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Strange plateau/identity crisis on the mat
5 year(s) ago • 2997 views • 21 replies
RBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Any of you guys, particularly upper belts, ever hit a phase where you just feel flat out blank? I came back from four months off due to the COVID pandemic and expected to have a time getting back to feeling like my normal self. It's been a few months now since I returned, and I've started to try and bring in a couple new elements since my game had become predictable. Lately, I feel like I'm just behind the 8-ball when I roll, particularly against purple and fellow brown belts, but even struggle to impose my will against blues sometimes. I won't get submitted by blue belts, but I feel like I should be able to set traps and attain more submissions. It feels almost like I go blank-minded and then try to force myself to think, and then I end up not having the proper timing. Or, sometimes I just flat out can't decide what I want to do which equals doing a whole bunch of nothing but positional transitions.
Advice?
Advice?
![Slideyfoot [jun]](userimg/5e25cf311adfd.jpg){kind=small}
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
ever hit a phase where you just feel flat out blank
All the time, repeatedly throughout the 14 years I've been training.
What I've found works best for me is focusing on a small number of techniques and concentrate on just working those in sparring, for extended periods (years, in some cases). That might just be a component, steadily working one tiny part of a particular technique – perhaps where I want my hands to be at a certain point – but that all contributes to eventually getting the technique right, and in turn means I'm being constructive and have a clear (and importantly, more achievable) goal to work towards.
I also find a technique-focused method of training helps with motivation, as it’s a useful way of (trying, really hard to genuinely get rid of it) reducing the ego. You’re less likely to be thinking about ‘winning’ or ‘losing’, instead you're aiming to simply make technical improvements.
What I've found works best for me is focusing on a small number of techniques and concentrate on just working those in sparring, for extended periods (years, in some cases). That might just be a component, steadily working one tiny part of a particular technique – perhaps where I want my hands to be at a certain point – but that all contributes to eventually getting the technique right, and in turn means I'm being constructive and have a clear (and importantly, more achievable) goal to work towards.
I also find a technique-focused method of training helps with motivation, as it’s a useful way of (trying, really hard to genuinely get rid of it) reducing the ego. You’re less likely to be thinking about ‘winning’ or ‘losing’, instead you're aiming to simply make technical improvements.
DBBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Give yourself one clearly defined goal each session, and pursue that with single minded effort.
For instance.
"I will only finish people with a triangle from guard"
Or, more conceptually.
"I will maintain a steady pace with regulated breathing during all rolls, never allowing myself to rush or step on the gas."
Or whatever technique you want to sharpen.
I've found this approach opens new doors.
For instance.
"I will only finish people with a triangle from guard"
Or, more conceptually.
"I will maintain a steady pace with regulated breathing during all rolls, never allowing myself to rush or step on the gas."
Or whatever technique you want to sharpen.
I've found this approach opens new doors.
WFBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Give yourself one clearly defined goal each session, and pursue that with single minded effort. For instance. 'I will only finish people with a triangle from guard' Or, more conceptually. 'I will maintain a steady pace with regulated breathing during all rolls, never allowing myself to rush or step on the gas.' Or whatever technique you want to sharpen. I've found this approach opens new doors.
Great advice! This is something I struggle with also at times. Will definitely be trying this! Oss!
RRandyOP
Black belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Sounds like some solid advice here. I appreciate it.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I've hit the wall so much I'm like a crash test dummy.
JPBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I got a roll in a few weeks ago, first roll after months off and I totally blanked. I felt like I was slow motion while everyone else was moving in fast forward. I took my partners back and had absolutely no idea what to do. I agree with going back to the basics, focus on a small number of techniques, set a small goal each session, and just embrace it as part of the journey.
TPBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I felt like I was slow motion while everyone else was moving in fast forward
This is me everyday rolling with anybody under 30.
I agree with everyone saying plateauing is not strange. At most training sessions I'm convinced I'm performing worse than what I did a year or two years ago. (It might be true too!) One "problem" is that all your training buddies are getting better as well, so it's difficult to see your own progress.
I feel instructing and competing are good outs of a plateau, at least for me personally.
In teaching you can really immerse in a theme or a position, and at least you see others benefitting (if you do a good job) even when you feel stuck in a slump. Competition gives focus & a goal, and a reason to hone your weapons in the training room. And occasionally the focus on physicality & conditioning is a welcome refresher. Also I've found out that even when I've been frustrated being crushed in comp training I would actually perform well in the competition itself — it's just that my training partners are really tough.
I agree with everyone saying plateauing is not strange. At most training sessions I'm convinced I'm performing worse than what I did a year or two years ago. (It might be true too!) One "problem" is that all your training buddies are getting better as well, so it's difficult to see your own progress.
I feel instructing and competing are good outs of a plateau, at least for me personally.
In teaching you can really immerse in a theme or a position, and at least you see others benefitting (if you do a good job) even when you feel stuck in a slump. Competition gives focus & a goal, and a reason to hone your weapons in the training room. And occasionally the focus on physicality & conditioning is a welcome refresher. Also I've found out that even when I've been frustrated being crushed in comp training I would actually perform well in the competition itself — it's just that my training partners are really tough.
VBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Go back to the basics tighten that up, everything flows from there.
Applying pressure the correct way using the basics opens everything else up.
Oh and always ask your instructor for help as they know your game better than we do. They will be able to see the small mistakes you are making for the technique you are trying to not work.
Applying pressure the correct way using the basics opens everything else up.
Oh and always ask your instructor for help as they know your game better than we do. They will be able to see the small mistakes you are making for the technique you are trying to not work.
Edited 5 year(s) ago
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
All. The. Fn. Time.
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I feel instructing and competing are good outs of a plateau,
I can't speak for competing (I've only done it once and didn't find it especially useful, though still glad I tried it), but I agree on instructing. Even if I feel like I'm a load of shit after sparring, I'll often feel better after a class that I feel I've taught especially well.
Of course, if you teach, then you get a whole other level of mental health fun with impostor syndrome. As well as beating yourself up about a spar that didn't go your way, you get the additional bonus of telling yourself you're too rubbish to teach. Hooray! :P
Of course, if you teach, then you get a whole other level of mental health fun with impostor syndrome. As well as beating yourself up about a spar that didn't go your way, you get the additional bonus of telling yourself you're too rubbish to teach. Hooray! :P
RRandyOP
Black belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Appreciate all the great advice and also those who can relate. I'm excited to go train tonight and put some of these ideas to practice and hopefully break through the funk!
YBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Nice to see so many other brown belts going through similar things. Its very difficult for us at this stage of our journey to make significant jumps in improvement, and by the time we're here we've accumulated a lot of wear and tear. Like others on here, I find it very helpful to set micro-goals for each session or week,, whether that is a particular technique I want to hit, or something more general like "play top position as much as possible".
Finally, never underestimate the power of proper hydration and sufficient sleep!
Finally, never underestimate the power of proper hydration and sufficient sleep!
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Nice to see so many other brown belts going through similar things. Its very difficult for us at this stage of our journey to make significant jumps in improvement, and by the time we're here we've accumulated a lot of wear and tear. Like others on here, I find it very helpful to set micro-goals for each session or week,, whether that is a particular technique I want to hit, or something more general like 'play top position as much as possible'. Finally, never underestimate the power of proper hydration and sufficient sleep!
Ooof, yeah: sleep is golden. Though sadly I don't get anywhere near enough of it, especially when I'm feeling all hyper (I tend to go through up and down moods, kinda like bipolar but milder. GP reckons cyclothymia, which would fit ;) ). Hence why I'm typing this at 3am. :D
RRandyOP
Black belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
A bit off-topic, but still pertinent. Does everyone here have set sequences they work through? I'm realizing that my offense is more intuitive as opposed to strategic, and I'm wondering if that is part of the problem. Also, how many people here are what I call "Cross-dominant," meaning I usually shoot with my left leg forward, right leg back and also pass guard the same way, even though my right side is my strong side. This is due to my career in law enforcement (and weapon retention) and also years of striking background. I'm starting to see that this can create some issues transitioning to particular submissions and sweeps.
DBBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Nice to see so many other brown belts going through similar things. Its very difficult for us at this stage of our journey to make significant jumps in improvement, and by the time we're here we've accumulated a lot of wear and tear. Like others on here, I find it very helpful to set micro-goals for each session or week,, whether that is a particular technique I want to hit, or something more general like 'play top position as much as possible'. Finally, never underestimate the power of proper hydration and sufficient sleep!
Rest assured.
Brown belt is the belt of deep frustration and existential crisis.
Once you 'solve' that puzzle, it's usually time for your black belt promotion.
Then after getting your black belt you feel good for about 24 hours, after which you realize you don't know jack shit about jiu-jitsu, and it's back again to the anxiety & doubt.
Welcome to jiu-jitsu.
Breaking ego's since feudal japan
Brown belt is the belt of deep frustration and existential crisis.
Once you 'solve' that puzzle, it's usually time for your black belt promotion.
Then after getting your black belt you feel good for about 24 hours, after which you realize you don't know jack shit about jiu-jitsu, and it's back again to the anxiety & doubt.
Welcome to jiu-jitsu.
Breaking ego's since feudal japan
Edited 5 year(s) ago
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Rest assured. Brown belt is the belt of deep frustration and existential crisis. Once you 'solve' that puzzle, it's usually time for your black belt promotion. Then after getting your black belt you feel good for about 24 hours, after which you realize you don't know jack shit about jiu-jitsu, and it's back again to the anxiety & doubt. Welcome to jiu-jitsu. Breaking ego's since feudal japan
Truth!
YBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Ooof, yeah: sleep is golden. Though sadly I don't get anywhere near enough of it, especially when I'm feeling all hyper (I tend to go through up and down moods, kinda like bipolar but milder. GP reckons cyclothymia, which would fit ;) ). Hence why I'm typing this at 3am. :D
me too, training night times and getting home around 930-10pm, tired but mentally hyper thinking about the rolls...usually don't go to bed till 12-1.
I've started taking a ZMA supplement recently to help me calm down and sleep.
I've started taking a ZMA supplement recently to help me calm down and sleep.
VCBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Rest assured. Brown belt is the belt of deep frustration and existential crisis. Once you 'solve' that puzzle, it's usually time for your black belt promotion. Then after getting your black belt you feel good for about 24 hours, after which you realize you don't know jack shit about jiu-jitsu, and it's back again to the anxiety & doubt. Welcome to jiu-jitsu. Breaking ego's since feudal japan
I call it the Grind :)
KOBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I am older now (50), and this is common for me. Don't worry about it. Just have fun trying new stuff and enjoying the art.
BSBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Rest assured. Brown belt is the belt of deep frustration and existential crisis. Once you 'solve' that puzzle, it's usually time for your black belt promotion. Then after getting your black belt you feel good for about 24 hours, after which you realize you don't know jack shit about jiu-jitsu, and it's back again to the anxiety & doubt. Welcome to jiu-jitsu. Breaking ego's since feudal japan
Ooof, just got my black belt and I'm feeling this right now. All I can think about are all the techniques I'm not nearly at "black belt" level yet.
RRandyOP
Black belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
The past several months have been filled with me going back to some fundamental concepts and cleaning up small things. Small things as simple as initiating grips before trying to implement my game. Also, reducing the amount of movement without specific purpose and getting better at controlling my opponent's movement - using it for my benefit and allowing it at my terms. I used to constantly move around my opponent on top, because I didn't have confidence in my ability to simply control them being a smaller guy. Now I've started to hone in on stapling better, and using angles and weight distribution to improve upon this, moving when it suits me and setting traps in the midst of it. But I still struggle through the existential crisis and am working hard to find the holes in my game and improve upon them. I guess that's a lifetime journey so I'm learning to simply enjoy it more.
Thanks again for all the incredible advice you guys offered. And thanks, Ben Shaw, for bringing this thread back to life and your addition to it. Huge congrats on your black belt milestone!
Thanks again for all the incredible advice you guys offered. And thanks, Ben Shaw, for bringing this thread back to life and your addition to it. Huge congrats on your black belt milestone!
