Saying Hi and need some advice And motivation

So this is my first port ever but I need some words of motivation. I have been training jits for three months now at this academy and I got a little frustrated today. I love the coach and the atmosphere but today was the first day I got really pissed off. While I have been training here for three months I do have a lot of Army Combative experience being a level 2 trainer and competing Army wide. Well the guys there have been kicking my ass. Coach told me I need to concentrate on my defense before trying to attack like everyone else. So I reached to the 10th Planet techniques for help. I have been working lockdown and even caught a couple people in the electric chair. Even though we do 75% Gi training I wanted to look for something outside the box to catch the veteran students off guard. Today I was confronted by two of them about my Lockdown position. Even though they are always attacking me with submissions I have found that the lockdown is the best place I can fend off submissions until I am able to make a move. They told me that my Half guard was bullshit and I need to stop stalling and make a move. Coach has never said this to me and had even pulled me asid to tell me how much my defense has evolved over the last few weeks. I'm pissed off that they confronted me and I'm also pissed off that they took it out on my today during rolling. They went after my wrists (which we don't do)and ankles nonstop. Since they were frustrated by my lockdown position. I'm pissed right now and don't know what to do. Should I bring it up to Coach? I'm mad that they would try to hurt a fellow teammate that competes. Just because they were frustrated with my pulling lockdown.

Sorry for the rant. I wish there was a 10p where I live.

Yeah, you should talk to your coach about it. My guess is that these folks were white belts and blue belts? I wouldn't worry too much about their opinion of what you should be doing; they don't even know what they're supposed to be doing themselves. Likely they are upset that you've found a really simple way to shut down their limited offensive options. Listen to what your coach says. If he is complementing you and encouraging you, stay on that path.

Sucks to hear about poor sportsmanship in a place I assume you consider your home gym. I'm going to address your comments one by one, and hopefully you'll find light in something I say.

- In regards to getting frustrated that is 100% natural and expected. Additionally, if you continue on this amazing journey you will definitely get frustrated again in the future. With that being said, the important thing is not letting your frustration put your self and/or your partners in danger and not letting your frustration deter you from the gains you will most definitely witness.

-The lock down. I actually just had a small back and forth with one of my old coaches (predominately trains in the gi) about the use of the lock down. So first, anyone that says the lockdown/scorpion death lock/or whatever name you would like to call it is bullshit or just for stalling is ignorant in regards to the technique. While I do not know your training partners, anyone that criticizes someone's technique that is benefiting them has serious ego problems. Specifically, since even your coach recognizes your improvements.

-In regards to rolling: I can't speak on the culture of your gym and the relationship you have with your coach, so I will speak generally and personally. I do not roll with people who are overly aggressive or have a temper. Rolling with these type of people almost always eventually ends up with someone getting hurt or worst; someone quitting jiu-jitsu. Idk if this is a continued behavior or a first offence, but if it is a continued behavior I would straight up turn down them if they ask to roll with me and if they ask why, tell them that the way they are rolling is not helpful towards your training. If that is a problem and/or it continues I would express the danger concern to your coach.

All in all, it sounds like your starting to find something that works for you and that is what is all about. If a technique works for you then it is a good and proper move; so don't let a single person tell you differently. Jiu-jitsu is about respect-growth-and having fun. Now that's a rant. Hopefully something is helpful or at least this was a good distraction read.


~Haters going to hate and ainters going to aint.

Hello and welcome to the forum. Brandon pretty much nailed it. Just listen to your coach. Keep working that lockdown. I gave up on it for a long time only to come back to it and realize its awesomeness.

Just to touch on a perspective that hasn't been mentioned yet, we all have regular lives and jobs with families or bills that we must handle. We don't get paid to do Jiu Jitsu, stay healthy and due what you must to protect yourself. Talk to your instructor and talk to the people you have issues with. Maybe they don't see how they are coming off.

If they knew how to counter the lockdown, they'd do as much and not complain. Definitely bring it up with your coach. Something to consider with lockdown as well is to have a path from there, an area I think 10p could help. People may get frustrated if they are held in lockdown, and it can in fact be used to really slow the pace. Constantly whipping up, getting to your side, and working a few sweeps alongside the electric chair could do wonders and could really keep guys on their toes rather than present a roadblock. But don't feel bad about what you're doing.

Thank you everyone for the kind words. After having a good nights rest I have calmed down a bit. I understand that this is a journey and I have a long way to go. I will talk to the guys about it tonight. I'm not going to give up my current strategy as it works. Obviously it works if its frustrating people. I have been told that when you're a beginner you need to learn how to defend, clam down and wait for your opponent to make a mistake. I think that the students that confronted me are just being young kids. If there was a problem with the way I roll then Coach would tell me straight up. He doesn't BS around. I just need to keep an open mind and do me.

Thanks everyone.

I get all sorts of shit for playing lockdown too. Like crabs in a bucket people will try to drag you down when they see you succeeding on your own. I hear it every day from certain folks in my gym. I just smile and nod and continue to do my thing.

My best advice would be to work on getting to Dogfight a bit more exclusively (from lockdown). If you are ripping through dudes with that underhook they might start to see your lockdown as a more offensive technique. (And of course if you become really good at getting to Dogfight it makes your Electric Chairs that much better, its the perfect set-up or misdirection for an Electric Chair.)

As you become better your lockdown game will involve very little "stalling". Just takes time studying and repping :) One of the hardest lessons for me to learn early on with lockdown was to not be stubborn about going after a particular move like the electric chair. I now just take what they are giving me which is always something if you are staying active; Look for dog fight, butterfly guard and full guard along with the sweeps and subs :)

Thanks I will work on that. I have been studying Dogfight and I have gone from Lockdown to Butterfly Guard to sweep. I'm honestly trying different things. Trying to find my own game and not be cookie cutter like some others.

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Originally Posted by Jose Cinco

Thanks I will work on that. I have been studying Dogfight and I have gone from Lockdown to Butterfly Guard to sweep. I'm honestly trying different things. Trying to find my own game and not be cookie cutter like some others.

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Good thinking also… I like your style. Need to work on my Butterfly. That Cocoon position seems really popular here.

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Originally Posted by TaylorWolf

Good thinking also… I like your style. Need to work on my Butterfly. That Cocoon position seems really popular here.

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Thanks and I have noticed that. With my build of being short and stocky. Butterfly guard has benefited me. Especially if I am able to get in deep. I am able to sweep easier.

I've been doing jiu jitsu about the same as you so I understand what your going through. Only thing I can really say is for the whole motivation part, check out Stuart cooper films on YouTube. http://https://m.youtube.com/user/stuartcooperfilms Hearing all the world champions and just people who have taking bjj as a life style talk about how it changed their lives and the benefits, its super inspirational makes me want to hit the mat everyday.

The stomp is my favorite. Sometimes it is frustrating when someone who has been training nowhere near as long as you starts to catch up. I'm sure they were frustrated too, I get maybe rolling a little harder with you if you are getting better. That's beneficial for everyone, BUT trying to hurt your training partner on purpose and just being a turd about it is not OK. I'm a very Agressive player. Have I gotten too agressive before..yes. Its something I personally have to work on, but competing often helps. :-) I'm sure your teammates have their own frustrations and struggles, but maybe they should have talked to the coach about how to pass the position instead of how they actually reacted.

Its not fun to roll with people when you can't trust them with your safety..esp if they are better than you. Once you gt a little better you will know what positions to get them stuck in and then you're in control. Sounds like you found one! Just keep working brother. Sounds like you're starting to get a game going on that you like. :-P

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Originally Posted by Nicolas Sanchez

I've been doing jiu jitsu about the same as you so I understand what your going through. Only thing I can really say is for the whole motivation part, check out Stuart cooper films on YouTube. http://https://m.youtube.com/user/stuartcooperfilms Hearing all the world champions and just people who have taking bjj as a life style talk about how it changed their lives and the benefits, its super inspirational makes me want to hit the mat everyday.

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Yes I love his videos! I even bought a shirt and patch to support what he does. I often watch his vids to keep my motivation up.

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Originally Posted by Tori Applegate

The stomp is my favorite. Sometimes it is frustrating when someone who has been training nowhere near as long as you starts to catch up. I'm sure they were frustrated too, I get maybe rolling a little harder with you if you are getting better. That's beneficial for everyone, BUT trying to hurt your training partner on purpose and just being a turd about it is not OK. I'm a very Agressive player. Have I gotten too agressive before..yes. Its something I personally have to work on, but competing often helps. :-) I'm sure your teammates have their own frustrations and struggles, but maybe they should have talked to the coach about how to pass the position instead of how they actually reacted.

Its not fun to roll with people when you can't trust them with your safety..esp if they are better than you. Once you gt a little better you will know what positions to get them stuck in and then you're in control. Sounds like you found one! Just keep working brother. Sounds like you're starting to get a game going on that you like. :-P

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Thanks a lot. I also will go harder when I need to chill but I don't agree with trying to purposely hurting your teammates. I thought that was a dick move. I mean I let him know that I wasn't happy with what he did. My wrist is feeling it today. I don't care what they tell me. I'm going to continue working my Lockdown. I don't train to please other white belts. I know I'm making progress and I'll prove it this weekend when our professor comes down to watch us train.

Ah that sucks..but makes sense..cocky white belts lol. Just keep training man. With that sour attitude, they will hold their own progress back. Keep your mind open and free..just keep doing you. :)

The lockdown is probably my strongest position today, and I started using it the same way you did, to slow down the attack of more experienced guys. Keep using it, developing your sweeps and transitions, and don't listen to the ass clown training partners of yours who are angry that you're using effective techniques.

It goes without saying, that nowadays there is so much negativity in the environment; The onus is on you to; learn to create a positive environment by listening to motivational audios, videos, and surrounding yourself with people who care about your success. People who are a source of motivation in your life. It is difficult to remain positive if you surround yourself with negativity. Read inspirational materials such as books and articles, like www.drprix.com. It will help you stay on top of discouraging situations.

Motivation is necessary while stepping forward specially in fighting with someone. The best motivation is that we know your inner power and then we can get anyone easily even they are stronger than us. so, if you stay away from negative people even coaches in your life, you always succeed. these words work like motivational speech for students before exams .