Whatever we do in life, we have a reason behind it. When that reason is doing something we must, rather than we wan,t we’re not really going to do our best, are we? Imagine going to a job you don’t really enjoy and you’ll know exactly what I mean. When you’re motivated to do something, though, you can’t get enough of it. In Jiu-Jitsu, this is usually not a problem, as the sport is so addictive and fun people can’t wait to get to the gym. However, at certain points, even the most dedicated grapplers struggle with their BJJ motivation. The solution is easy, though.
BJJ motivation is not a simple thing. In fact, it in every possible aspect of the word. When it comes to BJJ motivation, you need to be motivated to train, motivated to compete, motivated to teach, etc. That’s a lot of motivation right there, and that’s before we even talk about you motivating others. So how exactly do you get motivated to train? Well, that’s different for anyone. However, one common thread is that you need discipline. If you are a part of an academy that reinforces the notion of discipline, you won’t lack motivation. If you’re a part of aMcDojo or a gym where everyone does whatever they want, you’ll most likely find it difficult to convince yourself to come in on most days.
Your Reasons For Training Jiu-Jitsu
With discipline as a factor out of the way, let’s talk about BJJ motivation from an individual standpoint. While there are certain things that can motivate most people, it is the individual aspect of motivation that is the most important one. How you look at BJJ is hugely important when it comes to knowing what motivates you to train. However, at certain times, even your individual reasons for coming back to the gym can seem like they’re not enough.
In essence, the main notion behind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to be able to express your own individuality in a unique setting. However, you need to be aware that this can be a double-edged sword. The nature of the sport is such that you can’t always be on a high when you’re training. Hta men that you’ll need to find motivation n to keep coming back even when you’re constantly getting smashed. Moreover, even the fun times might end up sucking your motivation – you can get bored, although this is very rare. In all those situations and many more, you’ll really need to focus on your BJJ motivation. This holds particularly true for that riskiest category of all – blue belts.
Keeping Your BJJ Motivation High
Thre are many things that you can do to keep your motivation for training Jiu-Jitsu high. However, some of them, if not most na be downright stupid. Individual reasons aside, there are certain aspects of BJJ motivation that are generally good for everyone. IF you have the pleasure of training at an academy that has a clear structure, great discipline, and dedicated instructors, you’ll hardly lose the motivation to come back. Couple that with your own individual reasons for wanting to grappler and you’re set for life. However, if you need to, erm, refresh your motivation a bit, you can use any of the strategies we cover below.
What Are Your Goals?
Setting goals for yourself is a great way of staying motivated in the long run. Luckily, IN Jiu-Jitsu you do not need to look far in order to find goals that you’ll like. From huge things like winning a major tournament to little stuff like solving a certain sweep that’s been bothering you, you can use goals as a booster for your BJJ motivation. However, make sure that your goals do not interfere with your motivation. In that sense, forget about setting belt goals. It is okay to want to achieve the next belt, but refrain yourself from setting time goals. Instead, focus your goals on your game, and improve whatever ara you think you need to. Belts are definitely a source of motivation, but take pride at getting one when your instructor decides you’re ready, not hunting for it. It’ll motivate you, even more, that way.
In terms of competition, also keep things real. Do not think you can win the Worlds just because it is a goal of yours. That big goal will require all of your time. It may be a huge motivator, but make no mistake, it is a full-time job with no days off. So, make sure your gaol are aligned with your capabilities, and you’ll never have a day when you do not want to go to the gym to train.
A Realistic Approach
Speaking of keeping things real, you need an overall realistic approach to Brazilian JIu-Jitsu. BJJ works in cycles, the most important of which are the learning ones. You try out a move, you get destroyed, you stick with it, learn it and then you destroy others. However, at a certain point, people get used to it and you need something new. Now th cycle starts again. The most difficult part of it is having to be bad at something again because you’re striating with something new. However, it is integral to actually become a better grappler. Moreover, it is also very important not to let this kill your BJJ motivation off.
That said, at a certain point in time, you ‘ll also need a break. Whether it is due to overtraining, an injury, or hitting a plateau, you’ll have to take it easy at a certain point. That means that you’ll actually find more motivation for a comeback after a week or two off, rather than trying to push through. In fact, this is probably the most important lesson you’ll learn on your way to becoming an advanced grappler.
Visual Motivation
This is where technology comes in to help you with your fleeting BJJ motivation. What does that man? Well, take al ok at Gordon Ryan’s latest run at the No-Gi worlds. Don’t you just get the urge to get out and go training and competing straight away? Watching matches, particularly those at the highest level is a great motivator for anyone. Whether you analyze the matches or not is down to you, as long as you get hyped about training.
Another aspect is watching instructional DVDs. Today, the choice is huge and you can make sure you get lots of material to deeply explore any one aspect of the sport. That means you find solutions to all the riddles you encounter in your roles. And then some. This is a great way of turning frustration into motivation for training. The ma holds true for reading articles, grappling books, and even social media posts.
A Word On Motivational Quotes
Speaking of reading and looking at videos, let’s address some very common source of inspiration and motivation for people – quotes. Nowadays, you can find a bunch of motivational videos, books, articles, and whatnot. There are even quotes and song playlists to keep you in the best mood possible., However, keep in mind that most of these are actually stuff that other people used to motivate themselves.
So if none of them are working for you while you’re searching for BJJ motivation, do not worry about it. Instead, try any of our proven methods above and turn towards yourself to find the source of motivation for your own BJJ journey.
How BJJ Motivation Can Help You Outside The Gym
Finally, remember that you can actually use BJJ and what happens on the mats as a source for motivation outside of the mats. You’ll hardly find a better training tool for problem-solving than grappling. Plus, you have to do it under pressure, while someone’s trying to physically best you. Talk about getting ready for anything life brings! Moreover, you have a competitive success that can actually help you cruise through most days. Fresh off of a tournament win, you can use th motivation to have the most productive and happy month of your life.
Moreover, there’s the notion of safe refuge. Whatever happens in life, you’ll find the strength to get through it because you know you have some awesome “me time” coming up. That’s BJJ. When you get to class, you can think fo nothing else but yourself and whatever’s happening around. There;’s no better way to meditate while you fight, per se than this. Not o mention how motivating it is to know that your day can end in this fashion.
In Summary
BJ Jmotivation is usually not hard to come by, but we all hit a block at some point. In most cases, after the brown belt, you’re in it for life. However, even the best of the best black belts sometimes find it hard to find motivation. Luckily this is only a temporary thing, The more strategies you have to keep your self motivated, the less this frustrating periods will last. So, get up, pack your Gi and go back to training, even if you’re not feeling like it. Let BJJ take care of everything else.
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