Competing & Training for Comps
Again it has been a while since my last post.... University, child and a wedding to plan is eating up my time (although in all honesty the wedding planning is largely done by my supportive partner - I just nod and agree most of the time). This could be a sign to learn to manage my time more effectively - however to date that is not happening.
Firstly should you compete as a BJJ practitioner. I firmly believe in competing as a BJJ practitioner, not because I think I can win Gold medals in various competitions. But because it allows me to test my ability against my peers. I can see what works for me and what doesn't. Remember BJJ is a very personal journey and styles vary greatly between each individual. If you don't compete that is fine and this is certainly not a criticism towards you - but the experience in itself tends to be a motivator to train harder and improve. It also gives you the chance to go 110% - something I never do in sparring (in fear of injuring others or myself). You could in essence be missing out on a massive part of your game by not doing so.
I accept some people compete once and never want to do it again - if that is the case then it was a worthwhile experience and you gained something from it. Life for me is all about experiences and BJJ is no different. There are some who have ego's - and in fear of hurting those ego's don't compete, to them I say 'let it go, let it go, let it go' win, loose or draw each eventuality will offer a positive outcome.
Anyway - my Training (Welsh Open, April 2014).
This is what instigated this post today. I have entered 2 competitions to date (Welsh Open and British Open) and given the restraints on my time I sat back (when I had 5 minutes) and wondered at what level of intensity can I train and should I train.
Being a fairly newly promoted purple belt I have realistic expectations. However I don't want to simply be a body to abuse by others (on the mat of course). I have always been told 'train hard, fight easy' and I would never disagree with that statement. However due to all the things ongoing in my life training isn't as intense as I would like.
As it currently stands I train BJJ 3 times a week - this is partially down to time but also availability. Those of you who train in city's or within easy reach of big schools are extremely lucky. If I could train in the daytime I imagine 5 sessions a week would be achievable.
Many people ask me what else they should do to build up their stamina/strength for BJJ. My reply is always the same - BJJ! However to compensate my lack of mat time I am engaging in a strength and conditioning routine (3 work outs a week) with 2/3 runs per week thrown in to help sustain my endurance.
Strength Training
Legs, Back and mainly core exercises with double sets for upper body.
Legs & Back - Deadlifts, Squats, Lunges, Bent Over Row (5x5)
Upper Body - Chest Press + Dips, Upright Row + Shoulder Press (5x5)
Core tends to be sit ups with weight, Vsits with weight and hanging leg raises.
I do very little if any isolation exercises as I believe they hold no benefit to BJJ. Ideally I use Dumbbells for upper body and OB for Legs and Back.
Endurance
Running 4 miles between 7:00 & 7:30 minute mile pace.
Diet is a major part also as i currently sit roughly 2kg above my weight limit. Not a major concern but a second thought is always required when faced with a Krispy Kreme....
As it stands my routine is somewhat 'professional' given the help I receive from my peers in University (UKSCA certified) as well as a basic scientific understanding of exercise.
I would love to hear from other BJJ guys and gals and what they do training wise prior to comps. I will happily share some on here too (with consent) as well as steal all the good ideas for myself ;)
OOSSS