Returning to the mats after time away from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be challenging, especially when everyone has been sidelined due to the same reason - COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. As BJJ academies reopen their doors, here are essential tips to help you transition back to training smoothly and sustainably.
Reconnect With Your Why
Before diving back into training, take a moment to remember what drew you to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu initially. Was it the mental stimulation that kept your mind focused during rolls? The practical self-defense skills that built your confidence? Or perhaps the supportive community that made exercise a social rather than solitary activity?
Reconnecting with your personal BJJ motivation creates a stronger foundation for your return. Having clear goals in mind will make readjusting to regular training significantly easier, especially during uncertain times.
Embrace a Gradual Return to BJJ
Resist the temptation to train as intensely as you did before your break. Your body needs time to readjust to BJJ's unique physical demands. Throwing yourself too aggressively back into training might lead to injuries or burnout that could derail your comeback altogether.
Start with one or two sessions weekly, focusing on technique rather than intensity. This approach allows your body to rebuild the specific conditioning BJJ requires while minimizing injury risk. As your stamina improves, gradually increase your training frequency and intensity.
Schedule Training Like Important Appointments
Make BJJ training non-negotiable by scheduling it into your calendar as you would important meetings. When you treat classes as casual options, they become easy to skip when life gets busy.
Remember that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers benefits beyond physical fitness - it provides mental clarity, stress relief, and social connection. Regular training contributes to your overall wellbeing, helping you not just cope but thrive in your daily life despite ongoing challenges.
Prepare for Success
Set yourself up for consistent training by identifying and implementing your personal success triggers. Maybe packing your gi bag the night before removes a barrier to attending class after work. Perhaps having a light snack an hour before training gives you the energy needed for productive rolls.
Everyone's preparation needs differ, so reflect on what previously helped maintain your training consistency and implement those strategies again.
Leverage Training Partners
Accountability partners significantly increase training consistency. Bringing a friend to class makes you more likely to show up when motivation wanes. Many academies offer referral incentives - at Kaizen Lab Jiujitsu, members who bring new students receive referral rewards, while new students training with friends enjoy discounts.
With these strategies, you'll soon be back in the swing of regular BJJ training, rebuilding skills and connections that make the art so valuable.