For everything you start with, things are not so easy to learn or master as most people would like and / or expect. The same is the case for the Art of Grappling / Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Like in every Martial Art, you will learn not only to master technique, but also -if not more likely and needed- you will have to deal with hardships, injuries, setbacks, disappointments, physical pain as well as your mentality and resilience.
Where one would expect that your team members would be more of an adversary for you, especially when the goal is to ‘win’ or ‘dominate’ the ‘opponent’, the truth is rather surprising.
Although the goal on the mat is measuring your skills against another person will be making him/her submit (give up) because of you ‘dominating your opponent, the main goal is to better yourself.
You’re practicing to hone your skills, get more fit and be a better practitioner in a physical way.
What is the best way to get the most out of your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey?
How do you progress while dealing with muscle soreness? How about recovering mentally after being submitted by that 17 year old kid who weighs around 30 pounds less then you do while recovering from the very intense session you had the day before?
Let’s take a look into some key elements that will help you to maximize your time on the mats!
Proper Self Care
For some people, these points are understandably no-brainers!
Taking care for yourself starts with staying hydrated, getting quality sleep (something very undervalued in todays society), taking necessary rest periods between training sessions, and eating clean.
Your body needs time to recuperate from the high intensity workout you’re putting it through, so please remember to fuel and maintain it by:
- Being hydrated. An adequate fluid intake is necessary to boost your metabolism, but also helps you recover. Drink water during the day and electrolyte beverages after training for maximum support.
- Sleeping well. During sleep, you recover your muscles while human growth hormones are released. Not to mention, a well needed ‘reset’ for your mind is granted when sleeping. CBD Drops and other natural relaxants can also assist in having good quality sleep.
- Eat healthy. ‘Fuel’ your body with clean food. Try to steer away from over-processed food, alcohol, added artificials, preservatives and saturated fats. Nourish your body with whole foods alongside your training accordindly.
Have a Plan
It’s easy to attend training sessions and let the coach lay out what to work on. At some point you will become aware of your strong points and skills that need to be sharpened.
Try to determine a goal for every class or period. This can be a complete spectrum of choices, ranging from ‘I’m going to make it through warming up without losing my breath’ to ‘This month I’m working on making my defensive guard very hard to pass’.
Having a plan and working to reach (short term) goals will assist you in staying motivated and making the most out of your training.
Using the Right Supplements
A lot of people generally reach for a Tiger Balm when dealing with sore muscles, but have you considered using CBD Balm? CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound that influences the endocannabinoid system.
The balm moisturizes/soothes the skin (very helpful when having mat-burns!), can relieve pain while acting as a modulator that promotes GABA. This neurotransmitter helps in numerous ways for calming your body.
Compared to the ‘Sports Centered Balms’ your muscles will be nourished in a natural way without that burning feeling on your skin combined with that typical smell that puts many users off while having additional benefits.
Not to metion, CBD works as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, assuring fast recovery time so you can get back on the mats as soon as possible!
FAQ Section
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and where is it from?
BJJ is derived from Judo (which itself is coming from traditional Japanese Jujitsu) where the focus lies on taking an opponent to the ground and submit him / her by using an array of techniques focused on body control and making your opponent ‘tap’ (give up) by the means of chokeholds or body- / joint locks.
BJJ grew in popularity when it was introduced as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the first events of The Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Most schools and competitions don’t allow kicks or punches, making it a less aggressive looking Martial Art, compared to Karate, (Kick)Boxing, etcetera although some schools offer a self-defense course.
Also No-Gi Jiu Jitsu or Grappling, the non-traditional form without use of the ‘Gi-uniform’, is taking a flight in popularity. Numerous practitioners are starting on a daily base around the world in either form of this physically AND mentally demanding Art.
How often should I train?
When starting you and your body have to adjust to training. Because your body will use muscles in a way they’ve never been used (in this intensity) before; muscles soreness and fatigue is guaranteed.
To adjust your body you could benefit by starting with 2 training sessions a week before upping the consistency. Too many people start highly motivated and train 4+ sessions a week before burning up physically or mentally, or getting an injury.
Listen to your body, and chose to train for the long term. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Where can I find more info about BJJ and / or grappling?
These days you can find almost everything on the internet. Most important for someone who wants to start is to look for schools nearby who are offering lessons that can fit in your daily / weekly schedule.
Try to see if you can attend a class to ‘feel’ the vibe of the school, the faculty, the teachers and your training partners. It’s a buyers’ market and you are the customer looking for a place to train so you are in your right to make some ‘terms’ for yourself before signing up.
Most schools offer free ‘taster’ sessions, call before making the trip to check the times and ask if you can come a bit earlier for a tour of the school and see what the facility has to offer.
I want to start, but first I need to get fit, when am I fit enough to give it a try?
Just start. You will get fit while you are already training! At first the warm-ups will drain your energy while you learn to use your body in a very different way. Use products that are designed for helping you recover as good as possible for your next class.
Proper hygiene, clean cut nails, a bottle of water, a t-shirt and shorts with maybe some flip flops (NEVER walk while wearing shoes on the mat) are all the practical things you need to start.
Most importantly, be motivated to learn, have fun and better yourself while granting your body the possibility to rest so you can get back to it!
Green Cuisine CBD has been, and is planning to do so again, with events of Polaris Pro Grappling. Polaris is Europe’s longest running (and most popular) large-scale professional grappling event. We are proud to attach our name on occasion with Europe’s biggest and most leading Promotion in Gi and No-Gi Grappling.
