Table of Content
- The Ability to Use Visualization for Jiu-Jitsu
- Learning from Other Coaches and Sources
- Making a Decision to Compete
- Conclusion
This is a continuation post after 3rd Month of Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Growth Recap and My First Time at a Jiu-Jitsu Event (IBJJF) as a Spectator.
The Ability to Use Visualization for Jiu-Jitsu
You’ve heard the term shadow boxing before when someone train by themselves – throwing punches in the air fighting against an imaginary opponent. In similar I noticed that I was able to adequately imagine the execution of different techniques in detail as I close my eyes for Jiu-jitsu.
Visualization is common in sports and success. I still remember the time my Cross-Country coach told the whole team to shut our eyes and visualize running our 5K District Cross-Country race mile to mile.
I couldn’t visualize in such details before but I believe all the time in beginner’s class for intricate instructions while going through the motion physically has allowed me to visualize better. It’s a mind and body connection and I felt that this ability to visualize is as fun as it is productive and can be done anywhere and anytime.
Memory and drilling is important to retain knowledge absorbed in learning Jiu-jitsu to be able to execute the proper techniques on demand or when under pressure.
Learning from Other Coaches and Sources
Furthermore, I started to seek out other sources online. I would follow BJJ or combat related profiles so when I open my social media my news feed would consists of snippets of awesome techniques.
Before when I started BJJ, there was a lot that I didn’t know and so I just wanted to focus on one source – the classes offered at my martial arts school, but ever since I started blogging and kind of doing some extra homework on the side it allows me to also refresh my memory of what I learnt.
On the topic of memory, watching videos on particular techniques is a type of mind training in itself which aids into the ability to use visualization.
By other sources I also mean learning from other fighters I have not met before or receiving instructions from another coach (Gi classes) within the same school.
Making a Decision to Compete
After my first time at a Jiu-jitsu event as a spectator, I felt ready to test my skills. I had saw how aggressive the opponents were in competition. Coincidently Coach taught us a Portuguese term, “parrada” meaning; “Go hard!”
So in my 4th month as a beginner in BJJ, I signed up for my first competition giving me a month to prepare mentally and physically.
I decided to focus mainly on Gi because for me going between Gi and No Gi class confuses me. I wanted to be selective in order to be effective. Coach also recently hired new coaches (more Gi classes) so I saw a great opportunity to hop on and train Gi for five days a week.
I pretty much went from rolling no Gi often to switching over to rolling in Gi often. Doing Gi five days a week did take a toll in particular to my biceps. I think it was because my training partners weight about 20 lbs more and so my arms felt shot for a couple days a week.
Conclusion
Overall, I believe my knowledge of BJJ has expanded through doing extra homework outside and inside of class. The decision to compete allowed me to set my eyes on a goal to work towards which also made me a more dedicated student of Jiu-jitsu. It’s this fire of enthusiasm and love of learning the art. It’s the building upon knowledge like laying brick after brick as a foundation but for BJJ. It’s the constant growth, challenge, and community that keeps this fire burning within.
Ossu!
*On a side note, I’m still amaze at how much slimmer I’ve gotten. I thought I was already slim and fit but training BJJ/working out has gotten me even slimmer as my pants felt loose without a belt. I went from 7% body fat to 5% body fat in my 5th month.
