burnout? advice pls

[kiddbjj]

Hi guys

just wanted to get some opinions here about a problem I'm having with my training. Hoping some of the long timers to sport/fitness might be able to share some nuggets of wisdom.

Been doing BJJ for about 5 1/2 years now fairly consistently (avg 3 class week).

For the past year or so I've been basically forcing myself to keep going to train as the zest that I once had for it seems to have diminished over time. I kept going though for 2 reasons 1) because I was hoping that it might just be a phase of low motivation that I could push through and 2) I didn't want to lose all the ability I had earnt already. This all culminated for me the past few months where I've been pretty depressed in general and really short with people, especially my wife. Going to class felt more like an obligation and something to get done and get out rather than fun. So last week I decided to stop altogether. This is a pretty big deal for me as I been in martial arts for about 12 years. But as soon as I made the decision I felt AWESOME. Everyday since I've had heaps of energy and just feel excited about what I can do that night with my newly found free time. I've also felt extremely GUILTY for walking away from something that is so much apart of who I have been.

So I guess my question is am I going to regret walking away from something that I've put a heap of work into? Have I just wasted my talent and opportunity to get good at something for the sake of a little freewheeling?

any advice would be greatly appreciated

[Garland]

It is hard to walk away from something that you dedicate so much of your time, money, effort, and heart into, especially if it has in many ways become part of who you are. If you feel better taking the time off, maybe you need a break from it instead of just giving up on it.

Maybe try mixing it up with cross training or playing about with different types of fighters, or mixing up your routine a little more in terms of training exercises.

Take a week or two off, and then try it again.

[WildWest.]

I'm going through the same thing with Hapkido. But I think mine is more to do with not getting out of it what I want anymore.....too many unrealistic things when all I want to focus on is the stuff that works.

I'll probably just take a break soon too.

[gregimotis]

5 years of something you've loved is not wasted time.

Take a break, then when you feel like it, go and roll with somebody. You'll enjoy the roll, you might want to train again, or you might not.

If you are loving the free time, then that is maybe what you need right now and my advice is: Don't impose guilt on something that is making you happy. BJJ will be there if you ever want to go back.

[jubaji]

Originally Posted by kiddbjj

So I guess my question is am I going to regret walking away from something that I've put a heap of work into?

Yes, you are.

[Mat Rant]

Is it possible that you're a bit burnt out with your club?

I know it's considered sacrilege but maybe switching clubs could rekindle the love of training.

[blackxpress]

You say you've been training in BJJ 5 1/2 yrs. but you've been in MA 12 yrs. What style did you train before you started in BJJ? I'm wondering if you might be burnt out on BJJ in particular and not on MA in general.

[Bjjexpertise@be]

You need to change things up every now and then or you'll get bored with it. If you're been doing BJJ at the same academy it's time to switch things up for a little bit. Go find a Judo or Wrestling club around town and do that for a bit and then come back to BJJ.

[jubaji]

But if he goes to a wrestling club he'll never go back to BJJ!

[kiddbjj]

thanks for all the replies folks.

I've decided to take a few weeks break and then re-evaluate.

In the mean time I've been enjoying the chance to workout when I please: weights, running, swimming, indoor climbing, general sports etc and it's been great.

Now if I could just stop feeling so guilty............

[Bjjexpertise@be]

Originally Posted by jubaji

But if he goes to a wrestling club he'll never go back to BJJ!

Unless his cardio sucks .

[jubaji]

That's true.

[Tant01]

Originally Posted by kiddbjj

Hi guys

just wanted to get some opinions here about a problem I'm having with my training. Hoping some of the long timers to sport/fitness might be able to share some nuggets of wisdom.

Been doing BJJ for about 5 1/2 years now fairly consistently (avg 3 class week).

For the past year or so I've been basically forcing myself to keep going to train as the zest that I once had for it seems to have diminished over time. I kept going though for 2 reasons 1) because I was hoping that it might just be a phase of low motivation that I could push through and 2) I didn't want to lose all the ability I had earnt already. This all culminated for me the past few months where I've been pretty depressed in general and really short with people, especially my wife. Going to class felt more like an obligation and something to get done and get out rather than fun. So last week I decided to stop altogether. This is a pretty big deal for me as I been in martial arts for about 12 years. But as soon as I made the decision I felt AWESOME. Everyday since I've had heaps of energy and just feel excited about what I can do that night with my newly found free time. I've also felt extremely GUILTY for walking away from something that is so much apart of who I have been.

So I guess my question is am I going to regret walking away from something that I've put a heap of work into? Have I just wasted my talent and opportunity to get good at something for the sake of a little freewheeling?

any advice would be greatly appreciated

Dude... I'm glad you like judo because BJJ is JUST THAT! I've attempted repeatedly to open the eyes of students around the world to a simple truth about GJJ/BJJ...

Lets FACE THE FACTS! GRAND MASTER HELIO was a fricking sideline in the judo game! He watched as his brother learned the FUNDAMENTALS of NEWAZA! I'm not disrespecting what that family has accomplished but after 20 odd years proclaiming himself as a MASTER (instructor) the man was whupped in a national embarrasement of a spectacle that sent him back under a rock for three more decades!

You'll never know how brief a time the real Judo man (Maeda) spent schooling Helio's brother... Carlos Gracie... a year? Maybe two? Take what you've learned and make it your own! I'm sure you've picked up a few tricks in the last few years? GO! Play with it. Just don't try to convince the world you've CREATED something you paid for. And don't try to make a million bucks selling your stuff under a new name.

Go climb a rock! Contemplate what you've accomplished and be glad you didn't waste three or five or ten MORE YEARS paying to learn PART of something. You might just be STARTING to see the bigger picture.

I've hoped for some years now YOU might grow out of BJJ.

Congratulations!

[Movement]

i know i'm a little late here, but go do some stand up for a while, then try bjj again

[WildWest.]

Stand-up. Good idea....still doing MA's but from a different perspective.