Overheard a PRICELESS conversation at the gym yesterday from one of our purple belts. It was almost poetic. Let me preface this with the fact that I love animals, but I had to bite my tongue to keep from choking myself laughing.
I used to have a rabbit.
Carrots are orange.
The wires to my stereo are orange.
Now I don't have a rabbit anymore.
My left thumb has been slightly sore for about two months now...right around the distal joint. It's ok when relaxed, but when I extend or flex it, there's a dull ache. I was waiting for it to get better, but a month of judo and nothing's improved. Should I get a brace? Any recommendations?
I still feel silly for just how amped I am after a private. This clip from Ghostbusters II? That was me...
I left yesterday wanting to hug people. Nothing too out of the ordinary question-wise...I clarified some issues I was having with people rotating out of deep half, answered a few questions on what to do with the sideways half-guard that's been plaguing me so, figured out why I'd been losing my triangles from the mount (I've been rolling out over the foot instead of the knee) and worked a bit on clearing some mental hurdles I have to getting into an omoplata and the armbar that presents itself if your opponent forward rolls out of it.
The best part though, was flow rolling. I've tried it before with a white belt, but...and I didn't realize this...but you kinda have to know what you're doing to pull it off properly. It really is a dance of BJJ. I tried it for the first time with WrestlerInstructor and we ended up going at a pace that he called "a light jog". Apparently flow rolling can get up to paces of sprinting. By the third round, I noticed myself using strength and bam...there it was. I saw the line between technique and strength, plain as day.
One thing I do love, is getting multiple perspectives on the same technique. KickboxerInstructor teaches the MMA class right before my usual lesson time and was able to give some input. His build is different than WrestlerInstructor (he's got long limbs like I do) and comes from a different background, so the way he describes moves is different. There was a sweep from...I guess it's bottom kesa gatame, except you have control of one leg. He made sure to emphasize that you have to get this sweep before the guy settles his weight, and that you need to keep their COG pushed farther down near your hips. Getting different input from two higher belts is always great.
I always enjoy the big concepts I walk out of them with. This round...
1) Controlling the shoulders from the top-I've always focused on the hips, but we worked with me on top more and I'm more aware now.
2) Stepping back over the back leg-I always forget that's an option.
3) Negotiating chokes from the back when on your side.
4) Not loosing control of your weight when you have the back mount-I have a tendency to ride too high, let myself fall to the mat and then end up left at a disadvantage for keeping the back.
And judo...judo month trudges on. I have to admit...I clock watch during judo sessions. I'm just not as naturally interested in it as I am BJJ and interest is important in pushing through 90 minute drilling sessions. If I'd stumbled in to ATT and they'd taught me this first, I doubt I'd have had the drive to drag my scared, trembling body back in. However, If I can learn 2-3 solid trips/throws, I'll be happy.
At least my breakfalls are getting better. I took my first O-goshi from a very large blue, and like Georgette said, it's easier with somebody who has a better idea of what they're doing. I was concerned because he's one of the few people at the gym that's taller than me, and going over his shoulder is a way to go. No wind getting knocked out of me and no neck strains. My skeleton still feels jarred though.
I used to have a rabbit.
Carrots are orange.
The wires to my stereo are orange.
Now I don't have a rabbit anymore.
My left thumb has been slightly sore for about two months now...right around the distal joint. It's ok when relaxed, but when I extend or flex it, there's a dull ache. I was waiting for it to get better, but a month of judo and nothing's improved. Should I get a brace? Any recommendations?
I still feel silly for just how amped I am after a private. This clip from Ghostbusters II? That was me...
I left yesterday wanting to hug people. Nothing too out of the ordinary question-wise...I clarified some issues I was having with people rotating out of deep half, answered a few questions on what to do with the sideways half-guard that's been plaguing me so, figured out why I'd been losing my triangles from the mount (I've been rolling out over the foot instead of the knee) and worked a bit on clearing some mental hurdles I have to getting into an omoplata and the armbar that presents itself if your opponent forward rolls out of it.
The best part though, was flow rolling. I've tried it before with a white belt, but...and I didn't realize this...but you kinda have to know what you're doing to pull it off properly. It really is a dance of BJJ. I tried it for the first time with WrestlerInstructor and we ended up going at a pace that he called "a light jog". Apparently flow rolling can get up to paces of sprinting. By the third round, I noticed myself using strength and bam...there it was. I saw the line between technique and strength, plain as day.
One thing I do love, is getting multiple perspectives on the same technique. KickboxerInstructor teaches the MMA class right before my usual lesson time and was able to give some input. His build is different than WrestlerInstructor (he's got long limbs like I do) and comes from a different background, so the way he describes moves is different. There was a sweep from...I guess it's bottom kesa gatame, except you have control of one leg. He made sure to emphasize that you have to get this sweep before the guy settles his weight, and that you need to keep their COG pushed farther down near your hips. Getting different input from two higher belts is always great.
I always enjoy the big concepts I walk out of them with. This round...
1) Controlling the shoulders from the top-I've always focused on the hips, but we worked with me on top more and I'm more aware now.
2) Stepping back over the back leg-I always forget that's an option.
3) Negotiating chokes from the back when on your side.
4) Not loosing control of your weight when you have the back mount-I have a tendency to ride too high, let myself fall to the mat and then end up left at a disadvantage for keeping the back.
And judo...judo month trudges on. I have to admit...I clock watch during judo sessions. I'm just not as naturally interested in it as I am BJJ and interest is important in pushing through 90 minute drilling sessions. If I'd stumbled in to ATT and they'd taught me this first, I doubt I'd have had the drive to drag my scared, trembling body back in. However, If I can learn 2-3 solid trips/throws, I'll be happy.
At least my breakfalls are getting better. I took my first O-goshi from a very large blue, and like Georgette said, it's easier with somebody who has a better idea of what they're doing. I was concerned because he's one of the few people at the gym that's taller than me, and going over his shoulder is a way to go. No wind getting knocked out of me and no neck strains. My skeleton still feels jarred though.
A sprain caused damage to the same joint in my thumb. The damage I did was very, very severe -- there's no way it would have gotten better without physiotherapy. So that's what I would recommend.
ReplyDeleteThey will give you targeted and appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises, and should know whether a brace/rest is necessary or not. By the sounds of it, hopefully you would only require a handful of visits to get it sorted out. Good luck!
Ooo...that sounds...not good. Were you having a lot of pain or was it more subtle damage?
ReplyDeletehahah no, it wasn't good! It was very painful and mobility was nil. It even hurt to use the fingers on my hand! But I still didn't fully realize just how bad it was until my physio assessment. I took nearly 8 months off of BJJ to allow it to heal properly. Fortunately your situation seems to be quite different from mine, in terms of damage and the type of pain -- my pain was very sharp, not dull.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the severity, I think sports medicine doctors and physiotherapists are a great way to nip things in the bud -- especially since you're dealing with a thumb, as they are more complicated than fingers (obv). A family doctor may tell you not to use your entire hand so it can heal. A physiotherapist would tell you you need to use it within your limits and do rehab exercises. The latter is certainly the proactive solution!
Do you remember how it happened?
You've really got me rethinking how I look at sports medicine doctors.
ReplyDeleteNo clue how it happened. I assumed overuse since I've been trying to play more spider lately. Not a lot of heavy gripping with the thumbs, but they are getting used more.
You might consider seeking out a chiropractor. I know, not a back issue-- but I recently discovered they actually address issues relating to all the joints in the skeleton... mine adjusts my wrists and ankles, knees, even hips, and it really helps me recover from minor injuries...
ReplyDeleteYeah...think I'll check it out. Thanks!
ReplyDelete