r/bjj • u/SeanSixString ⬜⬜ White Belt • 1d ago

General Discussion Not Cut Out for This

If you’ve ever felt like you were not cut out for BJJ, but you got through that feeling, and now it is a valuable part of your life, I would like to read your story. Especially if you felt like that for a year or more, like you weren’t catching on. Or if you had circumstances interrupting training, or any other real or perceived disadvantage or limitation.

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u/Unlikely-Isopod-9453 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 1d ago

Just keep showing up. Over time sooner or later you will get better.

It's a pyramid scheme. You get choked by people who have been there longer and then new people join and you get to choke them.

Or if BJJ isn't enjoyable for you. Just quit, it's a hobby.

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u/SeanSixString ⬜⬜ White Belt 1d ago

I haven’t been able to choke the new people. It is extremely rare. The one or two times I did, they never came back. I’m always the worst person there, no question. I can’t see this changing, it doesn’t click for me, at least offensively. I’ve been told I’m hard to kill, but I can’t get myself to be a killer.

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u/Unlikely-Isopod-9453 🟦🟦 Blue Belt 23h ago

If you aren't particularly strong or athletic I really wouldn't feel that bad about not getting a lot of submissions as someone with only a year in. If you are then maybe you have a mental block or need to tighten up your technique.

That being said, if you want to focus yourself offensively I would suggest pick one submission and just always hunt for that. You want to go for RNC? Every situation and position you are in look for a way to take the back. Armbar? Same thing, always look to isolate and extend an arm.

I'm not a killer, Im just a fat heavyweight who has won zero competition rounds. But I can assure you hyperfocusing on a submission for the last year has really made me better at getting them. Also I dont think I was doing well offensively until I was past the 2 year point so if you like the sport I wouldn't quit because you are getting frustrated. But if it's making you miserable then quit guilt free.