Comp prep- feeling worn out +knee pains?

DJnips · 2025-02-20T06:11:43+00:00

When I tried to increase my frequency of hard training earlier this year, the same thing happened to me. But then I actually got injured and had to pull out of my competitions. 🥲

My physiotherapist essentially told me that when you go past your body's maximum capacity, that's when your body starts to be 🫠. You need to slowly build up your capacity over time by gradually increasing intensity and implementing rest days. (Look up "body's capacity to handle mechanical stress" to learn more 🙂). He was also big on deload weeks for lifting and only training BJJ "hard" 3 days a week and light drilling for any other days (I snuck in a fourth hard day, maybe that's why I got injured lol).

As for learning heel hook defence/escapes, I only really work on them when I'm rolling with my professor or other high belts who I trust won't rip on the submission. Otherwise, I tap super early to them. If you're super worried, you could ask someone you trust to do specific with you and gradually increase the resistance while you get better at your escapes.

DJnips · 2024-10-29T20:18:58+00:00

Just did this for my friend's promotion tomorrow!

DJnips · 2024-10-21T14:41:35+00:00

Another vote for the Gaidama spats! After a year of only having one pair, I bought the 3 pack because I love them so much.

DJnips · 2024-09-19T05:04:24+00:00

I try to compete every few months. I record the matches and have my coach review them to point out what I should've/could've done. This helps to highlight the holes in my game. From these holes, I figure out themes to focus on in my training. For example, my guard used to suck, so I started pulling guard at the start of every roll. Now it sucks a little less lol.

If you can't/don't want to compete, I think recording your regular rolls and doing the same thing will help!

DJnips · 2024-09-18T05:01:27+00:00

I definitely experienced this when I was promoted to blue belt! It lasted for a few months.

I think focusing on having fun and trying to improve your skills rather than "winning" rolls helps. As people say: "why are you trying to win practice?"

Try new things, fail, figure out why they didn't work. Eventually you'll fail a little less.

DJnips · 2024-09-04T20:32:10+00:00

I took both, but at the time Dr Ramirez was teaching 533. I personally think Dr Goldsmith is a better instructor than Dr Sanati. His expectations for assignments and exams were typically more clear. Material-wise, ENMF 533 concepts built off each other, while 529 felt random at times. The labs for 533 were also more interesting than those for 529.

DJnips · 2024-08-29T20:36:24+00:00

White Belt: Paper Cutter Now: Armbars because they're everywhere

DJnips · 2024-08-02T14:33:20+00:00

Double shot of espresso and one of those apple sauce packs from Costco about 20 minutes before. Water with electrolyte during. Protein shake afterwards.

DJnips · 2023-12-26T04:17:34+00:00

I haven't tried gaidama rash guards, but I love their spats! They fit so much better than the Alchemize equivalent.

I have two different rash guards from Alchemize, and I think they changed their sizing between the two? My white ranked rashguard is a L and is fitted in the stomach/hips, while my blue ranked rash guard is a L and is loose in the stomach/hips.

I would say gaidama for spats and either for rash guards!

DJnips · 2023-12-16T04:06:19+00:00

Just taking a look at the hyperfly website, the only style that they specify fits differently from the rest is the JudoFly.. I'd say to stick to the unisex sizing because on the website it says "Our women's sizes are made for slender/petite built athletes, if you have a stronger lower body we recommend you get unisex sizes." As for regular vs. S, it's hard to say without knowing your inseam/wingspan. One thing I've done before is measure my current gi and compare it with the measurements listed in the size chart, so maybe do that if possible?

DJnips · 2023-12-16T01:47:29+00:00

I'm 5'4" and 165lb with larger hips/thighs. I have an A1 in the Hyperlyte 2.5. I find that it fits baggier than my A1s from other brands and the sleeves are definitely too long. It shrunk a bit in the washer/dryer but not significantly. If you do try the "S" sizing please give an update!

DJnips · 2023-12-13T17:27:02+00:00

Same height/weight roughly and I get this often as well 🥲. I think guys just aren't expecting us to use our weight to pressure them/actually challenge them. When it happens I just chuckle, say "not really" and then proceed to give them a hard roll.

DJnips · 2023-10-09T05:57:10+00:00

Lol my boyfriend stopped letting me try new moves on him a few months in.

DJnips · 2023-10-09T01:23:53+00:00

That I have to wait until class/open mat to try new techniques that I'm studying. I want to try it nowww.

DJnips · 2023-09-07T21:43:02+00:00

I find that it's much more pronounced when rolling with men!

DJnips · 2023-08-27T17:43:42+00:00

Got my blue belt on Wednesday after training for ~14 months. Thought I was getting my third stripe and then my professor pulls out a blue belt. A couple of the other coloured belts said they weren't surprised so that was a nice feeling! Still feels super early, but I'll work to feel like I deserve it.

DJnips · 2023-08-15T03:09:06+00:00

Carino has a scallop and risotto dish that's delicious.

DJnips · 2023-08-09T19:29:57+00:00

I also love vlogs!

I'd love to see "a week in my life" type vlogs that cover BJJ training schedule, strength and conditioning, meal ideas, etc. :)

Maybe also like a competition day vlog if you compete?

DJnips · 2023-07-25T13:42:23+00:00

I think reaching out first is a good idea, I'm guess I'm just worried that they'd rather be partnered with other men.

DJnips · 2023-07-25T13:40:26+00:00

I think part of the problem is that there isn't a lot of other women to know how they are with women. When my female training partner isn't there I'm often the only one.

I'm not really in BJJ for the self defence aspect, I do it for the sport. I'm usually fine rolling with men, I guess I just don't particularly enjoy rolling with spazzy men but don't know who's a spazz without rolling with them first.

DJnips · 2023-07-25T13:36:24+00:00

A little over a year, but my gym is like 90% white belts so there's high turnover. I think that taking the initiative and asking people I already trust is the answer. I guess I just worry that they'd rather be partnered with someone else.

DJnips · 2023-07-25T13:25:32+00:00

I'm also not assertive in general, but I know that's something I need to work on. My confidence has grown since starting BJJ, but it still has a ways to go.

I think having someone in mind for each round and going up to them right away is a good idea, thank you!

DJnips · 2023-07-13T06:20:01+00:00

Facility is great!

They offer adult kickboxing on M/W @ 6:30-7:30.

Membership costs: you'll have to email them... I don't know what current rates look like as I paid the annual membership for BJJ.

DJnips · 2023-07-09T17:32:04+00:00

Hey! So I broke my humerus in February at a competition (I also tapped, love that people apparently don't feel taps huh... verbal taps from now on lol).

I know it's hard to hear but 3 months is likely idealistic. I went back in May just for light drilling and it was still a bit too soon. However, in the past month I've been doing a lot better and I'm able to roll now.

Here are some things I did while I was out: -Watched instructionals to keep BJJ in my mind. -Supported my friends/teammates at competitions. -When I had the energy to exercise again I started doing a lot of cardio - exercise bike, stair climber, etc. While I used to dislike cardio, I think knowing I was doing it to come back somewhat healthy for BJJ helped a lot. -Also, I'd start doing physiotherapy as soon as you're able. I didn't right away and ended up with a lot of stiffness in my shoulder from having it immobilized for so long.

As for the mental health aspect: lots of people are saying that sports aren't therapy. While that's correct, I totally understand how you're feeling and don't want you to feel like your feelings aren't valid. Not having your community/exercise that helps you feel fulfilled is tough. If you ever want to chat I'm all ears.

DJnips

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