The rolls that keep me up at night are the one’s where I was beat at my own game… slowly, methodically, and mentally. Not the ones where I got smashed and stuck in side control the whole round because I didn’t want to engage with someone who could hurt me.
Daily training intensity is often a contentious issue. People argue that jiu-jitsu is dangerous and physical, so injuries come with sport. Although some of this is true, I push back with the following… we are a community and we should take care of our teammates and the people we train with. There is no need to fight to the death every single day on the mats. This is the easiest way to a short career.
How I Train Most Of The Time
Training more technically and winning the mental and cardiovascular battle beats winning by brute strength and force any day in my book. The training sessions that keep me up at night are the ones where I was beat at the game. Not the ones where my partner used all their weight and refusal to accpet a sweep, while cross facing the shit out of me to then stay in mount for 6 minutes.
I train thoughtfully and technically 90% of the time. The other 10%, especially if competing, the intensity goes up. And with that, often so does the risk of injury.
Why I Train This Way
When I first started jiu-jitsu, in my 20s, I took on every person at the gym. I am typically the smallest, but that didn’t stop me from rolling with the biggest dude in the gym. I thought I was tough… and I was. My body slowly took the brunt of this mindset leading to chronic injuries.
Around age 32, I realized I would not last long in this sport if I continued ignoring injuries and rolling with bigger, uncontrolled people. So, I started saying no more. Or, simply staying in side control for 6 minutes when I accidentally accepted a roll.
Final Thoughts
I’ve learned a ton over the past 13 years on the mats. Picking partners wisely is key. It is how I advance my skills and stay on the mats. Only we can truly take care of our bodies. Figure out the best way to train and learn, over simply smashing your teammates and friends. I love finding other small grapplers who beat me technically. These are the best sessions for my mind and my body. Then, when it’s time to turn up for competition, that is a different play.
____
Dr. Megan Lisset Jimenez
Connect with Me
Let’s keep the conversation going:
📱 Instagram: @dr.meganjimenez
📘 Facebook: Megan Jimenez, DO
💼 LinkedIn: Megan Jimenez, DO
