At my gym I was the smallest guy amongst the amateur fighters by 30-40 lbs on any given day. Lost my first MMA fight by unanimous decision. The week after my friend told me "be the hammer don't be the nail" I realized I was so used to being the smallest guy, I always sparred defensively. So from that day on, I became the hammer.
I do the same thing with my Jiu Jitsu. I'm either the smallest or 2nd smallest guy in my gym so I always roll defensively, but today I went on the offensive and actually tapped everyone I rolled with
This is exactly the video I needed! I just went 0-4 in my first bjj competition and I need to learn how to be more aggressive at the start of the round
@NK I mean i know that the pointing system could be better, but it values dominant positions and takedowns which is good and also good for self defense situations.
I binge watch your stuff when my wife takes the car to work and im off stuck at home lmfao. I also havent trained in like 2 months with no real excuse so im living vicariously through your videos.
Super helpful! I have my first tournament as a white belt coming up. I have also noticed I tend to be less aggressive until I get stuck then always seem to need to fight my way out from a deficit. 😅
Came here thinking it may be spun as 'Why you may want to start slow in matches'. Started in January, have my 1st comp next Saturday and was planning on putting it on 'em from start to finish. Thank you for confirming my strategy!
I think I have this same issue when it comes to my training. I am a 6'2ish 300lb blue belt and I tend to be pretty relaxed and have adopted the rule that in order to play my top game, I have to earn it by starting from my guard and either getting a sweep or transitioning to a better position depending on what my partner gives me. I've started to notice that when I roll with people more aggressive or more experienced than me, I tend to adopt a survival mindset and work on defending and/or escaping to a better position but hardly try for submissions unless they are blatantly giving it to me. I'm pretty I've psyched myself out against upper belts because I always feel like I'm walking into a trap and/or I'm worried that they may decide to suddenly ramp up the intensity if I DO tap them as that has happened to me with even an instance where a purple belt choked me unconscious even though I was tapping. It has resulted in me having trouble being proactive and insisting on working my techniques but I am now consciously working on it. Thank you for your videos as you've helped me tremendously with my perspective on several topics and thoughts!
Always appreciate your content. I'm bigger than a lot of guys I roll with, so I tend to start slow with them and let them set the pace. That's pretty much exactly the opposite of what you're recommending here lol, I'm realizing I put in way more reps of "get in a bad spot then get out" than "put them in a bad spot"
Just competed last weekend and I am definitely trying to get that thinking down for the next one because I always have to come back from behind because I started out to chill.
Hey Chewy, I appreciate you always mentioning chess and books you read. Both of these are hobbies of mine and so far your comments on chess have been accurate. Also, you have given good book recommendations. Have a good week!
@@Adam-sp8pl 1. Jiu-Jitsu University 2. Drill to win 3. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Techniques 4. Talent is Overrated 5. Reflections on the Art of Living 6. Tribe 7. The Sports Gene Are the ones I know of. Probably more. Its his hobby. My personal recommendation is The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. It is a sci/fi book.
Perfect timing Chewy.. I've got my first white belt comp this week after training for 5 months. Doing my best to keep the nerves down and go into it with positive aggression. Also love the work you do. Big fan from Australia.
I psyched myself up to be aggressive in my first no-gi match and landed a successful single leg. he eventually equalized the score but I got an advantage point at the very very last second of the match. Lame to win by advantage, but if I hadn't scored that single leg I wouldn't have set myself up to win
Here's a similar question: how can I use up my stamina better for BJJ. I'm used to fighting in MMA/Striking fights which go much longer and have rounds. When I did my first BJJ tourney, I barely used up any stamina while my opponents were very tired. However they beat me on points.
I love your videos man, been watching for a while! I had no idea you were out of lousiville until my coach told me the other day lol, I don’t know where I thought you lived but I didn’t think it was anywhere near KY! I had a pretty good laugh about it
QUESTION: context is: I’m 52, started at 51 (18 months ago). 6’4”, was 220lbs and now am at 200lbs (lost 30lbs and gained 10 in muscle). I want to roll for a long time. I do see myself earning a black belt, even if it takes me 20 years or more. Issue: I find myself taking care of my uke, *perhaps* to the detriment of my “success” as an opponent. I am concerned about hurting my training partner/opponent while rolling. I am interested in your perspective about this. I’m not on a “competition track”, nor was competing my main interest in BJJ.
I’m same way, I want to have great technique and not force subs just for my ego. So I end up not subbing as much as others because they will try to force bad technique. Someone told me this will benefit me in the long run. You shouldn’t have to slam people into a position or sub leading to injury. If you have good control and position it should be fairly easy where you can easy into it.
I always wait for lower guides to make a move, but higher guys that me, I go full gear from the start because if you give then the pace they will drag you to hell.
My issue is I am higher ranked in fundamentals (almost a blue belt) and alot of the new females coming in get put with me and 2 other ladies. I feel like I get stuck in this: BE easy on the new people. Be careful rolling with the guys because you get what you give and I might legit get mashed. Not good enough to be competitive with the upper blues, and definitely not the purples. So when I roll, I am hesitant to go hard, because I am used to being told to be easy, or out of fear of being crushed. I am also 5'7, 165lbs and consider my self to be decently strong. So I am taller, and outweigh every lady in the gym. I am in a weird spot right now.
I just had my first BJJ class back on Saturday, and it went well. I’ll be going back this Wednesday for a fundamentals class. It’s hard telling whether or not I’ll be getting into competitions as they’re not mandatory, but they’re encouraged, so as time goes on I suppose we’ll see.
That’s exciting! Welcome to the sport. Don’t mind the initial soreness, buy a rash guard, and go slow 🙏 You should definitely try at least one competition, but it may be better to wait several months or even deep into your second stripe. You probably won’t get an accurate gauge of your white belt game right now. If you compete this early it just won’t make sense to you the same as it will further into the belt.
I have struggled with this, too, with opponents always getting the jump on me and then having to recover. I got way too fixated and trying to read and react to what they were going to do. In my last match, I decided that the moment the ref said 'fight,' I was going to step to my left and try to shoot an underhook. Nothing more than that. Just something, ANYTHING, other than hesitating. And then, my training could start to take over from there, whether I got the underhook or not. Not saying it's a magic bullet, but I won a title with it.
So so for I’m usually the biggest guy on the mat at my gym. Any where 40-50 lbs or more lighter then me. This makes it harder for me to super aggressive out of fear of injuring my teammates. Them comes in my upper belts ( I’m a blue belt) or the a heavy comes by an end getting smashed from the slower of rolling.
My last match my opponent was super aggressive which I used to my advantage. He was going super fast out of the gate which is not my game but I felt I had to match his aggressiveness. Do you recommend matching your opponents speed and aggressiveness ? I feel you kinda have to or else they’ll have the upper hand.
I have my first comp coming up. Any tips? I have fought in boxing and kickboxing but I went to watch a bjj comp lately. Am I wrong to think it seams more fun. Win or lose it seams like it's a happier atmosphere.
I am always the fast starter, i always win my first match except one time as a white belt against a purple belt (2-0 overtime). Then I'm gassed out the rest of the day. So i have the opposite problem
Hey Chewy, thanks for doing what you do! I have a question - how can you still train or at least not lose ground when you're sick or injured? Don't get me wrong, the sickness/injury itself still sucks, but I find myself being more annoyed that I can't train effectively and it can really hurt my mentality.
Is it frowned upon to learn moves online and then bring them into your rolling? Should I only use moves I've been taught by my instructor? I've been a white belt for about 4 months
Depends on your instructor but you're probably good to go. Focus on learning basic positions, transitions, sweeps, etc... but have fun with your jujitsu too.
Bro everybody I mean everybody is watching same video as you. We all follow big matches and next day you will see same move on your local mat. I been getting Gordon smashed ever since he made hilbilly tap from the pressure, it sucks
@@EWOKakaDOOM I never understood why some gyms get mad at leg attacks. Who in right mind will hip into hill hook? Specially in normal roll. But I seen people freak out just by going for the leg.
At my gym I was the smallest guy amongst the amateur fighters by 30-40 lbs on any given day. Lost my first MMA fight by unanimous decision. The week after my friend told me "be the hammer don't be the nail" I realized I was so used to being the smallest guy, I always sparred defensively. So from that day on, I became the hammer.
I do the same thing with my Jiu Jitsu. I'm either the smallest or 2nd smallest guy in my gym so I always roll defensively, but today I went on the offensive and actually tapped everyone I rolled with
Awesome and inspiring :-)
This is exactly the video I needed! I just went 0-4 in my first bjj competition and I need to learn how to be more aggressive at the start of the round
@NK I mean i know that the pointing system could be better, but it values dominant positions and takedowns which is good and also good for self defense situations.
I binge watch your stuff when my wife takes the car to work and im off stuck at home lmfao. I also havent trained in like 2 months with no real excuse so im living vicariously through your videos.
No excuses? Get your butt in the gym then!
Super helpful! I have my first tournament as a white belt coming up. I have also noticed I tend to be less aggressive until I get stuck then always seem to need to fight my way out from a deficit. 😅
I made a mantra in wrestling class/bjj last night. "I relax under pressure, I strike like a serpent" heads be flying lol.
Opening techniques are such a relief! Wrestling up, takes downs, thanks so much
Came here thinking it may be spun as 'Why you may want to start slow in matches'. Started in January, have my 1st comp next Saturday and was planning on putting it on 'em from start to finish. Thank you for confirming my strategy!
I think I have this same issue when it comes to my training. I am a 6'2ish 300lb blue belt and I tend to be pretty relaxed and have adopted the rule that in order to play my top game, I have to earn it by starting from my guard and either getting a sweep or transitioning to a better position depending on what my partner gives me. I've started to notice that when I roll with people more aggressive or more experienced than me, I tend to adopt a survival mindset and work on defending and/or escaping to a better position but hardly try for submissions unless they are blatantly giving it to me. I'm pretty I've psyched myself out against upper belts because I always feel like I'm walking into a trap and/or I'm worried that they may decide to suddenly ramp up the intensity if I DO tap them as that has happened to me with even an instance where a purple belt choked me unconscious even though I was tapping. It has resulted in me having trouble being proactive and insisting on working my techniques but I am now consciously working on it. Thank you for your videos as you've helped me tremendously with my perspective on several topics and thoughts!
Happy to help.
Needed this, Getting ready for first comp! Default aggressive
Always appreciate your content. I'm bigger than a lot of guys I roll with, so I tend to start slow with them and let them set the pace. That's pretty much exactly the opposite of what you're recommending here lol, I'm realizing I put in way more reps of "get in a bad spot then get out" than "put them in a bad spot"
Thanks for the video! Hesitancy is kicking my butt right now even when I roll with other beginners.
Just competed last weekend and I am definitely trying to get that thinking down for the next one because I always have to come back from behind because I started out to chill.
Hey Chewy,
I appreciate you always mentioning chess and books you read. Both of these are hobbies of mine and so far your comments on chess have been accurate. Also, you have given good book recommendations.
Have a good week!
Could you give a list of his book recommendations?
@@Adam-sp8pl 1. Jiu-Jitsu University
2. Drill to win
3. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Techniques
4. Talent is Overrated
5. Reflections on the Art of Living
6. Tribe
7. The Sports Gene
Are the ones I know of. Probably more. Its his hobby. My personal recommendation is The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. It is a sci/fi book.
Perfect timing Chewy.. I've got my first white belt comp this week after training for 5 months. Doing my best to keep the nerves down and go into it with positive aggression. Also love the work you do. Big fan from Australia.
Me too bro
@@scottyblackburn8059 good luck mate
Love the chess insight. I play the London and Caro Kahn
I psyched myself up to be aggressive in my first no-gi match and landed a successful single leg. he eventually equalized the score but I got an advantage point at the very very last second of the match. Lame to win by advantage, but if I hadn't scored that single leg I wouldn't have set myself up to win
Here's a similar question: how can I use up my stamina better for BJJ. I'm used to fighting in MMA/Striking fights which go much longer and have rounds. When I did my first BJJ tourney, I barely used up any stamina while my opponents were very tired. However they beat me on points.
I love your videos man, been watching for a while! I had no idea you were out of lousiville until my coach told me the other day lol, I don’t know where I thought you lived but I didn’t think it was anywhere near KY! I had a pretty good laugh about it
QUESTION:
context is: I’m 52, started at 51 (18 months ago). 6’4”, was 220lbs and now am at 200lbs (lost 30lbs and gained 10 in muscle). I want to roll for a long time. I do see myself earning a black belt, even if it takes me 20 years or more.
Issue: I find myself taking care of my uke, *perhaps* to the detriment of my “success” as an opponent.
I am concerned about hurting my training partner/opponent while rolling. I am interested in your perspective about this.
I’m not on a “competition track”, nor was competing my main interest in BJJ.
Have you thought about taking that as a strength?
I’m same way, I want to have great technique and not force subs just for my ego. So I end up not subbing as much as others because they will try to force bad technique.
Someone told me this will benefit me in the long run. You shouldn’t have to slam people into a position or sub leading to injury. If you have good control and position it should be fairly easy where you can easy into it.
Saving for a video.
I always wait for lower guides to make a move, but higher guys that me, I go full gear from the start because if you give then the pace they will drag you to hell.
My issue is I am higher ranked in fundamentals (almost a blue belt) and alot of the new females coming in get put with me and 2 other ladies. I feel like I get stuck in this: BE easy on the new people. Be careful rolling with the guys because you get what you give and I might legit get mashed. Not good enough to be competitive with the upper blues, and definitely not the purples.
So when I roll, I am hesitant to go hard, because I am used to being told to be easy, or out of fear of being crushed. I am also 5'7, 165lbs and consider my self to be decently strong. So I am taller, and outweigh every lady in the gym.
I am in a weird spot right now.
I am born vicious I'm learning to control a decade later
My 20th tournament this Sunday!! I’ve been competing since I was four and 13 now thank you for all of advice hopefully it works out
I just had my first BJJ class back on Saturday, and it went well. I’ll be going back this Wednesday for a fundamentals class. It’s hard telling whether or not I’ll be getting into competitions as they’re not mandatory, but they’re encouraged, so as time goes on I suppose we’ll see.
That’s exciting! Welcome to the sport. Don’t mind the initial soreness, buy a rash guard, and go slow 🙏 You should definitely try at least one competition, but it may be better to wait several months or even deep into your second stripe. You probably won’t get an accurate gauge of your white belt game right now. If you compete this early it just won’t make sense to you the same as it will further into the belt.
@@DoggosAndJiuJitsu thanks for the recommendations!
@@Tyler16bit always, brother. You’ll be addicted if you aren’t already, there is nothing quite like it. Keep us posted!
I play heavy defense in my first match and it seems to work well. Everyone is far more calm (tired) after the first.
Great videos!
Thank you, Professor!
Answered prayer 🙏🏿🙏🏿 thank you professor
Chewy time!!
I have struggled with this, too, with opponents always getting the jump on me and then having to recover. I got way too fixated and trying to read and react to what they were going to do. In my last match, I decided that the moment the ref said 'fight,' I was going to step to my left and try to shoot an underhook. Nothing more than that. Just something, ANYTHING, other than hesitating. And then, my training could start to take over from there, whether I got the underhook or not.
Not saying it's a magic bullet, but I won a title with it.
Dope video
Good Info. Lost my fist MMA fight couple months ago. Hope this will help.😂
I had my first bjj competition today, and exactly this happend to me.
Just got home and youtube reccomends this video lol.
00:50 exactly my „game“
Hesitancy - that's me (when rolling- haven't competed)
So so for I’m usually the biggest guy on the mat at my gym. Any where 40-50 lbs or more lighter then me. This makes it harder for me to super aggressive out of fear of injuring my teammates. Them comes in my upper belts ( I’m a blue belt) or the a heavy comes by an end getting smashed from the slower of rolling.
My last match my opponent was super aggressive which I used to my advantage. He was going super fast out of the gate which is not my game but I felt I had to match his aggressiveness. Do you recommend matching your opponents speed and aggressiveness ? I feel you kinda have to or else they’ll have the upper hand.
I have my first comp coming up. Any tips? I have fought in boxing and kickboxing but I went to watch a bjj comp lately. Am I wrong to think it seams more fun. Win or lose it seams like it's a happier atmosphere.
I wanna ask how do you get better on the attack mode as a beginner, or point me to one of your videos if you’ve done it already pleaseeeee!
Saving for a question
Chewy's advice - go ultra instinct
Chewwwwwwwwwyyyyyyyyyyy
I am always the fast starter, i always win my first match except one time as a white belt against a purple belt (2-0 overtime). Then I'm gassed out the rest of the day. So i have the opposite problem
Hey Chewy, thanks for doing what you do! I have a question - how can you still train or at least not lose ground when you're sick or injured? Don't get me wrong, the sickness/injury itself still sucks, but I find myself being more annoyed that I can't train effectively and it can really hurt my mentality.
If you're sick for a few days it's not gonna make a difference.
Is it frowned upon to learn moves online and then bring them into your rolling? Should I only use moves I've been taught by my instructor? I've been a white belt for about 4 months
Depends on your instructor but you're probably good to go. Focus on learning basic positions, transitions, sweeps, etc... but have fun with your jujitsu too.
Bro everybody I mean everybody is watching same video as you. We all follow big matches and next day you will see same move on your local mat. I been getting Gordon smashed ever since he made hilbilly tap from the pressure, it sucks
You can bring in your own moves to practice, they might get pissed if you do heel hooks or seomthing though
@@EWOKakaDOOM I never understood why some gyms get mad at leg attacks. Who in right mind will hip into hill hook? Specially in normal roll. But I seen people freak out just by going for the leg.
Nah it's fine.
First match is always tough 🤦♂️
Drill, drill, drill, and have a game plan
Hello
No I wrestled.
100%. I'm a 4 stripe white belt and have this same thought process. Fucking kills me.