New in BJJ and not flexible

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pipes21

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I have taken a few classes in bjj and really enjoy it, but I am not flexible in the hips whatsoever and it is def hurting my progression i think. The instructors have made some suggestions, but I thought i would ask here as well. Kepp in mind I am 6'2, 230 lbs.
 
Just keep going to it and you'll more than likely be fine. I mean you can add stretching into your daily routine if it's that important to you.
 
to improve stretching you will want to have a stretching period when you wake up for about 15 mins. Then stretch b4 and after you workout or roll Bjj.

If you want to see more results-- stretch whenever possible--- when bored-- or while relaxing and watching TV. Also have a stretch before bed.

Taking advice from a few Eddie Bravo interviews you can even work on your choke strength on your off time or down time.

Sit on your butt, draw one foot near your butt so that your foot is flat on the ground and your knee is up in the air. then slide your right arm around your knee and apply the choke. squeeze for length of time to increase choke pressure
 
AliasAO said:
to improve stretching you will want to have a stretching period when you wake up for about 15 mins. Then stretch b4 and after you workout or roll Bjj.

If you want to see more results-- stretch whenever possible--- when bored-- or while relaxing and watching TV. Also have a stretch before bed.

Taking advice from a few Eddie Bravo interviews you can even work on your choke strength on your off time or down time.

Sit on your butt, draw one foot near your butt so that your foot is flat on the ground and your knee is up in the air. then slide your right arm around your knee and apply the choke. squeeze for length of time to increase choke pressure
Click to expand...

Thanks!! this is the kind of advice i was looking for. I know stretching and doing more bjj will help, but this is what will help for sure. thanks. I will just keep at it and keep stretching!!
 
Look up the butterfly stretch. It's the core stretch for BJJ. Try to sit in it any chance you get and gradually try to get your feet closer to your groin and your knees flat on the ground. Eddie Bravo will not give a black belt to anyone in his class that can't do a proper butterfly stretch.
 
Just train. It will get better. I promise. I started 2 months ago and I was about as flexible as a rebar enforced wall. In a short time, training only BJJ, I've come to be almost as flexible as the rest of the class.
 
I have acquired a hip defect from years of martial arts and hockey and lack flexability at baseline. The key to flexibilty is to ensure a good warm-up prior to BJJ or going to the gym by increasing blood flow to your target muscles (not by doing static stretches before activity). You want to focus on static stretching after you roll or exercise when your muscles are primed. There is a host of quality literature on this as we all grew up static stretching before exercise. Warm-up with light calisthenics/jog etc for at least 5 min. Also consider a yoga DVD (I use Yoga for Athletes which is basically different traditional yoga poses with a DVD title which makes manly-men think it is something exclusively for them!). I have really learned to adapt to my condition and even thrown on some gogoplatas when the opportunity permits. Most importantly I am injury free for the first time in my life which means more rolling.
 
Work your way around it. Flexibility helps (A LOT) but it's not the be all and end all. Work the techniques that help and work for you. Hopefully with stretching and reps you will find a improvement in the flexibility stakes
 
Butterfly stretch everyday. I do it in the morning, befire my grappling class and during the warmup as well. Hip flexibility is probably the most important.
 
Well, you know what you gotta do, so keep at it! The butterfly stretch is always a good one, and maybe the best one for BJJ and guard work. One thing I like to do is a variation of it where I put my legs in that position, but in a way where I can touch the ground with the knees, and go forward, with my hands on my back. I don't know if what I'm doing is very correct, but it helped a lot with my flexibility and the butterfly stretch for me. Putting my foot in my chest on that same position also helps me. Too bad I don't think I can find any pictures right now for you to get the idea...

Warming up is very good, especially if you'll stretch in the morning. I usually take the morning sessions and without a very light run before warmup I can't even touch my toes. After that, it's all good.
 
Thanks everyone, great tips and I will def work around it for now, but start stretching more everyday. all the input id greatly appreciated.
 
Try yoga or pilates. Erase all misconceptions that you have about pilates, because its not just an exercise routine for middle-aged women in spandex. it will do wonders for your core strength, flexibility and dexterity.

You'll get more flexible just by continuing to do BJJ, but it'll only help so much if you dont do anything outside of class.
 
dcmsm said:
Try yoga or pilates. Erase all misconceptions that you have about pilates, because its not just an exercise routine for middle-aged women in spandex. it will do wonders for your core strength, flexibility and dexterity.

You'll get more flexible just by continuing to do BJJ, but it'll only help so much if you dont do anything outside of class.
Click to expand...

I agree with you 100%. I take a Pilates class with my girlfriend every week.
 
AliasAO said:
to improve stretching you will want to have a stretching period when you wake up for about 15 mins. Then stretch b4 and after you workout or roll Bjj.

If you want to see more results-- stretch whenever possible--- when bored-- or while relaxing and watching TV. Also have a stretch before bed.
Click to expand...


^^ This.
 
I am the same size as TS. Yoga has helped me a lot. You will probably never be as flexible as those skinny teens in your class, but it will help.

You should also develop a game that does not rely on that attribute. Frankly i find a lot of the stuff that relies on extreme flexibility is bunk.
 
I don't understand how something can be hurting your progression when you've only taken a few classes. You don't have any progression to hurt. Stretch and keep training, it'll come.
 
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