How to Get Back into BJJ after 1 Year Off (This Part is Gonna Suck)

Getting back into BJJ after a long layoff can be tough. For numerous reasons.

In this video I answer the question Jacob sent to me about his Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training.

His question was

"I trained BJJ for about a year and then had to take a break for school reasons and it's been another year since I've trained. I've forgotten a lot of passes, submissions and guard work. How do I get back into the swing of things going back to the gym?"

So in this video I share details about the 1st lay off I had as a Blue Belt and the frustrating problems I experience when I came back.

I discuss the most frustrating issue I dealt with which primarily stemmed from my identity that I had developed prior to leaving the gym.

I was really good, and when I came back to Brazilian Jiujitsu training with everyone in the gym. I had lost my step a bit and it was a bit of a blow to the ego.

So if you're in the middle of a period of time off from BJJ or maybe you are getting back into BJJ after a time away. Hopefully this video is helpful!

-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.

[assassin]

Your body learns so much quicker the second time. Don’t let time off stop you from getting back in there

[PessimiStick]

I took 12 years off. It took me ~8 months to feel like I was back to the place I was when I left. I don't recommend taking a decade off.

[johnsuzy]

I also had a long layoff. 15 Year’s. And it took quite a while to get my moves back. But don’t focus on who got promoted. Focus on you; we can’t change anything, except ourselves.👍🏻🥋

[onedudesopinion]

I’ve taken about 5 years off from consistently training. I’ve continued to workout and train my body but not my Jiu Jitsu. Later today I’m going back and taking my 8 year old daughter with me.

[flenx]

Pulling the trigger is the hardest thing to do again, Every week feels easier and it's only been 3 weeks. I haven't lost much technique wise after 4 years off. Honestly the worst part is losing the grappling strength and conditioning from rolling.

[iamtheai]

I took 18 years off. It took a while, plus Jitsu has changed a lot in that time, but once I found a school and mustered the courage to walk into the gym, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. You just go.

[joshuamichael]

I've had NUMEROUS long layoffs and I've learned that it's never as hard to get back into it as I let myself believe. Also, the higher belt level you are, the easier it is to get back into it. Your body and mind are truly amazing in this regard!

[kordtsl]

With COVID being a thing I think this video speaks to way more people now including me. Always the student. Appreciate this more than you will ever know. Thanks!

[monkikobytes]

My long time off was from a different martial art and it lasted for 5-6 years. Due to a knee injury, changing jobs frequently, going to college, and building a family, I ended up gaining weight and lost much of my flexibility. I experienced that moment of my mind and body "knowing" what I need to do, but my body not being able to respond the same. 6 months of training consistently and I am feeling the improvement in flexibility and I lost 20lbs.

Thanks for another great video!

[ricksanchezrosallini]

I just got back yesterday after 7 months rehabilitation of an injury. Rolled very light, got my ass kicked but felt good. Then I rested...tore my pec muscle and patella tendon knee injuries back to back...I'm happy that I'm back but will listen to my body and take my time and pick specific rolling partners...thank you for your advice! I am definitely at the bottom now. I don't mind just happy to be back after training for 2 years straight.

[Froyns_Castle]

I've been out for over two years and have just started back two months ago. Chewy is right
I can see what is going on, but am not able to react to it quickly yet. Besides that it feels great to be back on the market. So glad I decided to go back to training. No egos no issues!

[tjhartley]

I've had Crohns Disease for the last 18 years now and I feel like i have to start over every other year because of health interruptions. Sometimes it's easier to come back, sometimes it's hard. Thankfully the body remembers because it's incredibly difficult to work from the bottom up every time coming back to train.

[ReaperBlade-nshs]

You have no idea how much this video helps me even though I train karate and not jujitsu, I tore my meniscus in half and dislocated my knee (right) three years ago which caused me to be out of training for 5 months while it healed after surgery, and about 6 months ago hurting my back while at school took me out for 3 months, I’ve been able to train for the last 2 months but have lacked the motivation because of how many skills and techniques I’ve forgotten, this video has helped give me the motivation I need to go to class and train my hardest to get my next rank and continue learning.

[MusicloverX]

Needed to hear this. Got back after almost a year! Rusty!! But glad I went back in!

[joshuaquesada]

Haven't been training for 8 months because need to focus on other responsibilities. Some of my gym partners got promoted then saw this video made me believe I can go back at it again. Thanks for sharing your experiences and it really helps a lot.

[frandelorenzi]

I was googling this video for months. Came back to jiu jitsu 2 weeks ago, wish i could have seen this one when i was off. Anyway you are always helping others man, and that inspires I'm 100% sure this vid will help those who are doubting as i was. Thanks as always Chewi!

[michaelanthonyoutdoors]

Powerful video and great insight. I’m a blue belt and was off a year and half. Just got back into training and also started at a new school. Day 1 was super rough…felt like a rookie! However, day 2 was ten times better and it’s getting better and better. Everything is coming back with each training session. Just commit to getting there with no other expectations. The only person your competing against is yourself! Crush it!

[PabloCruise]

3:00 “You have to let go of who you used to be”. I’ve been 2 months off the mats to go to school and I’m just itching to get back!!

[asdfasd]

The bit with letting go of your previous identity... so true! I just went back to training after almost a year off due to health, life, etc., etc... It sucks! It took me a month of hyping myself up just to do a single session in the gym and it's weird that it's so hard, but like you say, the switch in mentality is important. I'd add that the first time back to the gym is the WORST, but once you get past that, you're back and you're good. It's like a switch in your brain. From then on, it's just another day at the gym. You obviously need to catch up, but you've gone past the biggest hurdle which is just showing up.

[michaelmjt]

And how many of us feel bad for simply taking time off over Christmas 😂