When you train BJJ, you will often hear advise from various people telling you to ‘listen to your body’. What does that mean and is that really going to make you reach your goals?

First off, you have to know the difference between overtraining and ‘listening to your body’ and taking a break once in a while after a constant and intense training period.

There are really simple ways to know if you are overtraining. Here are the symptoms:

– Lack of enjoyment during class
– Slight fevers
– Series of injuries  
– Delayed reaction times
– Depression 
– Constant soreness and tiredness
– Lack of motivation to go to training

If these things happen, don’t hesitate to take a break. Either don’t do any Jiu-Jitsu for a few days or do a completely different sport for a while (to stay in shape).You will also perform better after a break. Doing one class with a fresh  body and mind is better than doing three classes feeling tired and bored.Resting is as important as training.

The problem, is when one is training for competition, the limits of physical and mental toughness have to be pushed in order to come in the best shape possible on D day .

During our workouts and BJJ training, we create tiny tears in our muscles. When we allow the muscles to rest, the tissue is able to repair itself using proteins and their amino acids. This creates stronger muscles over time.
Continuous workouts without rest will actually make us weaker- not stronger.

Now are you really overtrained or is your mind just weak?

Retired Navy Seal and ultra marathon runner David Goggins said that when your body tells you to stop, you’re actually only at about 40% of your limit and your mind you can push way further.

BJJ black belt and former Navy Seal commander Jocko Willink gives advice on how to train hard and get adequate recovery.

He believes that you should listen to your body, work out out everyday but work out smart. He talks about the importance of stretching, and talks about nutrition.

Stop Feeling Sore, Tired, And Injured And Start Being Preventative With Your Injuries. It’s Time To Become Bulletproof For BJJ!

• Get grappling-specific exercise routines to build mobility, strength, grip, and core, with or without a gym
• This system was designed by BJJ brown and black belts and professional fitness gurus Joe Worthington and James Tomlinson
• Get different exercises, sets, reps, and more to keep your workouts fresh and dynamic: