“Best Practice” Tips For Rolling Jiu Jitsu SE Portland

Upping your Jiu Jitsu game is all about drilling, dedication, and hard work. It also helps if you have a great coach, like Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Omar Santiago at Mata Leao Combat Sports in SE Portland. Thinking about other inputs like lifestyle decisions which could influence our performance is also important. Here are some surprisingly simple off the mat factors which you might not have guessed could influence your Jiu Jitsu game in a MAJOR way.

Pre-Workout Drinks:

There are few physical exercises which are as demanding both mentally and physically as BJJ. Your body needs enough available electrolytes like sodium, potassium in order for your muscles to contract properly and in order to keep moving in a coordinated manner. Everyone has seen people seize up in cramps on the Jiu Jitsu mat: it isn’t pretty! Stay hydrated with the right stuff, not just sugary “Sports Drinks”: get a legit pre-workout mix.

Jiu Jitsu Diet:

If you are eating a healthy balanced diet and avoiding junk foods, you are going to have a better roll. Avoid processed, fast foods. Eat leafy green vegetables and local, quality meat. Food is the fuel that drives your body: remember the adage garbage in, garbage out. Most people are surprised to know that Mata Leao offers 30 day free trials for our Gym here in SE Portland. Could this be the incentive you need to start eating healthier? Hmm..

Studying Jiu Jitsu:

Mata Leao Combat Sports has a number of instructional videos available which breakdown the motions associated with beginner to advanced BJJ techniques. Studying materials outside of class can lead to “Ah-Ha” moments and innovation on the mat. The first time I learned of spider-guard was from a website separate from class. I researched it and had something new for the next class. Mataleaocs.com is a great place to start.

Yoga, Stress Management, Flexibility:

Jiu Jitsu is as physical as it is mental. Some would argue that there is no difference, I am one of those people. The Jury’s in: Yoga, Meditation, and Stretching are good for your overall health. If you are more flexible, you are less likely to get injured with muscle tears or sprains. If you are more mentally focused through meditation, you might be more likely to avoid injury with your quick thinking and reflexes. At the very least, stretch outside of the gym when you are at the house and unplug the TV for an hour.

Cardio:

There’s nothing worse than running out of gas. If you are wanting to see better results on the mat,  go for a run, swim, or jump-rope outside of Jiu Jitsu class. Your body will release endorphins which is better for your mental health, and your heart will be in better shape so that you can last longer on the mat. Less panting and heaving= more flawless execution and hardliner defense.

Sleep, Recovery:

It’s important for your body to get superb sleep in order to perform athletically AND to also recover from injuries. REM cycle sleep is the restorative sleep, and it is harder to get if we are significantly stressed or our schedules are disrupted from travel etc. Make sure that you aren’t staying up in bed watching movies or your phone in bed, turn off all the lights after a certain hour, don’t drink caffeinated beverages after 4. This should be common sense, but people all over suffer from lack of sleep. If you are at a CHRONIC sleep deficit, you will perform worse than if you were adequately rested.

Jiu Jitsu SE Portland: Taking Care of Injuries:

If you are starting to notice that you have an ache or a pain, TAKE CARE OF IT. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation work ( RICE acronym) works wonders and help your Jiu Jitsu game to be more sustainable over the course of your BJJ career. Proper care can mean the difference between being inconvenienced or being out for a season. Also, talk to your partners about things (e.g. lower back, tennis elbow) that are bothering you BEFORE YOU ROLL.

Editor’s Note: The above blog isn’t medical advice and isn’t intended to diagnose or prevent any illness. For entertainment purposes only. 

Jiu Jitsu SE Portland

Jiu Jitsu SE Portland

Jiu Jitsu SE Portland

Jiu Jitsu SE Portland