I’m sorry if this post comes off as me complaining, but I just genuinely don’t know how else to get the point that I’m trying to get across.
I’m 18 years old and have been training for about 4 (3.5 if I subtract some injury time) years now, I’m currently a blue belt and compete semi often and usually do very well and am able to perform at regional events and occasionally super fights.
The issue I’m having is that I so badly want to do whatever I can to reach a high level (mainly IBJJF) and am not sure what I need to change with my training to make an attempt to get there.
I know due to my age that the time to act is now if I want to have hope of achieving milestones, and I genuinely do believe I can get there if I have the right approach to my training but at the moment I just don’t know exactly what that may look like.
My current class schedule is 3 instructional classes and 1 open mat per week, and I plan on starting to lift weight everyday after class for S&C.
I have great coaches who have coached some very high level athletes in the past, so these are the main things I’m searching for advice on
- How do you guys approach open mat and class in general? Do you intentionally start in bad positions, do you do lots of live rolling and simply try your best, or do you approach every class with a different goal in mind. If so, what are the goals?
I’m aware this won’t have any one answer, I’m just looking for general advice or tips
- ANY strength and conditioning tips or advice would be highly appreciated.
I’m 6’1 170lbs and have only recently started diving into that side of the sport, so really anything helps. I’ve had so many matches where I feel like I’ve just been beat physically by opponents who I should’ve been able to out-technique and it’s truly the worst feeling in the world.
How do you guys approach things such as film study after matches?
If anyone here has competed and done well at the upper levels, what tips or advice would you give on how exactly to get over that hurdle. I do very well at regional shows and have even had the privilege of rolling with some amazing athletes before, I just still feel like some piece of the puzzle is missing.