Jocko’s advice on how working professionals can avoid injuries when starting jiu jitsu.
In the JOCKOPODCAST 44, Jocko is asked the question about how to avoid injuries when training BJJ if you are someone who works with their hands or needs to use their body for their professional duties. If you are just getting into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for sport or hobby Jocko has some tips for you that might help you reduce your injuries.
BJJ training and injuries are going to go hand in hand if you stick to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu long enough, however not everyone can afford to get hurt or injured, explains Jocko.
Jocko goes on to explain that injuries are bound to happen in any sport or any line of work, but there are some types of professionals who need to be extra careful in training because they are the ones who need their bodies for their 9-5 jobs. This includes firefighters, cops, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, etc.
Jocko mentions how he had an 80% tear in his mcl that kept him off the mats and even though leading up to that injury he had been heal hooked by his training partner Dean Lister thousands of times it was during a day of surfing when he tore his mcl, so he prefaces his answer with “you can get hurt doing anything”. As Jiu Jitsu practitioners there is no doubt that we are certainly at a higher risk of injury then people who don’t practice our martial art.
After all that is the main reason that we started JiuJitsuInsurance.com to educate grapplers young and old about the benefits of insuring themselves with low-cost supplemental accident and injury policies that only cost around $20 per month.
If you are just getting into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for sport or hobby, Jocko has some tips for you that might help you reduce your injuries.
So, quick financial tip before you take in Jacko’s advice on reducing injury.
Here it is; because injuries are bound to happen consider getting yourself a quote for one of our insurance policies that help you cover your medical bills (regardless of any other insurance coverage) for your injuries on, or off the mats.
Here are some of Jocko’s tips to reduce injuries when you’re starting in Jiu-Jitsu.
Pick the right training partner.
It is common sense, to avoid any injury, avoid “That Guy”. There’s always one at every gym. He is famous for hurting his partners and cranking submissions. This is often the case for beginners who are jacked up on testosterone. Pair that with a sensitive ego and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. You can always politely decline their offer to roll, there is no shame in it. To grow, you must enjoy the process, not resent yourself for not saying no.
What you can do is roll with the experienced guys. The chances of you getting hurt by a brown or purple belt are extremely low as compared to you rolling with a white belt. Why? Because experienced guys are far more accurate in executing their techniques.
Don’t neglect your warm-up!
Warming up is crucial to get your body going. Breaking a sweat before rolling is necessary to avoid injuries. A cold body makes your muscles tight, and tight muscles are more prone to injury. Make sure you participate in the warm-up drills before each class. Another fun way to warm up is to go one round with your training partner at a light pace. Stretch and get your body going in a rhythm. The more flexible you are, the better. Being tight and constricted is not good for your body, this is something that is always neglected.
Tape your fingers.
If you are someone who uses their fingers for work, then you should tape them. The tape will be your best friend to avoid injuries. Especially if you are a guitarist, a writer, a coder, a programmer, or a painter, you’ll need to protect your fingers. Finger injuries are more common in Gi. So, if you can, try and roll more in No-Gi. Training BJJ will make your fingers stronger. So, despite the risk of getting your pinky broken, you will get a strong iron-like grip if you are careful in the game.
If you need help learning how to tape your fingers for BJJ then checkout this tutorial we created for you. Click Here >>>
Be careful in standup.
Some people are more susceptible to get hurt in wrestling or standup. Compared to rolling from the ground, standup can be more difficult. Especially if you’re not physically adapted to explosive takedowns and throws, it’s going to be hard on your knees and ankles. You are more likely to get an MCL tear or have an ankle pop during standup. Now, like everything else, that does not mean you do not train in standup. For someone who is in the military, in the police, or security, they need to know how to perform takedowns, throws, and tackles.
It’s okay to say ‘no’.
Some people are more likely than others to give you injuries. That does not make them bad people, a lot of beginners just do not understand Jiu-Jitsu in depth. Every black belt was once in those shoes. To avoid hurting anyone’s ego, you can use a simple white lie to avoid rolling with them. Some of Jocko’s recommended lines are:
“I only roll with guys under 140 lbs.” or “I’m sorry, I’m with Billy over there.”
Look, a little white lie won’t hurt anybody. You don’t have to ruin the vibe by rejecting someone’s offer to dance, just be nice with it. Remember, disarming is better than confronting people.
Conclusion
Always gauge your strengths and weaknesses. If you want to train and become a competitive athlete, you won’t be able to avoid injuries all the time. You can’t avoid people all the time either. Sometimes a strong white belt can teach you a lot about the game. Rolling with the same guys will make your routine redundant so try and break the cycle occasionally.
Guys who are in their 30’s or 40’s need to strive for longevity and life beyond the mats. You must think about your family. Finally, do yourself a favor and get a Jiu-Jitsu insurance plan that can cover the high cost of your medical bills or any time needed off work. A small amount of $25 or so is worth the mental satisfaction and pays benefits all the time for active grapplers because the policies do not have exclusions for grappling (unless you fight for money).
