BJJ issue

[thehairyfairy]

Hey guys, so when you guys roll do you think about what your going to do, or do you react instinctively to what your opponent does, I've been training for about 3 years now and I've noticed when I was reacting instinctively, I would get more submissions, (but would also get tapped out a lot more), however when rolling whilst thinking about what I was going to do carefully, I just seem to make more mistakes and not pull off as many subs, also since I've started to actively think about what I'm going to do, my style has become more defensive and I find myself countering my opponents sub/sweep attempts for most of it, even whilst i have the dominant top positions, does anyone have any tips on what their mindset is and how to become more offensive

P.S. I understand how rolling in training isn't about subs but about learning, but I don't think I'm as effective/efficient as before and would be thankful for any tips on how to become a more effective grappler.

 

[neomage2021]

It's a mixture fo both. More towards instinct when you are new. As you learn more and get more comfortable things will "slow down". You really start to understand BJJ when you are able to think a few moves ahead and really set things up.

Anyone can simply learn the techniques, but once you start to understand how they work together and can think ahead during practice or a match then you really start to "get" BJJ.

For now just go into eahc practice session with a list of techniques or a plan you want to try to execute. Even if you get subbed or it doesnt work keep trying it for that day to understand how to set up the technique or follow that game plan. YOu may have one idea of what you want to do, but by repeatedly trying to do it you may come to understand you need to modify the plan a bit.

 

[thehairyfairy]

thanks for the great response, I see what you're saying, i'm going to try to visualize what i'm going to do from now on and have a game plan for how I approach everyone I'm rolling with

 

[lechien]

I usually try to keep count of the score as I roll.

It helps getting some constructive information on well or how bad I did.

 

[Julianfolkbjj]

I usually try to keep count of the score as I roll.

It helps getting some constructive information on well or how bad I did.

I do the same thing lol

 

[thehairyfairy]

I usually try to keep count of the score as I roll.

It helps getting some constructive information on well or how bad I did.

Yeah I changed gyms (moved areas), my old gym everyone was really good so when you rolled with them they'd give you advice on how to improve, how they subbed you etc... with this new gym the atmosphere is different due to lots of new guys who don't really know what they're doing, but even the more experienced guys here are hard to approach they just have that mentality of rolling and going home.

 

[lechien]

Yeah I changed gyms (moved areas), my old gym everyone was really good so when you rolled with them they'd give you advice on how to improve, how they subbed you etc... with this new gym the atmosphere is different due to lots of new guys who don't really know what they're doing, but even the more experienced guys here are hard to approach they just have that mentality of rolling and going home.

just play your own point systems in your head and that will give you the path for your rolling.

sometimes, people should not give advices and opinions. It can be perceived as bad etiquette to be that guy that feel like coaching anyone, anyhow and anywhere.

 

[platfox]

I usually have certain techniques I'm practicing so I will be thinking about how I can get into position to use the those specific techniques. That is what I do for the majority of my rolls, especially if I'm training with less experienced people. I do allow myself a couple rolls a day where i try to use my best stuff, especially against equal or more experienced people, just to keep my best techniques sharp.

 

[van1ty]

I usually try to keep count of the score as I roll.

It helps getting some constructive information on well or how bad I did.

never heard something like this before in my life.

 

[fadingxero]

I think about what I might try beforehand, but when rolling starts everything is instinctual, unless the instructor says something (maybe that's why I'm not so good at BJJ).

 

[thehairyfairy]

just play your own point systems in your head and that will give you the path for your rolling.

sometimes, people should not give advices and opinions. It can be perceived as bad etiquette to be that guy that feel like coaching anyone, anyhow and anywhere.

Yeah I see what you're saying, I'll try to incorporate this point system thing the next time I roll because against guys of similar abilities I do get dominant positions but maybe not the sub all the time and ye I see what your saying about why some guys might not want to give advice but even when you ask them it's like they almost don't want to tell you how they do it, it's only annoying when someone with less experience/spazzer/someone you tap out a lot tries coaching you, that is bad etiquette.

 

[thehairyfairy]

I think about what I might try beforehand, but when rolling starts everything is instinctual, unless the instructor says something (maybe that's why I'm not so good at BJJ).

I think it's similar to the saying "everyone has a gameplan, until they get punched" I used to go on instinct all the time before i.e. just reacting in the opposite way to what my opponent was trying to do as opposed to understanding leverage and proper technique, now my technique has definitely improved but I guess there's just that missing link between what my brain wants me to do, as opposed to what I actually do

 

[lechien]

I think it's similar to the saying "everyone has a gameplan, until they get punched" I used to go on instinct all the time before i.e. just reacting in the opposite way to what my opponent was trying to do as opposed to understanding leverage and proper technique, now my technique has definitely improved but I guess there's just that missing link between what my brain wants me to do, as opposed to what I actually do

well some people have a game plan, a blue print which they keep implementing until they get bored of it.

Then you add something new to the blue print.

I got really into the de la riva..training partners caught up with it and start to counter it a lot.

Then I will to research and found the sit up guard..etc....now I am more into reverse de la riva

 

[lechien]

Yeah I see what you're saying, I'll try to incorporate this point system thing the next time I roll because against guys of similar abilities I do get dominant positions but maybe not the sub all the time and ye I see what your saying about why some guys might not want to give advice but even when you ask them it's like they almost don't want to tell you how they do it, it's only annoying when someone with less experience/spazzer/someone you tap out a lot tries coaching you, that is bad etiquette.

against lower level training partner, you can practise the catch and release method or the 5 second rules.

Catch and release: catch into a sub..let go and see if new option opens up.i.e arm bar from mount..release into an omoplata or triangle.

5 second rules: let go of the sub attempt if you do not get the tap within 5 seconds..it avoids muscling out and cranking everything..creates a more relaxed and flowing roll and forces to be super technical.

 

[Modern Warrior1]

Just open up. I completely disagree with keeping score. When you relax, you learn.

 

[buhriyon]

I believe that your always thinking. It's just that as you gain experience the techniques have been drilled and practiced enough that they become instantaneous.

 

[OMjitsu316]

It feels better when you just let go, but I think you learn more when you try to slowly analyze all your positions and movements. As you get better at thinking about your choice positions, they start to get ingrained in your muscle memory, and you can start to do them without thinking.

 

[fadingxero]

I think it's similar to the saying "everyone has a gameplan, until they get punched" I used to go on instinct all the time before i.e. just reacting in the opposite way to what my opponent was trying to do as opposed to understanding leverage and proper technique, now my technique has definitely improved but I guess there's just that missing link between what my brain wants me to do, as opposed to what I actually do

Except I go into "instinct" mode even if I have mount/back/side control.

 

[Julianfolkbjj]

Overall the point system thing really shows how well you are doing. Just try to implement your game plan when you roll and not so much your instincts.

 

[TheCuttlefish]

I have to force myself to not be instinctual, otherwise my game is very undirected and I waste a lot of energy/time.