Is BJJ Worth All Injuries ?

Today's video comes from a newer BJJ White Belt who's wondering if BJJ is worth all the injuries. He says he's curious because he sees all the "old timers" in his gym and realizes they've all had an injury or two.

And as a young guy who's just getting into Brazilian Jiu-jitsu he's wondering, is it worth it?

Now while this question is super subjective. I try to give the young guy something to think about regarding the ideas as to whether or not BJJ is worth the toll it can potentially take on the body.

-Chewy
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If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.

[kevint]

The most annoying things about my bjj injuries is that they aren't even from not tapping in time. They're just from unlucky accidents during rolls or drilling.

[nbaworld]

After training Jiu Jitsu for 6 months, I can say with certainty that it’s much more dangerous than most people make it seem, and that’s sad IMO. I used to play basketball through college, and had various small injuries doing that (ankle sprains, hamstring pulls, even a couple of minor surgeries).

It’s nothing like BJJ. It’s rare to go even two weeks of training without sustaining some kind of small nagging injury, best-case. Every sparring session, you can get judo thrown and fall directly on your shoulder getting it hurt or dislocated, get your ankles twisted badly when getting swept (when on top), hurt your lower back when getting stacked (on bottom), etc. I say this as a guy who religiously does yoga and weight training in addition to BJJ, and goes the extra mile on nutrition and recovery. It’s a combat sport and you’re going to get hurt - a lot. It’s a beautiful game, but I’ve had my doubts about continuing due to the injuries.

[deanboman]

I trained kick-boxind and mma for years and years, as I am in my early thirties I left all of that a couple of years ago and started training bjj...I have been more in the hospital for injuries because of bjj in 2 years than I have ever been there in my whole life and have now lower back injuries that I need to live with forever.
If you read until now waiting for a positive end message, sorry there is none :D

[rjsantos]

In my 50’s. Have 40 yrs in the martial arts this year. Can politely say. No. No it isn’t. You realize this. When you’re like a retired football player from the 70’s and every single thing hurts. When your whole body is basically duck taped together. When you’re remembering each injury as you attempt to crawl out of bed and limp to the toilet. You realize whatever you were fighting as you trained was an internal demon that you didn’t need to sacrifice your body to. No super powers were bestowed upon you training non stop. Money, riches and pussy didn’t fall from the sky when you won each fight. Your body gets to a point where if a bad guy did suddenly jump out and go “Boo!” You better have gun cause your body isn’t doing jack shit. Each hour you roll on the mat today is 4-5 hours of soaking in a tub later in life. It isn’t worth it son. Go take up base ball or something less brutal on your body. Or go train. No skin off my peter. Just don’t make fun of the tai chi guys cause that’s the only art youre gonna be able to do after you trash your body for years (decades).

[timbsl]

I've thought about this a lot. Started training in 1998/1999. Black belt here, When jiu jitsu takes more from you than it gives it's time to reevaluate it's role in your life. Not saying quit, just reflect and redefine it's purpose and possibly modify. Osss, train smart

[contactrfp]

I’m glad you’re covering this topic. There needs to be more focus on injury prevention at bjj schools. I’ve been training for three months and already have had several injuries. If anything makes me quit, it will be injuries. Hoping I can stay healthy.

[uclanaldo]

Great video. I'm 44yo and have been training since 2008. First major injury was torn intercostal muscles that sidelined me for six weeks. Next major injury as a blown out knee that required surgery, and was out for the better part of a year. In between, I've had wrist, finger, elbow, and foot injuries. But I will never give up Jiu Jitsu. It's such an important part of my life. For all of my brothers out there in their late 30s and early 40s, a bit of advice. I don't care about my flexibility anymore. For me, I wear knee braces, ankle and elbow braces, and I take 45 mins before class to properly stretch and tape my fingers and toes. It's well worth the extra attention to preventing injuries. That and tapping early. The disappointment to getting submitted by a blue or even a white belt is just not worth risking another devastating injury that could sideline you for months.

[lima_wawae]

At 38, purple belt, I find myself asking the same question. I'm going to class tonight.

[Gus.]

Came here looking for injury answers in BJJ, got out wanting to learn more about oratory.

Chewy is as such a good fighter as he is a good speaker.

Kudos to you, bro!

[MrBluemanworld]

From my Judo instructor of 70 years experience: you have to do it lightly to moderately capacity, and practice it with lighter weight and advanced and experienced people. This lessens you're chances of injury. Avoid competition. In Judo, we also have a world of rules learned empirically that do not exist in Jiu-Jitsu, so we're lightyears ahead in that respect. The objective is to practice the arts for your entire lifespan. If you practice with hyper white belts and aggressive people, and do full combat experience, and enter competition after competition, chances are you'll incur many injuries, suffer for the rest of your life with arthritis, and give up the art at some point

[AWood]

For me at 43 years old it is life changing. I am 3 years in and without it my life wouldn't be the same. Injuries suck and happen way more than other hobbies but it's so worth it. Wonderful quest everyone should experience!

[Na-jujf]

46 yrs old and started BJJ about 5 months ago. So far a few minor injuries (torn rib cartilage, broken toe, sprains). I also weight lift, mountain bike, and recently started surfing and rock climbing too. All have their risks, as does anything worth doing. Eat healthy, stretch, warm up, and allow ample recovery time. Push to grow, but know and stay within your abilities until ready. I think people that don't respect that last one get injured the most.

[josephc]

Sometimes the injuries and wear and tear will permanently limit or decrease your ability to train, or do other things you love. Train smart and carefully.

[rorkan]

BJJ injuries are weird. They seem to linger until you get a new one and magically go away.

[nightrod]

58 years old . Stopped Jits after 15 years due to Covid 19 closing down gyms. 2 years later no more aches, pains, strains, and no more ring worm . Loved GRAPPLING but it was time to stop . Train combatives and weapons now, love it .

[stangdude]

I injured my knee last year slipping on tile floor while trying to stop our new puppy from crapping on the living room carpet. Took nearly a year to mostly recover.

[SamanthaSegan]

I've had a bunch of injuries. Broken hand, sprained thumb, ringworm, septic knee bursitis that required a week in the hospital and 7 months of rehab. Don't care. I love the sport. Just got my purple belt and I do feel that with more experience comes better ability to move well and protect myself from injury.

[cheekytitaable]

Short answer. Yes. I got a slap tear from yoga 5 years ago! I tore my acl and meniscus in BJJ earlier this year.
You can get hurt doing anything, and even not doing anything. And anytime I’m sedentary I end up with more ailments. I love BJJ and it gives back to me more than anything else I’ve done up to this point in my life

[mdavissqd]

It's crazy to me that Chewy drops a video about injuries and the stories they carry and the experiences that come with jiu-jitsu and fighting literally the day after my coworker gives me the "21 questions" after seeing my cauliflower ear on why and what have I done and what kind of injuries I've had over the years of jiu-jitsu training. Nuts lol great video

[MrUnstoppableHeart]

Trained for 1.5 years yet to be injured. I often give up/change positions or let my opponent get a position if I feel my safety is at risk.