Full podcast episode: th-cam.com/video/hLZ6PACCBy8/w-d-xo.html Lex Fridman podcast channel: th-cam.com/users/lexfridman Guest bio: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod and Nicky Ryan, together with Ethan Crelinsten are founders of the B-Team, a legendary jiu jitsu team based in Austin, TX.
"I feel like you should roll hard with a circle of people you trust. Injuries happen rolling hard with strangers and in competitions because you don't have that relationship with them." Great advice for rolling, relationships and business, for example...
100%. No trust in your partner ups your chance for Injury 10 fold. They want to prove something (or you) and it’s just all bad. My coach has a policy that you can choose to roll or not roll with whoever. No questions asked. I’ve seen some pretty messed up injuries that really didn’t even need to happen.
4 stripe white belt on that 2-3 class/week plan. It's tough because progress feels slow, especially if you're going to different instructors at the same school. On the other hand, I'm not trying to kill myself becoming the best in the world, or even in my school. So, you find ways to make it work.
Ask them all questions about the same technique or concept until you learn how to learn a position fully with multiple answers, then multiply the process as you improve
So, when Craig says "not every round has to be a fight to the death", that one REALLY resonates with me. I'm 48 now and just got my purple belt last week. I have severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and didn't start training until 2017. I spend roughly 19-20 hours daily in bed or in my chair, but my medications give me enough leeway to keep up the house and train. (I train 3 days per week and supplement on the off days with barbell work and Stuart McGill's core protocols.) I came to training with the idea that I was going to have to triage my energy because the rebound from overdoing it would put me back in bed for several days. I set my "throttle" at about 25% and make it my goal not to let anyone force me to panic and spaz out. I hardly EVER have to deal with anything in the way of injury, and when I do it's always something minor like a jammed toe or finger. And I've noticed something else, too. I'm ALWAYS one of the last two off the mats at the end of class. I'm not taking breaks when I roll, and we're usually at it for at least a full hour. I'm not out of breath like the younger guys, I'm not getting jacked up from injury, and I'm not having to deal with anything in the way of burnout. I get the real sense that folks who NEED the win or the progress (particularly young men) can REALLY take on frustration that they don't need because they're too focused on getting a submission, and not really paying attention to the small details that matter. There's data you can ONLY pick up if you're physically and mentally relaxed, information coming in from your opponent that you just can't feel if you're tense. Like Mister Jones alluded to, I'd be willing to bet that most people would improve if they would just slow down and enjoy the journey. And they wouldn't be as miserable, physically and emotionally.
I roll hard in spurts. So in a 5 min roll only 2 is hard the rest is defensive and counters. I'm old and can't rev the engine up and keep it high like I did when I was younger. Also I have a lot of mat miles on this body. My goals now are to roll well into my 80s. Not be done early in my 50s.
I need to work on that "not rolling hard with strangers". I always feel like as the upper belt in my gym I have to beat any visitors..which, as an older player, has led to injuries for myself.
I'm only a 14 month white belt and my only goal with anyone new is to work on my guard retention and defence. Let them get into advantageous positions and then work on getting out of them and denying their finishes. It's improved my defensive game. Occasionally I get subbed by a new guy. But who cares, it not a real competition, it's rolling. I made this mental shift after listening to Lex's interview with John Danaher where he basically said pick your battles. Meaning during competition is where it counts if you get submitted or not. In the club/gym that's where we are supposed to learn and grow as athletes. Since that mental shift I've enjoyed rolling more as I have a focus for each person I roll with. Sometimes trying new things that can go wrong, and I tap. All good learning experience. YMMV 😜
I mean, I get that, but yeah… don’t try to “beat” visitors. You’re not trying to beat anyone during mat time, just get better. If drop ins walk away having misjudged your gym, there is always competition. But I think 9/10 times people respond positively to not getting smashed lol. In my experience, when you work with a visitor and let them work, they typically don’t think “this guy/place sucks,” but just realize they are having fun because it feels like they are doing something. It makes them more likely to come back. It’s true some guys do have that mindset, but honestly it’s mostly white belts and brown belts, imho. White belts because the don’t know anything and brown belts because they feel like they have something to prove. Ultimately, though, winning and losing doesn’t mean anything when you’re training.
It means your skill is lacking and you're training with ego. You should be able to go light with anyone and perform jiujitsu. Going hard is white belt mentality.
Most amateur practitioners are aware of the strong and weak sides of their game and just accept this as permanent reality. They have their "go to" techniques and they may occasionally try smth when the teacher insists or when a white belt asks. However, investing in the weakest parts of your game pays off most. While some aspects of your game may degrade with time due to little ongoing practice and aging, this process can be compensated by filling the those gaps. Ask instructors, watch videos, think in your free time. Unlike pro level athletes, you don't have to master each technique to the level when it works on world champs. Once you turned your weakest side into your strongest side, keep moving to the next lowest point, etc. This approach not only improves your game and makes it more well-rounded but also keeps your brain fit as it constantly pushes you toward leaving your comfort zone. Three stripe white belt here.
Well you definitely have a good mentality as a white belt. I’m a recent purple belt and yeah, if you don’t pay attention to your weaknesses, they’ll get exposed. I’m constantly working certain positions that I feel bad or uncomfortable with. Or hell sometimes it’s something simple that you either forgot about or hardly use. Or watching videos and then trying to hit them in class during rolls. But most certainly I have the good ol’ go to tool box if somebody wants to try and get one off on me haha
I’m 42. I started BJJ in 1999 and received my blue belt in 2001 ish. I unfortunately got injured in 2003. I finally got back around to BJJ in late 2019 and have worked exclusively no gi over the last 3 years. I kept my constancy at 3 times per week at 1.5 hours each class. I was also working on my physical strength and weight loss during this time. When I can back i was at 230lbs ish, at around 36% body fat and I’m 5’5”. I was definitely not at current blue belt level when I cam back. About a year ago I changed my diet and workout routine, plus I added Sat, Sun open mats into my schedule. I went from 4.5 hours per week to 10 hours per week. Over the last year I went down to 165lbs, 18% body fat, and finally about 6 months I hit that purple belt break through. Literally in a week or so everything started to click. My average submissions per class of (5) 5min roll’s would be non to maybe two. Now if I don’t submit the same person 2-4 times in one 5 min roll its a bad roll. My submission rate is in the 15-20 during those 30 minutes. Sometimes I submit the person with the exact same attack and submission to make sure I corrected errors with the first submission. The game changers combined were my weight loss, with strength gain, particularly interior hip flexor exercises and lower lat resistance training and shoulder pulling exercises. Then adding the 5.5 hours of open mats at different gyms. I was a hobbyist that kind of views it as a lifestyle choice. My whole life is just better now. Everything.
This was such a great podcast. I listened to most of this as I was sitting in traffic after work going to jits class. To be honest, I was hyped to roll after listening to this.
Everything Nicky Ryan says about Jiu Jitsu is the truth. Like him talking about Natty King mixing up body lock passing with other passes would have been the difference between a w over Felipe and the L (which he may not have deserved).
It’s odd how people are referred to as “hobbyists” on podcasts, like that’s a kind of let down , when the vast majority of bjj practitioners are …. Hobbyists Cool vid though
Given that even Bill Gates has admitted to a large part of the credit for developing the internet and computer stuff belonging to hobbyists and not professionals, being a hobbyist in jiu jitsu is a respectable reality. We have more freedom to tinker, troubleshoot, and develop the art cause there's nothing really at stake.
@@Justin-dr5uw lmao, this must be Nick Ryan with that 9th grade education. "Then" is used for sequence, "than" is used for comparison. Bless your heart, no wonder you don't understand how the work of 1-3 million practitioners, including tens of thousands of black belts who do not compete at the elite level, can contribute more to the sport than 3 celebrity athletes. Thanks for trying to make it about me though. Really appreciate it. Going to bed feeling special tonight 😆
Consistency is more important. If you have an injury that if you roll the wrong way it may worsen, and you’re rolling with someone new, focus on the little wins, don’t let them get too mount, don’t let them get deep into a submission, but most of all don’t fuck yourself up more for a single 5 minute round. Train to be able to turn up at the next session
35 year old blue belt, my sparring partner is early 20s and a super active and successful competitor. He makes me better, but the realisation of how far you’ll go .. that hurts 😂😂
Keep pushing bro. I’m 33 and ya those damn young guys are gunning for us. Haha I just got my purple belt and man they really wanna put a hurt on me now 😅
Masters 2 Black belt here, i could relate to what Craig Jones said at 4:30. I minimize going to random open mats (not to be confused with cross training) for the same reason i dont want to get injured
2 stripe blue coming off a 4 year layoff and doing 6 days a week, hoping to add night classes soon and double up on training, so 12 classes a week. Awesome advice, hoping to dedicate most of my time to really improving this year.
@Raymond Aloni oh, I did a month of classes before starting to anp it up, but yeah, listening to your body is important. Now doing 11 classes, 4 lifting sessions and 10 m minutes of yoga every week, feeling strong 💪 but definitely will back off if need be
Is it ok to grease as a hobbyist JJ guy. I've been greasing and no one can touch me I just rip out of everything it's awesome! Someone called me out on it but I think it's ok because it's what Nicky Rod does. Do what the pros do. Should I stop greasing and learn some technique I'm pretty strong I can just rip out of everything so.... Why should I learn technique
Full podcast episode: th-cam.com/video/hLZ6PACCBy8/w-d-xo.html
Lex Fridman podcast channel: th-cam.com/users/lexfridman
Guest bio: Craig Jones, Nicky Rod and Nicky Ryan, together with Ethan Crelinsten are founders of the B-Team, a legendary jiu jitsu team based in Austin, TX.
The look on Nicky Rod's face when Lex said he let's people submit him twice to get it out of their system!
"I feel like you should roll hard with a circle of people you trust. Injuries happen rolling hard with strangers and in competitions because you don't have that relationship with them."
Great advice for rolling, relationships and business, for example...
100%. No trust in your partner ups your chance for Injury 10 fold. They want to prove something (or you) and it’s just all bad. My coach has a policy that you can choose to roll or not roll with whoever. No questions asked. I’ve seen some pretty messed up injuries that really didn’t even need to happen.
Yes
100% Just watched a video the other day of a guy breaking his neck (likely now paralyzed for life) by trying to get a guy in a flying armbar.
Most of injuries happen to training not to fights statistically you gonna get it in training
So true
4 stripe white belt on that 2-3 class/week plan. It's tough because progress feels slow, especially if you're going to different instructors at the same school. On the other hand, I'm not trying to kill myself becoming the best in the world, or even in my school. So, you find ways to make it work.
Just keep showing up.
Long as you keep your body safe from injury, you will be better than everyone you currently train with because in 5 years they will all be gone
@@Oldhandlewasabitcringe true. Very few stick with it man. It’s crazy.
@octo pus Amen brotha
Ask them all questions about the same technique or concept until you learn how to learn a position fully with multiple answers, then multiply the process as you improve
So, when Craig says "not every round has to be a fight to the death", that one REALLY resonates with me. I'm 48 now and just got my purple belt last week. I have severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and didn't start training until 2017. I spend roughly 19-20 hours daily in bed or in my chair, but my medications give me enough leeway to keep up the house and train. (I train 3 days per week and supplement on the off days with barbell work and Stuart McGill's core protocols.)
I came to training with the idea that I was going to have to triage my energy because the rebound from overdoing it would put me back in bed for several days. I set my "throttle" at about 25% and make it my goal not to let anyone force me to panic and spaz out. I hardly EVER have to deal with anything in the way of injury, and when I do it's always something minor like a jammed toe or finger. And I've noticed something else, too.
I'm ALWAYS one of the last two off the mats at the end of class. I'm not taking breaks when I roll, and we're usually at it for at least a full hour. I'm not out of breath like the younger guys, I'm not getting jacked up from injury, and I'm not having to deal with anything in the way of burnout.
I get the real sense that folks who NEED the win or the progress (particularly young men) can REALLY take on frustration that they don't need because they're too focused on getting a submission, and not really paying attention to the small details that matter. There's data you can ONLY pick up if you're physically and mentally relaxed, information coming in from your opponent that you just can't feel if you're tense.
Like Mister Jones alluded to, I'd be willing to bet that most people would improve if they would just slow down and enjoy the journey. And they wouldn't be as miserable, physically and emotionally.
I roll hard in spurts.
So in a 5 min roll only 2 is hard the rest is defensive and counters.
I'm old and can't rev the engine up and keep it high like I did when I was younger.
Also I have a lot of mat miles on this body. My goals now are to roll well into my 80s. Not be done early in my 50s.
Lex is nipping at Rogan's heels with podcasts like this. Keep it up, ya cyborg.
I need to work on that "not rolling hard with strangers". I always feel like as the upper belt in my gym I have to beat any visitors..which, as an older player, has led to injuries for myself.
I'm only a 14 month white belt and my only goal with anyone new is to work on my guard retention and defence. Let them get into advantageous positions and then work on getting out of them and denying their finishes. It's improved my defensive game. Occasionally I get subbed by a new guy. But who cares, it not a real competition, it's rolling. I made this mental shift after listening to Lex's interview with John Danaher where he basically said pick your battles. Meaning during competition is where it counts if you get submitted or not. In the club/gym that's where we are supposed to learn and grow as athletes. Since that mental shift I've enjoyed rolling more as I have a focus for each person I roll with. Sometimes trying new things that can go wrong, and I tap. All good learning experience. YMMV 😜
Save that for competition.
I mean, I get that, but yeah… don’t try to “beat” visitors. You’re not trying to beat anyone during mat time, just get better.
If drop ins walk away having misjudged your gym, there is always competition. But I think 9/10 times people respond positively to not getting smashed lol. In my experience, when you work with a visitor and let them work, they typically don’t think “this guy/place sucks,” but just realize they are having fun because it feels like they are doing something. It makes them more likely to come back.
It’s true some guys do have that mindset, but honestly it’s mostly white belts and brown belts, imho. White belts because the don’t know anything and brown belts because they feel like they have something to prove. Ultimately, though, winning and losing doesn’t mean anything when you’re training.
It means your skill is lacking and you're training with ego. You should be able to go light with anyone and perform jiujitsu. Going hard is white belt mentality.
lol 3 or 4 times a week is not a hobbyist
Most amateur practitioners are aware of the strong and weak sides of their game and just accept this as permanent reality. They have their "go to" techniques and they may occasionally try smth when the teacher insists or when a white belt asks. However, investing in the weakest parts of your game pays off most. While some aspects of your game may degrade with time due to little ongoing practice and aging, this process can be compensated by filling the those gaps. Ask instructors, watch videos, think in your free time. Unlike pro level athletes, you don't have to master each technique to the level when it works on world champs. Once you turned your weakest side into your strongest side, keep moving to the next lowest point, etc. This approach not only improves your game and makes it more well-rounded but also keeps your brain fit as it constantly pushes you toward leaving your comfort zone.
Three stripe white belt here.
Well you definitely have a good mentality as a white belt. I’m a recent purple belt and yeah, if you don’t pay attention to your weaknesses, they’ll get exposed. I’m constantly working certain positions that I feel bad or uncomfortable with. Or hell sometimes it’s something simple that you either forgot about or hardly use. Or watching videos and then trying to hit them in class during rolls. But most certainly I have the good ol’ go to tool box if somebody wants to try and get one off on me haha
I’m 42. I started BJJ in 1999 and received my blue belt in 2001 ish. I unfortunately got injured in 2003. I finally got back around to BJJ in late 2019 and have worked exclusively no gi over the last 3 years. I kept my constancy at 3 times per week at 1.5 hours each class. I was also working on my physical strength and weight loss during this time. When I can back i was at 230lbs ish, at around 36% body fat and I’m 5’5”. I was definitely not at current blue belt level when I cam back. About a year ago I changed my diet and workout routine, plus I added Sat, Sun open mats into my schedule. I went from 4.5 hours per week to 10 hours per week. Over the last year I went down to 165lbs, 18% body fat, and finally about 6 months I hit that purple belt break through. Literally in a week or so everything started to click. My average submissions per class of (5) 5min roll’s would be non to maybe two. Now if I don’t submit the same person 2-4 times in one 5 min roll its a bad roll. My submission rate is in the 15-20 during those 30 minutes. Sometimes I submit the person with the exact same attack and submission to make sure I corrected errors with the first submission. The game changers combined were my weight loss, with strength gain, particularly interior hip flexor exercises and lower lat resistance training and shoulder pulling exercises. Then adding the 5.5 hours of open mats at different gyms. I was a hobbyist that kind of views it as a lifestyle choice. My whole life is just better now. Everything.
They missed the difference between hobbyist and those desiring to be competitors.
‘I’m glad the rest of you are here’ 😂
You had me rolling with this clip, Lex!
This was such a great podcast. I listened to most of this as I was sitting in traffic after work going to jits class. To be honest, I was hyped to roll after listening to this.
Everything Nicky Ryan says about Jiu Jitsu is the truth. Like him talking about Natty King mixing up body lock passing with other passes would have been the difference between a w over Felipe and the L (which he may not have deserved).
Nicky is so mid its not even funny. Look at his record at black belt.
@@Drew-wy5mk he hasn’t been a great competitor. He has some good wins though. But that doesn’t take away from his analysis.
It’s odd how people are referred to as “hobbyists” on podcasts, like that’s a kind of let down , when the vast majority of bjj practitioners are …. Hobbyists
Cool vid though
Well, that’s what it’s called. You’re doing it for fun, these guys are doing it as their job. At least that’s how I differentiate the two
Given that even Bill Gates has admitted to a large part of the credit for developing the internet and computer stuff belonging to hobbyists and not professionals, being a hobbyist in jiu jitsu is a respectable reality. We have more freedom to tinker, troubleshoot, and develop the art cause there's nothing really at stake.
@@cheyennemeredith1174 so you think you tinker, troubleshoot and develop jiu jitsu more then the guys on this podcast? You are delusional
@@Justin-dr5uw lmao, this must be Nick Ryan with that 9th grade education. "Then" is used for sequence, "than" is used for comparison. Bless your heart, no wonder you don't understand how the work of 1-3 million practitioners, including tens of thousands of black belts who do not compete at the elite level, can contribute more to the sport than 3 celebrity athletes. Thanks for trying to make it about me though. Really appreciate it. Going to bed feeling special tonight 😆
@@cheyennemeredith1174 show me some clips of you rolling so i can see how much better you are than black belts you old bag
How can you not luv The B-team🤙🏽
Jeez, you sound bored even asking your own questions 😴
Consistency is more important. If you have an injury that if you roll the wrong way it may worsen, and you’re rolling with someone new, focus on the little wins, don’t let them get too mount, don’t let them get deep into a submission, but most of all don’t fuck yourself up more for a single 5 minute round. Train to be able to turn up at the next session
35 year old blue belt, my sparring partner is early 20s and a super active and successful competitor. He makes me better, but the realisation of how far you’ll go .. that hurts 😂😂
Keep pushing bro. I’m 33 and ya those damn young guys are gunning for us. Haha I just got my purple belt and man they really wanna put a hurt on me now 😅
Filming and watching your rounds IS NOT for a hobbyist lol
Masters 2 Black belt here, i could relate to what Craig Jones said at 4:30. I minimize going to random open mats (not to be confused with cross training) for the same reason i dont want to get injured
I hear you. I’m a masters 4 black belt. I take the same approach as you regarding open mats and rolling with people I don’t know.
Craig so helpful mate. Thanks Lex this was an excellent podcast
I can beat anyone, even these guys. Everybody here sounds weak
2 stripe blue coming off a 4 year layoff and doing 6 days a week, hoping to add night classes soon and double up on training, so 12 classes a week. Awesome advice, hoping to dedicate most of my time to really improving this year.
Pace yourself. Trying to get back into it full blast will always lead to Injury.
@Raymond Aloni oh, I did a month of classes before starting to anp it up, but yeah, listening to your body is important. Now doing 11 classes, 4 lifting sessions and 10 m minutes of yoga every week, feeling strong 💪 but definitely will back off if need be
Burlington Vermont area is in desperate need of a good dojo some good instructiors please
3:38 😂
It's a good idea. Now, they don't have to be defensive.
Nicky Rod's reaction was hilarious
His mind was blown and lost all respect for Lex haha
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
They all 3 have that killer vibe about them right now
LMAO Craig stealing thunder by giving up taps. Genius.
Ju-jitsu is for people who don't know how to throw hands!!! Not to mention it would never work in a real fight.
Is it ok to grease as a hobbyist JJ guy. I've been greasing and no one can touch me I just rip out of everything it's awesome! Someone called me out on it but I think it's ok because it's what Nicky Rod does. Do what the pros do. Should I stop greasing and learn some technique I'm pretty strong I can just rip out of everything so.... Why should I learn technique
Your lack if technique will bute you in the ass. If everybody greased it would be impossible to end the roll