Back into the fray: the aspects to watch out for as you return to Jiu-Jitsu

August 8, 2023

Regardless of how loved Jiu-Jitsu is by its community, it’s not unusual to see stories of people that took a break from the gentle art. Whether it’s because of an injury or other life commitments, the time away varies from person to person, with many practitioners eventually finding their way back to the mats and reconnecting with the sport.

But while rediscovering Jiu-Jitsu can be an exciting journey, it is not one without risks and, as such, it needs a careful approach. The right pacing, balance, and attention to certain aspects will set the stage for a successful comeback and will keep you active in the sport for longer. Our team gathered some easy steps to make sure that you're coming back in a smooth way. Take a look.

The first thing to watch out for is conditioning. The human body adapts to our routines and the hiatus will almost certainly have taken a toll on your physical state, especially if you didn’t exercise at all during your downtime. Going too hard on training from the get-go will easily incur an injury, resulting in another break from Jiu-Jitsu and resetting the progress you’ve made so far. Set yourself up for success with a slower start, gradually rebuilding your strength and fitness while adopting a healthy diet and making sure to stay hydrated. Listen to your body and your return to the mats won’t be a fleeting one.

Of course, when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu, the technique also plays an essential role. Even black belts need to review the basics now and then, and this is especially true when the practitioner in question has been away from training for any length of time. Build a solid foundation for your Jiu-Jitsu and reacquaint yourself with the easier stuff before diving into more complex techniques and submissions. Before long, you’ll be more comfortable around the mats and your body will have an easier time keeping up with your technical know-how.

The most important thing here is to prioritize your well-being. Even if you’re a competitor, your life is not limited to your time on the mats, so make sure to balance each training session with the proper amount of rest and self-care. Talk openly with your professor and training partners, especially before sparring sessions, to help them understand where you’re coming from and minimize the risk of injuries for either side. Jiu-Jitsu needs to be a positive force in your life, and if you’re always getting hurt, it won’t be long before you drift away again.

The journey back to Jiu-Jitsu is one that needs to be enjoyed with a calm mindset. Believe in the process, learn your own limits, and then gradually push past them with a healthy lifestyle and technical knowledge backing you. Above all else, welcome back to the fight!