TFS#21: Make The Most Of Your Time

As an older grappler you have to become more efficient with your time on the mats.

Whether it’s needing more time to recover, or shifting priorities, you’re more likely to spend less time on the mats as you get older.

And you’ll want to consider which training methods in addition to which techniques are best suited for your body.

You know what I’m talking about…that nagging injury that comes and goes.

Eventually, it doesn’t go anymore and it stays.

Or the explosive power you had no longer holds the same heft behind it.

I don’t mean to scare you but I just want to point out that your journey will shift.

Quite frankly, there is a time limit on the mat for all of us.

But that doesn’t mean your growth has to suffer, you can adapt the way you approach Jiu-Jitsu and make the most of what you do have left.

For the younger readers, keep it simple: continue to give your best to your training!

I would hate to be an old man one day and realize I didn’t give my best efforts to the sport I love.

The same way I would hate to look back and see I didn’t give my best efforts to the people I love.

Action Items

• Choose your training partners wisely → It’s okay to turn down a roll. Be respectful and honest to the person. This is most true when you are coming off an injury. We’re fortunate to be able to train Jiu-Jitsu, so make sure you can continue to train.

• Tailor your game → I’ve been to gyms where instructors will teach classes based off of their personal game (which there is nothing wrong with). Because of that, it’s not uncommon for details to get left out for those with different bodies. Some people are big boned, some people are older, some people have previous injuries, and moves need to be adjusted for those people. Let your instructor know about your limitations and see what adjustments can be made.

• Study off hours → If time permits, it’s probably worth spending some efforts in studying professional athletes that are of the same age or have a similar body type as your’s. Finding people who have “done it before you” is an easy way to learn.

• Appreciate the small moments → Jiu-Jitsu should be fun. You should never have to feel like it’s a chore. Sometimes teammates will forget that encouragement can also come off as peer pressure. No one knows your body better than you do. Prioritize your enjoyment.

Techniques To Explore

1. One Simple Trick To Add To Your Guard Retention
If you ever have the issue of some athletic beast just jumping over your guard right at the beginning of the round, this simple grip might be what you need.

2. Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Working On Your Retention
Establishing your guard requires you to make good connections. It’s all about distance management—stay out of the “goldilocks zone” for the passer.

3. Ideas You Need As You Adjust Passing (Especially for older grapplers)
These ideas are worth incorporating into your style of passing for both smaller and older folks. These concepts will help you stabilize positions without the usage of athleticism and actually help you see your passing game in another light.

Quick Tips

>> Take Down ideas and their recovery

>> 8 things to keep in mind when dealing with a loss

Closing Thought

Give your best efforts to the mats.

That’s all you can do at any given moment.