Hey everyone, I have a question about belt rankings and injuries. I officially got my blue belt in November of 2008, but effectively stopped any significant training in May 2009 because I had a major back injury.
I don't know when I'll come back to training, but I really want to and know that I will. My question is if anyone has a similar experience coming back from a major injury and multi-year (most likely) layoff and how you and your instructor handled your rank. I've tried a handful of classes since the injury, but I wasn't strong, I had forgotten a lot of technique, and I was slow to react. I was basically manhandled by people I had previously easily controlled.
I feel like I'm back not quite to square one, but not far off. I almost want to take off my blue belt and restart, because I feel like I didn't get a lot of things at the white belt level that I want to solidify (or learn at all). If I get promoted again quickly, then that's fine, I'll go from there. If I go more slowly, that's OK too.
Anyone have any ideas on this?
my buddy took a year or so break, he went from 1 stripe white to blue belt in about 5 or 6 months after 'restarting' ... so i guess if the instructor saw your progress was still linear then maybe you will get promoted 'faster' ...
You earned your blue belt, no need to think otherwise. Your understanding of Jiu Jitsu will allow you to make gains faster than someone that does not have your experience. You will be back on track as fast as your injury allows.
I ruptured my right biceps longhead tendon, had surgery to reattach the tendon and while they were in their they dud the microscopic stuff, filed down some bone spurs and cleaned out my rotator cuff. I did all of my rehab religiously and got back on the mat after about 4 months. While I rehabbed I would watch videos daily, and I would training my mind (not the same as the real thing of course but it relaxed me).
When I got back to training I was very cautions and my instructor kept a close eye on me. Fist just the technique and then rolling little by little but only with guys that I knew had control and would not try to rip my arm off. Things came back and I was able to pick up the pace as my body allowed. Major injuries are something that you really have to listen to your body. The day to day bangs, bruises and pulls are one thing, but when you have something major its your pace.
Getting back on the mat takes a lot of dedication, you have to work hard, take care of the injury, the stretching, ice and continued rehab off the mat. Keep your rehab exercise going even when you are done with the physical therapist. Keep working hard and you will be back on par and making gains. Best of luck!
Excatly.. you are a blue belt.. What you need to do now is just get back into shape.. and the flow of things.. You will be surprised how quickly it all comes back once you start training on a regular basis again
If you are in the Scranton Area of PA and are having trouble finding instruction or training partners or simply can not afford the training that is provided in Scranton.. Contact me. I am starting a BJJ club under the direction of a Jorge Gurgel Black Belt.
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I agree, you're a blue belt you earned it. You will lose cardio and timing but your technique is still there. My wife is a one stripe blue but she's pregnant now and she's scared about missing too much time. Keep your head in the game with videos and the like but dont go back too soon.
Thanks for the encouragement. The more I think about it, it might just mean going to beginner classes, reviewing fundamentals, and working technique only until I'm strong enough to roll again. I did earn that blue belt and if anything, it will remind me that I have enough technique in my head and I just need my body to catch up.
Once that muscle memory starts to kick back in you will quickly approach the same level you were at. Everyone is right about keeping your blue belt. One guy from our club is a 2 stripe blue and got crushed by a horse he was riding. He was out for months, but he came back and started back when he could. He was out of shape, really rusty on some of his technique, but he still knew what to do and when to do it.
Just realize that those people most likely have been training without a pause. They most likely have improved since you rolled with them last. Let those times you get manhandled motivate you to get back to where you were. Dont get discouraged and good luck.I was basically manhandled by people I had previously easily controlled.
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