Slow and Steady: Sustainable Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Raphael, the teenage tortoise, sits prone at the starting line, his small, sturdy legs ready to propel him forward. The air is electric with anticipation, the scent of competitive spirit filling the air. He glances to the side, locking eyes briefly with his competitor: a lithe, rapid rabbit, ready to bolt forth with the intensity of a lightning strike. But Rapha is not unnerved; speed has never been his tactic.
The starting gun rings out, its echo still hanging in the air as the rabbit darts off the starting line like an arrow from a bow. In the blink of an eye, the rabbit is a distant, blurred shape on the horizon, moving swiftly towards the finish line.
Yet, Raphael remains unperturbed. He knows this race is not about the swiftness of a single sprint, but the endurance of a marathon. He understands the paradox of the race and the training ahead; while speed and intensity might seem the pathway to success, it is the steady, consistent, and sustainable effort that ultimately wins the day.
Raphael moves at a steady pace, comfortable with his calculated strategy. The rabbit, meanwhile, disappears from view, leaving only a dust cloud behind. For a while, Raphael travels alone, confident in his slow but consistent rhythm.
Then, just as the rabbit had vanished, he reappears. A few months later, Rapha finds him sitting on the trailside, nursing a twisted leg. The rabbit had pushed too hard, too fast, and blew out his ACL in his quest for instant glory. Still, Raphael continues with his deliberate, unwavering pace, leaving his hasty competitor behind.
The race continues, and the rabbit, after a lengthy recovery, overtakes Raphael again, zipping off into the distance. Raphael doesn't react to this; he simply keeps moving, pacing himself, preserving his energy. He knows that it is the slow, steady, sustainable approach that endures in the long run.
Yet again, he catches up to the rabbit. This time, the rabbit is slouched against a tree, panting heavily, looking lost and bored. The thrill of the initial sprint has faded, and the rabbit has lost his motivation. Despite the rabbit's fast start, he's finding the long-haul, day-in-day-out grind too much. The spark of his initial enthusiasm has fizzled out; he's grown weary of the journey.
Raphael, however, is undeterred by the rabbit's erratic pace and fluctuating motivation. He understands that consistency, patience, and maintaining a sustainable routine are key to long-term success. With this mindset, Raphael carries on, moving steadily towards the finish line, embodying the ethos of 'Slow and Steady Wins the Race.'
The rabbit quits jiu jitsu and begins a love/hate relationship with rock climbing.
Just like Raphael's story, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not a sprint; it's a marathon. The common misconception is that you need to train rigorously and relentlessly to improve, often at the expense of your health and mental well-being. However, in the long run, this method of training is not sustainable.
Here are some ways you can think sustainably about your jiu jitsu, and how you can modify your mindset to keep this up for the long haul.
Emphasize Consistency Over Intensity
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an art form that requires time to understand, digest and execute properly. It's not about who can push harder in a single training session, but about who can maintain a consistent training routine over a long period. Prioritizing consistency over intensity not only aids in technique assimilation and muscle memory but also drastically reduces the risk of injuries.
Prioritize Rest and Recovery
There's no denying the importance of rigorous training in BJJ. However, rest and recovery are equally, if not more, important. Overworking can lead to injuries, burnouts, and decreased motivation. Learn to listen to your body and take rest days as needed. Rest is not a setback; it's a fundamental part of sustainable training.
Mindset Shift: The Long-Term Perspective
One key aspect of sustainable training in BJJ is to shift your mindset towards a long-term perspective. Rather than focusing on short-term wins or rapid progression, consider your long-term goals. Understand that growth in BJJ is often slow and gradual, and it's okay not to see significant improvements overnight.
Cultivate Patience and Enjoy the Process
Lastly, cultivate patience. It's easy to get frustrated when you're not seeing immediate results, but remember that BJJ is a lifelong journey. Learn to enjoy the process and celebrate small victories. Embrace the challenges and remember, as Raphael did, that 'Slow and Steady Wins the Race.'
By embodying these principles, you can create a sustainable training routine and mindset for your BJJ journey. This way, you can ensure that you're not only progressing but also enjoying the art form without compromising your health and well-being.
Richmond BJJ and Revolution BJJ strive to do exactly this. We’re here to help you not only get into the race, but to continue the race for years—maybe even decades.
