Have An Injury? Good. Get To Work…

So you have an injury? Good. -Jocko (basically, but probably)

There’s no way around it-injuries suck. And if you are someone who has a sport they love to do, like Jiu Jitsu, then they can really, really suck. You can wallow in self pity and cry and complain, and you know what, I think those things are completely fine to do and easy to justify doing…for a minute. Then, you’ve gotta knock that crap off, change your mindset, and get to work.

Can’t use your left arm in certain positions? Let that movement go. Did you end up in side control? Good. Now work out without using your arm. You’ll be better at side control escapes. 

Not able to maintain turtle back when someone starts rolling, threatening weight on your head and neck? Don’t post, abandon your position. Are you mounted now? Good. Get out. You’ll be better at mount escapes. 

Not sure how to finish that kimura when you’ve lost your grip and arm strength? Good. Find another sub or figure out another way. You’ll be more lethal once you do. 

Would you normally roll with anyone and everyone? Are you thinking that maybe that’s not the best idea to keep you safe as you recover? Good. Practice telling yourself (and others) “no”. Practice setting and keeping boundaries. Practice honoring your body and where it’s at. You’ll be better at protecting yourself in the future. 

We can let our injuries win. That’s easy. It’s letting our injuries teach us and help us grow that’s painful and uncomfortable. Each injury has its own bright side, but you have to be open to it.

I’m currently spending a lot of time tapping and rolling straight into bad positions in favor of protecting my neck and arm. Whatever-I’m embracing the suck. Growth isn’t comfortable anyway.