What Wrestlers Can Learn from BJJ
Integrating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) into my wrestling game was a transformative experience, one that brought about a profound shift in my approach to training and competition. As a seasoned wrestler, I initially saw BJJ as an irrelevant skill set, but it quickly became much more than that. This journey reshaped my mindset and perspective on grappling as a whole.
The Beginning of the Journey
I remember the first time I stepped onto a BJJ mat. It was 2018, and I had just decided to take a break from competitive wrestling after placing 3rd at the 2016 US Olympic Team Trials. I was looking for a way to stay active and engaged while healing from injuries and starting a family. BJJ seemed like a natural fit, offering a new challenge and a different pace.
At first, the transition was humbling. Despite my extensive wrestling background, I found myself struggling with the nuances of BJJ. The fluidity of the ground game, the emphasis on submissions, and the different strategies required a shift in my thinking. I felt like a beginner again, which was both frustrating and exhilarating.
Embrace Humility and Open-Mindedness
One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of letting go of my desire to be an assertive grappler right out of the gate. As wrestlers, we are conditioned to dominate and control our opponents. In BJJ, I had to let go of this mindset and embrace vulnerability. I tapped out more times than I could count, but each tap was a lesson in itself. Approach BJJ with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Embrace the discomfort of being a beginner, and recognize that every tap is an opportunity for growth.
Leverage Your Wrestling Strengths
Identify your strengths as a wrestler and find ways to incorporate them into your BJJ practice. Use your takedowns to gain dominant positions and apply pressure to control your opponent.
Despite the initial challenges, I soon realized that my wrestling background provided a strong foundation for BJJ. The control, pressure, and takedowns I had honed over the years were invaluable assets on the mat. By integrating these methods into my BJJ game, I started to develop a unique style that combined the best of both worlds.
Adapt and Evolve
One of the most significant changes I experienced was the evolution of my overall grappling strategy. In wrestling, the goal is to pin or score points through control and takedowns. BJJ, however, focuses on submissions and position. This required me to adapt my approach, blending the aggressive, fast-paced nature of wrestling with the patient, strategic mindset of BJJ. My eyes were opened to how I could become more strategic with movement and direction for both sports. Be willing to adapt your grappling style. Learn to balance aggression with patience, and develop a versatile game that incorporates elements from both wrestling and BJJ.
Build a Supportive Community
Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to have the support of a fantastic community. My coaches and training partners played a crucial role in my development, offering guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. They helped me navigate the challenges of integrating BJJ into my wrestling game and pushed me to continuously improve. Surround yourself with a supportive community. Seek out coaches and training partners who understand both wrestling and BJJ, and who can help you bridge the gap between the two disciplines.
The Ongoing Journey
Integrating BJJ into my wrestling game was more than just a technical adjustment; it was a journey of personal growth and transformation. I will always recommend wrestlers try adjacent combat sports. The challenge it provides and the capacity to expand your movement and enjoyment, is well worth the momentary discomfort of something new. This experience has made me a more well-rounded and versatile grappler, and it continues to shape my approach to training and competition.
