BJJ Injuries and How to keep improving while injured!

Training around injuries is a common reality for many athletes, particularly in high-contact sports like Jiu Jitsu. While it's important to prioritize recovery and avoid exacerbating injuries, completely stopping training can lead to decreased fitness, technique and motivation. Instead, athletes can modify their training to work around injuries, maintaining their overall fitness and skill level and keeping a strong motivated drive.

In Jiu Jitsu, this might mean avoiding certain techniques or positions that aggravate the injury, while focusing on others that don't. For example, a student with a shoulder injury can focus on leg locks, sweeps, and escapes that don't require heavy shoulder use. This approach not only helps maintain technique but also builds strength and endurance in other areas.

This approach is not unique to Jiu Jitsu. In many sports, athletes adapt their training to accommodate injuries. A runner with a stress fracture might switch to swimming or cycling to maintain cardiovascular fitness without putting excessive impact on their legs. A basketball player with a sprained ankle might focus on upper body strength training and shooting drills that don't require heavy ankle use.

Professional athletes like Tom Brady and LeBron James have spoken publicly about how they modify their training to work around injuries. Brady has talked about how he focuses on upper body strength training and mental preparation when dealing with injuries, while James has discussed how he adjusts his training to avoid exacerbating nagging injuries.

In Jiu Jitsu, this approach requires creativity and mental flexibility. Students can work with their instructors to develop a modified training plan that suits their needs. This might involve focusing on specific techniques, drilling with a partner who can accommodate their limitations, or incorporating strength and conditioning exercises that don't aggravate the injury.

Even if you are injured beyond being able to physically train. It is important to understand that you can be present mentally, if you can’t employ yourself physically. This can be great for team comradery and also mental well-being. Talk to your coach about shadowing them and learning what it takes to coach a team, you will be amazed at the things you will learn by helping others. Learn to Teach – Teach to Learn

It is important to seek professional rehabilitation help depending on injury severity, one thing that has helped me is discussing with your health professional what Jiu Jitsu actually is so they understand, or find someone who already has an understanding or even trains themselves.

Recently needing surgery on my eye non related to injury, my surgeon actually spent some time looking into Jiu Jitsu because he was not familiar with it and came back with help and options for me in proceeding to train post surgery.

Ultimately, training around injuries requires a long-term perspective. It's important to prioritize recovery and avoid pushing through pain, but it's also important to maintain fitness and technique. By adapting their training, athletes can ensure they remain prepared and ready to perform at their best when they fully recover.

Training around injuries is a necessary part of athletic development in Jiu Jitsu and other sports. By modifying their training, athletes can maintain fitness and technique while allowing injuries to heal. This approach requires creativity, mental flexibility, and a long-term perspective, but it's essential for achieving success.

All of these suggestions will have an astounding positive effect on your progression.