Afterward, I sit back and go over the good and the bad. No matter the outcome, there is something to learn. If and when I fail, I hone in on that weakness or failure and use it as a guide. It is the way to become better. Whether asking someone, instructional vids or journaling. I drill and roll till I get a feel for what I need to do to change the outcome.  This will give me an opportunity to right the wrongs and create strengths instead of resting on my weaknesses. 

Wow great question. All great replies. I have to say that Jiu Jitsu has taught me that if you are patient and  stay calm you’ll either figure out the how or why it didn’t work. The biggest takeaway for me is the problem solving while staying calm and being humble is a major factor. 

Echoing many of the same points…Staying connected to the gym is a big one. Instructional and all of the above. Engage with your peeps. Watch and move no matter how hard it may be but within your injury. Stretching is a must. Rubber bands and ISO’s. And the number one thing is don’t let this injury define you. 

I have to agree with Marc. The white to blue belt was tough to wrap my head around. No longer a white belt but still getting smashed. However it’s not that easy for my partners. We develop the nucleus of our self defense but haven’t honed it yet. It’s a challenge to perform on a quick reflex. But the concepts are in our head it’s just the frustration of performing them at will catching our partner and executing the move that was the toughest part. 

Reps are the key to muscle memory. Program through repetition. 

I agree if you’re not comfortable with takedowns due to injury potential for others, it is an opportunity to not feel helpless and pull guard. Safe and simple. 

Agreed to all. I’ve got nothing to add. Wow that’s odd lol.

I agree to all these answers. The body type the move, seeking the knowledge. However I started gravitating toward the systems or chaining moves together that work for me. From each position, guard side control back etc. filling the buckets with reps, research, and rate of success.

I’ve really come to enjoy the pendulum sweep. For its versatility. 

For me, the biggest mind shift was realizing that survival is progress. Early on, I measured success by submissions or wins. But once I reframed survival- escaping bad positions, lasting longer, learning to breathe under pressure, as growth, everything changed.