I am unable to connect the dots…
I have been thinking about this a lot. I have the feeling that my Jiu Jitsu has hit a flat line. The way I am able to explain this is like I have hit the ability to learn beyond this point. I am not saying that this is for a fact, but it is what I have been feeling for a while. Let me explain…
After my last competition I had a good talk with Sensei Jordy about how the competition went and also why I lost. It was not a technical conversation, but rather a conversation on my interpretation of Jiu Jitsu and life. In life I am a all in person. If I like something or I belief in something - I go all in. This does not ensure that I will succeed, but I guarantees that I will give my all.
(Hold this thought, because here is were the title of this blog comes into its meaning)
When I get into something I like, I hold on on for dear life to it. When there is a problem I need to solve, or think that it is my responsibility to solve it - I will give my all to ensure that it gets solved. What does this create? An unmatched dedication - but again this does not always ensures success. It only reflects that I will go at it 100%.
Ok - now that you have an idea of how I am wired, I will have to go a bit deeper into why am I unable to connect the dots. Remember I told you the conversation I had with Sensei Jordy? Well, he pin pointed what I need to fix in order to connect the dots - I hold too long to one position, while not letting go and allow myself to consider other options to solve the Jiu Jitsu challenges I am facing.
I have created a Jiu Jitsu Jail for myself and I have locked the door. The Key is in the cell, which is myself, but the door is still locked. What’s in the cell? Well me and my favorite positions I play:
Mr. DLR guard
Mrs. Close guard and half guard
There is Mr. Guillotine
Mrs. Sweep from Close Guard
If you are an BJJ practioner you might already noticed what the dots are and why I am locked up in this Jiu Jitsu Jail that I build - No one has put me in there. One of the biggest Dots of them all is Transition. I am unable to go from one position to the other. I hold to a position; succeeding or failing - I don’t let go to allow myself to even consider other solutions, positions, to the problems presented during sparring / competition.
Transition is standing outside my cell looking in, and behind Control is looking me in the eye. I am unable to connect the dots that will add transitions and control to my BJJ game.
Injuries and Lockdowns due to the Covid virus is not helping either. The last year I have been having some problems with my knees. My right knee is a mess, I need to get it looked at, but now my left knee is acting up also. This does not give me much confidence in my BJJ game.
Lockdown due to Covid; I really hate this. I don’t have any words for it really other than it is messing my BJJ up. I would like to get mats and put them in the garage to keep training, but the ones I want are sold out. The lockdowns have messed up my BJJ so much that I don’t really have a BJJ game no more. When sparring I am doing stuff. This is sad to be honest or is it?
Am I in transition in terms of my BJJ game? Will I be able to open that cell door anytime soon? The love for the sport / art and my drive to keep going will determine that. For now there is one 1 thing I can do, and that is keep training. I hope you do the same.
Let me know in the comments if you also have / has / or is experiencing this also and what did you do / are doing to solve the problem
Have a nice holidays all and stay safe!
