- Joined
- Jul 8, 2012
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- 574
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If the gyms are reasonably similar in distance, you should be trying multiple gyms anyway.
Have you spoken to the instructor of the new school? I would talk to him, and see what he says. I think the students sounds like a bunch of petty insecure a-holes though. I would try out different gyms unless this one is the closest to you.
I always try to welcome guys who are getting back into it. It seems strange to criticize someone like that.
No matter what just stay positive and keep training man.
Whatever you do, don’t roll with any blue belts.
They’re going to attempt to murder you, especially if the instructor is watching.
On one hand, I get that people are on the lookout for fake belts. Imagine if just after getting your purple belt, someone comes into the gym wearing a purple belt, and is obviously struggling with some technique and maybe unclear about their background, etc. Wouldn't you be curious?
On the other, hand if you/ the stranger were just straight forward, and say- "hey I'm rusty. I got injured a month after getting my purple belt from (your previous instructor) and this is my first time on the mat after 3 years off" - that should be the end of it.
If people can't accept that- you are at a douchebag gym and should look elsewhere.
You are going to struggle / take a while to get back up to speed. Don't worry about what people think. Your skills will come back much faster than someone who is lying, so even skeptics in 2-3 months will accept you for what you are. And even if they don't who the fuck cares?
If you give the name of the person who promoted you to purple, and inform them of the long lay off, the other students should back off. The only time I’ve ever heard anything remotely close to this is if nobody has ever heard of the professor.
Dude you are way too anxious about this. If you are a low purple who hasn’t trained in a long time you’d normally be expected to roll like a mid blue or so. You need to develop some internal goals and pursue them rather than caring about what a bunch of people you don’t even really know might think.
I wouldn’t change your belt or gi. That’s just playing a pointless game, like you were a middle school girl or something. Show up in gear and train, have fun improving, that’s all that really matters.
Hi guys
Just had a super disenchanting experience today. I am a purple belt who, after 3 years off, is trying to get back into the sport. At the time of quitting, I've barely been purple for a month - in fact, my grading somewhat contributed to me quitting as it re-opened a shoulder injury which in turn got worse as I (somewhat foolishly) kept on training.
Long story short, after a lot of negative self talk, I dragged myself to a BJJ gym today for a free trial (I didn't go back to my old gym as I have moved states). Everything was fine until we started drilling techniques - this was when I heard other students commenting behind my back that I wasn't performing to the prerequisite standard. To be honest, I did forget some of the details of the DLR sweep we were doing but - then again - I got the gist of the technique right. Shortly after I heard the talk behind my back, I was asked how long I've been training, how long I have taken a break for, where did I get my belt etc. Since I've just gotten my purple belt when I quit, I got quite nervous and I stumbled over a couple of the answers. These students then went on to ask about why my gi looked so flimsy (this was a gym where everyone wore the same types of gis - and my gi was "flimsy" because it was a single weave -.-) and why my belt was such an "interesting" colour (apparently it was a much lighter shade of purple than "usual"). They even sniggered when I didn't turn to the wall to retie my belt (at my old gym, everything was super casual so I wasn't used to this practice).
Man, I've always been a somewhat nervous practitioner (always asking myself if I'm good enough) and today has been a nightmare come true. No one outright said "are you sure you are a purple/are you lying?" but the insinuation was there. It doesn't help that I don't actually feel myself worthy of the belt either. I just keep on thinking to myself "if, at the time of my grading, I was just ready for purple then surely - after so many years - I have fell far below the common standard". What do you reckon I should do? Today's class proved I was still interested in BJJ but then...I just hate being thought of as an imposter. Do you reckon I should try out more gyms? Should I wear my old blue belt to the next gym and wear a studier gi (like a double weave tatami instead of the single weave fuji I wore today)?
I am just so disappointed in the entire experience and in myself...
Yo fuck that gym. Any gym that makes you face the wall to tie your belt is 100% gracie certified bullshit.
I got angry reading how they treated you in that post, doesnt happen often either.
Even if you were rusty blue belt quality, no one at my gym would have instantly questioned or mocked you behind your back like that
I returned to the gi after 4 years doing no gi and was a one stripe purple. A good blue belt tapped me second roll. At first there was no pressure because I was the no gi guy but as I continued I felt I had to be some purple belt killer. I have just kept turning up and reminded myself to have fun and that there's nothing to prove. There's good days and bad days but consistency and self belief is key along with keeping your fitness up. Fast forward a year I have received two more stripes, am helping run class and for the most part am dominating and holding my own where I should. And to echo the sentiments of the others, facing the wall is some koolaid shit. A year back and coach is happy with my progress and even tells me I keep him honest. Dont sweat the fucktards. There's life outside the gym. Enjoy your time at a good gym and run your own raceThanks for the all the feedback guys. You guys really helped me see things in perspective.
I've already booked another trial at a new gym. This time, I will definitely show more confidence coming in and not worry so much!