S
Significance Deficit
Guest
It's a valid line of thinking, to an extent. You don't need to be in peak physical condition to train but it absolutely is helpful to show up able to handle a warm-up and get through a training session without throwing up or needing to take breaks constantly. It's hard to do two things at once and you're going to have a difficult time focusing on technique when you're barely able to get your hips off the mat and you're struggling to breathe the entire time. BJJ is fucking rough, no matter how accommodating you are.
I never understand the attitude like anyone can just jump in and start doing it no big deal. If your body isn't prepared for that sort of activity, injuries are a lot more likely. I think most people have blinders on to an extent and they think that immediately training as often as possible is the answer to everything. From what I've seen, people who show up in shape have a far better chance of sticking it out long term. People who try to get in shape through BJJ usually quit or get injured. Learning jiu-jitsu can be discouraging as fuck. Getting choked repeatedly isn't the best way to start off the process of making a drastic lifestyle change.
There's also the fact that the better you get at BJJ, the easier it becomes. Once you hit a base fitness level, your limitations are going to be because of technique. I've seen bigger dudes go all the way from their first day to purple or brown belt with almost no change in body composition. They just learn to adapt their game to their capabilities. Becoming a competent grappler is a different goal than getting in shape. One can lead to the other but they're largely separate things.
So basically... yeah, I'd tell someone to get in shape so they can start training BJJ. Not in fighting shape or anything like that, but put a few months in so they'll be better able to handle it.
I never understand the attitude like anyone can just jump in and start doing it no big deal. If your body isn't prepared for that sort of activity, injuries are a lot more likely. I think most people have blinders on to an extent and they think that immediately training as often as possible is the answer to everything. From what I've seen, people who show up in shape have a far better chance of sticking it out long term. People who try to get in shape through BJJ usually quit or get injured. Learning jiu-jitsu can be discouraging as fuck. Getting choked repeatedly isn't the best way to start off the process of making a drastic lifestyle change.
There's also the fact that the better you get at BJJ, the easier it becomes. Once you hit a base fitness level, your limitations are going to be because of technique. I've seen bigger dudes go all the way from their first day to purple or brown belt with almost no change in body composition. They just learn to adapt their game to their capabilities. Becoming a competent grappler is a different goal than getting in shape. One can lead to the other but they're largely separate things.
So basically... yeah, I'd tell someone to get in shape so they can start training BJJ. Not in fighting shape or anything like that, but put a few months in so they'll be better able to handle it.
