Question of the week! Is it ever a mental challenge to train hard with someone you are friendly with? How do you find that balance between pushing yourself and others while still being a good training partner? 

Great question last night from the Striking crew - why do we strike the pad across the body when throwing straight punches (jab/cross), instead of the same pad on same side?

What’s the number one intangible skillset to have when training Jiu Jitsu?

For me resilience stands out. There are days/weeks when I feel progress is not visible or noticeable but training must continue. I feel that I have to be resilient regardless of doing things incorrectly, getting smashed, not seeing visible results, etc.

The real progress starts with consistently showing up.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

“Mission First, Safety Always” was one of the most memorable phrases we used in the military. In combat sports, accidents and injuries happen. It sucks to be hurt and then you get sidelined while your training partners progress. Avoiding these incidents is paramount for me, my kids, and my students.

There is currently a free John Danaher video on bjjfanatics about training safely. Check it out while it’s free!!!!

https://bjjfanatics.com/products/train-safe-reducing-the-risk-of-injury-accidents-in-the-jiu-jitsu-training-room-by-john-danaher

Here’s the question of the week.  How do you train to stay calm and composed under extreme pressure, like in bad positions?  Getting smashed  or pretty close to being submitted.  

What do you tell someone who is considering trying Jiu Jitsu?

Piggybacking of Scott's question last week about why we keep coming back, he pointed out all those things that could stop someone from joining. Sore. Hurt knees. Getting beat up. Etc... If you know someone who is thinking about joining, what do you say to get them to take time out of their day and come through that door for the first time?

Fun question this week. What books have you read or movies have you watched related to jiu jitsu. Let's see what titles we can share!

Books I've only read "Opening the Closed Guard" by Robert Drysdale but have his second book.

Movies like everyone I've watched choke. Jiu Jitsu vs the World was really cool on YouTube. There were a few I saw on Flow that were short docuseries ones too. I feel like there are one's I've forgotten too.

Why do you keep showing up?

We all have different reasons for doing that free trial class. But why do you come back?

You’re beaten up constantly and physically exhausted, your knees hurt, your back is sore, and you can only turn your head so far depending on the day. It doesn’t take long to answer that question that brought you in. What’s driving you to be on the mats???

Do you have a pre or post-training ritual? What is it?

Do you visit other gyms when you’re traveling either for work or on vacation? If so what are some things you look for in a gym you’re going to be visiting?