No matter how chill I roll, or how much mobility/lifting/balance work I do I am always f*ing injured. You guys have become my favorite BJJ resource. Thank you for being knowledgeable AND entertaining.

Great topic. I founded my gym in my small town in 2016 and for many years didn't have anyone above blue belt. For a while I was training 8x/week. I'm in my 40s. It was too much. I did have my share of injuries/illnesses that kept me off the mats -- no powering through some of them. I would limp in with a cane and sit in a chair (earning me the nickname "Master Splinter") and call out technique verbally. People understood. These days I'll have frequent micro-injuries that I *can* roll through, but not if I want them to get better. I'll skip rolls for a few days or a week as necessary. People understand. Also, it gives me the, ahem, "opportunity" to coach live rolls instead, which has substantial value, both for the students (coachability is a highly underrated skill!) and for me (I get a much better feel for who is at what level, where they have holes, etc.) From the student side, I would pause membership dues for injuries requiring more than a week or two off the mats. I appreciate that not all gyms are able to bear that financially. And I frequently have injured newbies ask me if they're allowed to watch classes. I strongly encourage them to do so, and to take notes. You see things differently that way, which can be beneficial, even if not preferred. And I also tell them that coming back from an injury (which, let's be honest, we *all* do way too early) will usually improve their technique overall because coddling that thing forces them into positions and directions they don't normally train. In summary: Please do take care of yourself, both as a student and a coach. Work with each other to find the value in whatever situation.

Sent this to my son and coach..we all work around injuries.

As an older instructor and coach with multiple injuries and surgeries, you must establish safety and proper rolling. A lot of BJJ academies lack or neglect safety, which is the number one why people quit and never return: they ignore someone getting hurt or an accident because they failed to establish and explain a safety brief and control rolling. They neglect the responsibility just because you signed their waiver. Then say, "Well, Jiu-Jitsu is not for everyone" 🤦. You can't fix stupid 🤷.

Hey, love you guys and BJJ! from UK moved to AUS actually just got back into BJJ here after 4 months travelling, today. Great topic and eye opener. Makes me grateful for my coach back home. I was out nearly two years with my ACL pre and post, turned up to the academy as per sat in on classes and made notes, did my rehab there to. Coach also knew many contacts for sports massages and rehab professionals. Keep up the fantastic work. Ben

lol my coach needs to see this, he’s broken