're getting into and for you to decide whether you can handle it on a consistent basis until your skill improves.

[@leehudson1171]

I don't like people holding back. Some people have a chill style though, so they're still giving you their true dangerous look.

[@chriswoodard8497]

My style is more defensive by nature

[@Nethezbet]

I think it is important to understand humility. I'm always appreciative of when higher belts let me work... But it is so important to understand just how easy it is to get twisted into a pretzel

[@jamessanchez6756]

This is my third day in BJJ and I already feel like I’ve gotten better. First day, my athleticism helped me survive, for a little while anyways. The other guys showed me there are levels. So humbling, so fun. Excited to learn. I say smash the newbies so we learn to lose early.

[@daniellafferty1924]

I have found that the Rich rule is perfect. I hadn’t heard of it before this video but I had created a version of it for myself and it has done wonders because of my experience with this

[@ordinarypablo]

It’s def a new thing for me to feel the least experienced and dangerous man in the room, is rough to digest but I hope I can get thru it and humble my self as I know I should and want to.

[@janzalud216]

i got roughed up real well on my first BJJ trainings and im grateful for it. No injuries, but hard work done.

[@JimLBon]

I knew from the start that my now training team was being very nice to me. After my first rolls I made it very clear on no uncertain terms that I understood and appreciated them meeting me where I am and allowing me to try stuff out. I’m 6’3”, 250lbs and easily the biggest, strongest guy there. By the time I was permitted to roll it was clear to everyone there that I didn’t need a humbling and understood exactly where I fit in the food chain. I didn’t bring ego into it then and still dont

[@BretBunton]

I am brand new... and the first night, my partner was pretty easy on me and let me learn some technique. Which was cool and i knew he was going easy. Last night i trained with a brown belt... and he was pretty rough, but im going to say this... it showed me what the sport really is and it was great... so both are fine. As far as rolling, i rolled with a competitor and told him straight up. Do what you do, because i want to know what this is and he put me in an americana, and then showed me how to do it... i love this gym! And from day one, i knew i wasnt shit and wont be shit for a long time... im a 33 year old musician, this is out of my comfort zone. And i LOVE it

[@cardinalmarc]

I totally agree. We have a judo practitioner who just joined. I rolled with him and he kept trying to choke me in my closed guard. Arm bar, restart and omoplata, and restart triangle. After the roll I explained what he was doing wrong and we drilled. He was excited to understand how powerful bjj was and grateful for the submissions and subsequent coaching. Again I agree it's good to show the young aggressive new students how powerful bjj is without hurting them. They get excited and keep coming to class! Great video and good advice. Keep training!

[@christopherallan4298]

My apologies in advance if you are already aware of this, but bear in mind that in this situation, it might not have been a problem with the guy's attitude as much as it's just the way judoka are trained to do ne waza. I'm not training now, but I was training at both a BJJ/judo gym and a judo-only gym. At the judo-only gym, they didn't really teach a lot of technique on the mat other than how to attack or turn over a turtling opponent. Other than that situation, if you were a kyu rank, you were basically just told to be aggressive and try to make the other guy quit any way you could (within the rules) before you were stood up again. I think this has to do with the ne waza rules that are currently in vogue with the IJF, where you get very little time to work before the ref returns you to neutral if the fight goes to the ground.

[@cardinalmarc]

@@christopherallan4298 If I implied my teammate's attitude above was in any way negative, I did not mean to. He is a great guy and there was no problem between us or with him training. I only meant to give an example of when submitting/smashing the new guy resulted in a positive experience. As one of upper belts in my gym, I am always trying to strike that balance when rolling with the new white belts of using the smash/submission in a positive way, and not discouraging way, to keep them coming back. BJJ is a tough humbling sport. I am humbled every class. Also, every class I am endeavoring to "pull" my teammates along in my journey, as the brown and black belts "pull" me along. Hopefully you can return to training!

[@WhiteApeMA]

White belt here. Absolutely, even from my perspective now, it is definitely good to get the works at first because it does a number of things. The humbling effect being the elephant in the room lol. But it also gives a good preview of what's to come. In that way the beatings are inspiring because it gives you a feeling of what you'll be able to do as time goes on. It's easy at first to think of submitting but some good thrashings later you learn it is the furthest thing from what we really need to focus on at this stage; defense, escape, and just survive. It starts us off in a healthy place I think.

[@jasonOfTheHills]

Wait? WTF??? People actually roll NICELY with the new guy? I have to have a discussion with those purple belts tonight! LOL. Seriously, guys at my gym are awesome. I can't think of any of the upper belts that don't deal out 'Ok, go ahead and try that thing you learned tonight you cute little white belt' with equal amounts of 'this is what getting your ass kicked looks like, let me show you again'. Recently I told a partner, "Dude! I actually pulled off that giggler sweep for the first time last night!" and almost felt immediately bad - no names, and no disparaging my partner, just amazement in my own accomplishment. But I am very conscious that I never want to be 'the guy that talks about it'. Some of the best advice I have gotten from this channel.

[@williamhaddix140]

Someone in my gym mentioned "chewbacca said XYZ about this" (I don't remember what he said) and I immediately perked up because he was talking about you and I got that reference! And that's my story for the day.

[@batjackjohnson252]

Thanks brotha

[@castrumsolitas4355]

Love it!

[@jayblack763]

I've been a blue belt for about a year and a half. I'm about 150 pounds and have never been that athletic growing up I was never good at any sports, I don't lift, and my right leg is weak due to sciatica. My gym regularly gets 200+ pound new guys who are athletic and pretty strong; with me being the smallest guy in the gym I've come to expect these new guys to ask me to roll (happens almost every time). What I've done in the past is roll at about 50% effort. usually nobody taps in a 5 minute round. I usually just play a lazy guard and work on recomposing. However, there have been (quite a few) times where they will get a strong side control and it will take me some time to escape, sometimes ending the round in a bad spot. I've come to the conclusion that I need to really turn it up on these bigger white belts and submit them. I guess you could say it's just my ego wanting to prove to these bigger guys that I can still win, but it's more that I want them to see that a smaller weaker guy can win with good technique, because that's what got me hooked on BJJ. If anything I think it's doing them a disservice by letting them believe I couldn't submit them. Now if the roles were reversed and it was a 200+ pound blue belt vs a 150 white, then I think maybe a more playful approach would be appropriate.

[@MrGatorrHD]

i've learned my lesson I used to go easy on the new guys and then they would spaz out and smash me. Now I go hard on them not only to humble them but to help them learn defense. I learned most of my defense not from the coach teaching techniques but from getting smashed enough times to learn how not to

[@mrorbit2u]

Great advice. On another note, I had a dream/nightmare we were hanging out and you shaved off one of my eye brows😂. Very wierd. Thanks for all the help✌

[@kyle52245]

I appreciate this as a lower bet too. I know blue / purple belts can submit me, for sure. But I know that I can do well in some situations, not submit them, just maybe get a sweep, or an escape. If they give me 90-100% for the first two submissions, at least I know what's going on, if I get a sweep, it was all me. After that, I know they're letting me work some. I think it's a much healthier situation for everyone.

[@christophersmith3695]

OMG….speaking as a martial artist for over 31 years, NEVER EVER BRAG. I’ve been in jiu Jitsu for just over a year now and I always thank the higher ups for taking it easy on me because that’s exactly what’s happening. I have to take off early from class because I have another class from a different art that I teach and I always make it a point to actively seek out all of my ukes (regardless of rank) and fist bump them as well as the coach/professor just to say thank you. They really seem to like that. An ounce of humility nets one a ton of success over time.

[@tapoutrobby1843]

Did he take down the blog or at least re write his opinion on the blog??? Hope so!

[@tagg1080]

I think we just need to define 'rolling' better. I think it was eddie bravo that said some people think every night is abu dabi night lol.

[@sammata9431]

I always do a bit of both. We do 6 min rounds in our gym for sparring during the week. I’ll go 5:30 technical/light and the last :30 put a bit of pressure maybe complete a full submission to a tap.

[@maafa21MustSee]

4th week white belt here. I am kind of the opposite. I assume the higher belt is toying with me and I didnt really earn a dominate position. I spoke to a blue belt after taking his back with a body triangle for a few minutes. Was great to hear it was legit and he couldn't just get out. Confidence booster.

[@gavinbannister4124]

Moar stories on people who mistook your playing for not being very good when you could have submitted them! It just hits the spot

[@jackpage8831]

There’s a guy at my gym that’s been training for 2 years and still goes 100% all the time no matter what. Spaz

[@JOMFSE]

Hopefully its 100% towards progress and technique

[@jackpage8831]

JOMFSE it’s at least 85% ego

[@JOMFSE]

@Ajax Aidy i practice martial arts to able to protect myself and family. Is that ego? Its fun exercise, so we can be healthier and more useful to everyone in our old age. Is that ego? And theres competition for resources and mating. Only in the most priviledged societies would competition be for ego. Dont be so hardheaded n pessimistic

[@jackpage8831]

Ajax Aidy S O Y B O Y

[@JOMFSE]

@Ajax Aidy have you heard of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Safety and security is what people need before they can start worrying about their self esteem. i know you dont even believe what youre saying at this point. Just trying to put people down in youtube comments. Grow up and get a life. If you want to make ppl feel bad for playing a sport atleast offer an alternative that you approve of lol

[@jonathansprague6869]

When I was stationed in Hawaii, I got to know the Schofield Barracks, senior Combatives instructor. He told me stories about Rener Gracie coming to help him instruct the class. He stated that Rener would roll with the students and submit the entire class within minutes. Sometimes soldiers need that ego popped. He said that Rener was not really putting it to them either. I like jujitsu, but I know I'm not very good. and I haven't trained in a long time. Maybe in a year or so, I'm still recovering from 16 broken ribs, a broken T1 vertebrae, lacerated liver, a bruised lung, and a ruptured lung. These injuries were not caused by jujitsu, just a stupid accident. I hope if I can get into a gym, that at first they take it easy on me. I don't know how well my body would hold up to a real roll.

[@dorito7480]

Hey man, any update on your health situation?

[@swedishbutcher]

Let then brag. It will be all the more eye opening when they finally realise.

[@blackwingdragonmasta]

I got beat by everyone in my first lesson and it taught me exactly what was wrong with my jujitsu. My submissions were tight and effective but my positioning was mediocre at best. Footwork and positioning is what I severely lacked and I learned that as well as being humbled being beaten by white belts. It showed me that even to the beginning level I was still new and had a lot to learn

[@dolphinsmadden]

Totally agree, what happens on the mat stays on the mat.

[@mistergraystalkroom]

My coach said, “you assertively bring them into the world of jiu-jitsu” - good stuff

[@scuffedjesus6527]

I'm brand new to a BJJ academy. 2 classes in. They have done half and half in terms of making things easy/hard. The first few times I do something, they let me get the feeling of how to do something and then they start making me work for it after 2 or 3 times.

[@timmerc1236]

On the one hand,I understand it can be good to try to humble beginners who overestimate their own ability. On the other hand, it can be counterproductive to try to humble beginners who do not overestimate their own ability. When I tried out jiu jitsu and was thrown immediately into rolling, I felt like a one-handed man being handed a two-handed broadsword or perhaps like a one-legged man thrown into a dance competition. In the course of my life, I have dealt with a number of difficult challenges successfully, and I never expected jiu jitsu to be easy, but It was somewhat of a relief when COVID shut down the school. It meant I could seek out other (non-jiu jitsu) challenges for myself. - not ones that were easy for me, but ones that were at least comprehensible to me.

[@axellion4573]

i remember the 1st time I rollee a few weeks ago in no gi. I was partnered with several fighters and didnt even win but the good thing was I learned many things while we were rolling because theyw ould explain what they did during our breaks. im still 17

[@jasonhernandez3806]

I treat every new roll like they are a black belt. I play very defensive to feel them out, and then I change tactics based on what I'm given. If its a new guy, I try to keep everything in tight and see how they work first. When I run into super-aggressive or those "spazzy" guys, I use pressure to slow them down and I will submit a time or 2 in order to try and address mistakes. After that, I try to let them start and work from a dominant position.

[@addamtate1230]

It all depends. Certain nights when it's a big class with lots of different people, I go kinda light. Other nights, when it happens to be mostly higher ranked guys and full grown male white belts, I'll turn it up a little.

[@brianbradley81]

Had a new guy in yesterday. His first day. We are in tournament prep mode right now. You could tell he wanted to roll but nobody asked. I walked over snd showed him basic guard, mount, drilled a slice pass to side control, and started with a flow roll to drill some foundations. Whenever he would go Spassy I would just tie him up real quick, release him snd kept the roll going. He understood, and thanked me for not smashing him. I wanted him to have an enjoyable first roll but also understand his lack of knowledge is just a starting point, learn from each roll.

[@aaronhooker7588]

I love this rule. I'm new to BJJ, but have a history of folkstyle wrestling. I do well vs other whites and some blues (some look grey, idk). I'm not sure if I earned my 50/50 subs or if they were taking it easy on me. I am pretty strong for my size and very competitive. I don't claim to be great or even good. Losing and tapping is great. Keep going, get better. Knowing where I am (subbed 3 times) when rolling and then liter rolls thereafter for improvement would be great with me (hypothetically).

[@chickfinnegan8969]

My first 2 weeks, The guys went pretty easy on me. Two brown belts that have been very helpful, started going harder on me, so I started to feel pressure. Same with some others. It's a great learning experience.

[@thomashines5902]

As a one month guy, of course I prefer rolling with teachers, but it’s good to know how much exactly there is to learn.

[@LoneWulf1992]

My very day was all the humbling I needed to know my place. I asked to come in on one of the classes to see if I'd like to sign up for membership. The owner invited me to come in on an open mat day. My very first roll and my very last roll (2 hours of rolling) was with the owner, and absolutely NOTHING I did could get past his guard. I couldn't even make it to half-guard. Having several years of experience in wrestling, I thought I'd be able to do at least a little more than that, but clearly being a BJJ black belt is on a whole different level. Like, chihuahua trying to go up against a golden retriever. Between the two rolls, I went with white belts, purple belts, a few blue belts. Ended up going home with several bruises and brush burns because of how hard I had to fight to escape their submissions and chokes. I completely agree with "don't roll and talk." Humility is necessary when training. But knowing when you're successful on the mat is also important. Fast forward to today, I'm about 2 months into training, and my wrestling experience is finally giving me an edge. I've rolled with blue belts and white belts with a few stripes on their belt. Afterwards, many of them have complimented me on my skills by telling me that they were actually trying to submit me or prevent me from passing guard and I still made it through. That, I believe, is how training is suppose to feel. You're suppose to recognize certain grips and certain positions that are advantageous. You're suppose to gradually surprise your opponents by getting that sweep or pass, or being able to hold them longer in your guard. It's not suppose to be a gloating moment, but it should be a "hey, i did that" moment.

[@BTT72genX]

I am still just a blue belt but I have been practicing Jiu Jitsu since 2018. I have found that I have a few ways I like to roll with much weaker or inexperienced partners. To set the stage my school usually does 4 rolls of 5 minutes every class. We drill, do 2 rolls back to back, drill some more, and finish with 2 rolls. I will roll light with a weaker partner the first two rolls and turn it up a bit for the second rolls. I will roll light to start and finish harder. I will keep a steady pressure, submit my partner often, but before any technique I use I will usually pause a few seconds and give my partner a chance to try something.

[@bgcheese]

Depends on how the newbie rolls. Usually with a new guy I work on my defense. But if they believe they got the best of me I turn it up next time we roll and they realize I was being nice the first time. When I roll it depends on what I’m working on. Sometimes I work just on my defense and then sometimes work on my offense. Always depends on how I wanna train.

[@starnostras]

I don't fight, but it's always good to discover where the real benchmark is in anything.

[@parker4260]

Hey Chew my name is Parker I'm 17 and for all of middle school I grew up in the UAE I'm from Texas so change is hard. I was turned away from a BJJ gym for being American, the coach told me that they only teach Arabs specifically Emirates only and my Russian friend gave me the recommendation and I was told he was only allowed because he started early and his father was Arab. BJJ means alot to me and at that point I was 14 years old getting jumped every day by people at my school, I would get attack going home, cursed at belittle all the time, and to be told I cant join BJJ simply because of the same reason I was attacked, mocked, and isolated. This reason was that because of where i was born i couldn't participate in BJJ (only school in the city) i felt angry and embarrassed i felt misguided about what BJJ really means, I expected to get away from my daily tortures by creating companionship with others and having a goal to work towards. To feel safe when I go outside but sadly I couldn't do anything and I was turned away when I was at my darkest hours. Now I live on Maui and I'm scared and nervous to go to a gym here on one hand I love BJJ so much but on the other all I can think about is the absolute worst of the sport. I will join a gym but becoming comfortable seems highly unlikely I was wondering if you had any advice for me thank you have a great day.

[@shawn576]

I've heard of 2 good ideas about teaching. The first idea is that you absolutely dominate whatever you are doing just to show people how good you are, and then go easy from there. The second idea is that you are always slightly better than the person you are training. They fight like a white belt, so you fight like a slightly better white belt. They can run a mile in 12 minutes, so you run a mile in 11 minutes 53 seconds. The idea is that they can beat you if they try just a tiny bit harder, and you might get that last bit of effort.

[@johncannon3593]

When I roll with a new white belt, I make sure they know I could do whatever I want with them, but I also play a little sloppy to leave opportunities. Then, especially if they don't take them, I will pause and show them the opening I left and how to exploit it. Always taking an opportunity to show them an attack or defense from a given position, but also taking some time to show them what right looks like by controlling them and gently tapping them a few times.

[@Zfrk]

if you can't tell that the higher belts usually treat rolling with white belts the same way an older dog plays with a puppy, you're in for a hell of an awakening when they flip that switch. I drilled with the assistant coach (blue belt) on my first day and I can tell when he'd suppress the instinct to make me pay for an error, or I was slow to control an appendage. Same thing the two times we've grappled in warm ups. he's been at it 3 years, my gi still has the creases from being in the package. I'm certain nap time could come at any time if he wanted 😂😂

[@robbybee70]

I wrote an ebook for getting through the White Belt of BJJ, I never 'published' it tho. I touched on this topic but a more important aspect is that I consider Grappling to be a language. When someone is new, they will not know what they are being told, so if they missed what happend you can't really blame them. Also along these lines, if you smash a newb that's like yelling at someone day 1 of a language class...they learn nothing. But even on day 1 you can almost certainly teach them how to say "My name is...." right? and they will have learned very little but still more then if you just scream at them in a language they don't know. They will also realize, they were taught something. I used to apply this to grappling with a new person by pinning them down basically, waiting for them to get tired (if they are using a lot of effort they will tire quickly, typically a minute or less) and then I would tell them "the reason you can't move, is how much control I have over your hips and this underhook" etc and then I'd tell them what they wanted to do to move the postion back CLOSER to even, so I'd be like "you try to establish your underhook then you will know I don't have one" and once I show them that they realize two things, I undeniably know more then they do AND I am NOT trying to defeat them. Remember my language comment, a person new to grappling doesn't know enough that you are not trying to hurt them when you are layig on them in Side Control or Knee on Belly. They really feel like they are being 'attacked' we get so used to it that we just accept it, but first day just being on bottom is brutal! This is related to language in that a native speaker will use slang/colloquialisms that do not really mean what they say, but all the experienced people know the real meaning and use them anyway. I will also add that, before I came to my "Grappling is language" realization, I still didn't crush newbs and many times they thought that I was less adept then I really was or they thought that they were a bit above where they were...it is indescribably satisfying to see the realization come over them when they are promoted and you turn it up a bit with them....and they now understand that you have some ability they were not able to recognize as newbs. whatever direction you go as a more experienced grappler, just remember not to be too mad at the newb...he doesn't yet speak the language!

[@robbybee70]

I should point out I was also told for like 2 years maybe more that I wasn't putting enough effort in against people that WERE actually better then me lol, I am generally a very careful person and it took me a long time to get to where I felt comfortable with my skills to try hard to win, but know I wasn't going to hurt anyone. everything I said in my initial post is still very valid tho I feel.