How to Not Injure Yourself during Jiu Jitsu Training

     A couple of things we need to consider before we get into Jiujitsu injuries. First, injuries are going to happen. It doesn't matter if you are playing soccer recreationally, lifting weights, or playing golf. Injuries are apart of a healthy and active lifestyle. Second, you shouldn't be getting hurt ALL THE TIME while trying to live a healthy and active lifestyle. After all, if you're hurt all the time, what's healthy about that! If this is the case you need to take a serious look at what you are doing and who you are training with. I've talked with a guys who started Jiu-Jitsu when they were in their thirties and at some point questioned whether jiu-jitsu was something they could do at their age... He's almost fifty now and is getting very close to being a Black Belt!

     Here are a couple of ways to help prevent potential injures:

1. The harder you go, the harder they will go. The harder you try to beat someone, the harder they will try not to get beat. The result is the gradual escalation of speed, intensity, and the potential for injuries. If you don't want to get hurt, don't try to use strength. Avoid it at all costs! Instead, try to use the technique that you know and have drilled. If you feel them raising the intensity, don't fall into the trap. Make a conscious decision not to use force, but to use technique and leverage.

2. Let them beat you. If you're going to lose, you're going to lose. Allow yourself to get beat in certain positions and you'll get really good at escaping form difficult positions. More importantly, you need to be okay with losing some battles so that you can win the war! Knowing when the battle is lost and giving up a position or two will also help you conserve energy and allow you to more effectively regain your position at a later time.

3. Don't fight the tap. Tapping is the checkmate of jiu-jitsu. You would look silly if someone put you in checkmate, and you started scrambling to deny the reality of being beat. Acknowledge that you got beat. Tap and learn from the mistake you made. It's a lot easier to restart the training session after you tap then after your arm snaps!

Eliot Kelly

EDH Grappling

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