Look, sometimes it is not easy to find the words to tell someone you don't want to roll with them. Maybe your afraid your gonna get injured or they are simply much bigger (or more skilled). There has to be a respectful way to tell someone you wont roll. There is! First lets cover why you should have this communication in your verbal toolbelt and at the end I have a wide variety of suggestions you can use. Remember its better to avoid a roll than not be able to train for weeks, or even months.
Rolling with a "spazzy" person in BJJ can lead to injury for several reasons.
First, inexperienced grapplers may be unfamiliar with basic techniques or concepts which can cause them to put their bodies into awkward and dangerous positions during rolling, making them more likely to suffer an injury. Additionally, they may not have the necessary strength or conditioning levels to safely handle the physical demands of a live roll, which can increase their risk for injury. Finally, inexperienced grapplers may not be aware of how to safely tap or signal when they are in danger, resulting in them enduring more damage than necessary and potentially exposing themselves to serious injury. Ultimately, it is important to remember that everyone has the right to safety during training and if you ever feel uncomfortable with a certain partner, it is best to avoid rolling with them.
Finally, it is essential to remember that safety should be a top priority in any martial art. It is important to learn proper technique and conditioning before attempting to roll with someone who may have more experience than you. Also, it is important to take the necessary precautions of communication and self-defense so that you can protect yourself during training.
Why you get injured with rolling with a much bigger opponent in BJJ?
Rolling with a much bigger opponent in BJJ can increase the chance of injury due to the size and strength gap between you and your partner. A larger opponent can overpower you, making it difficult to escape or defend yourself against their techniques, which may expose you to more damage than necessary. Additionally, if they become too aggressive or careless during rolling, they could unintentionally put you in dangerous positions that can cause serious injury. Finally, they may not be aware of how to safely tap or signal when they are in danger, resulting in them enduring more damage than necessary and potentially exposing themselves to serious injury. Ultimately, it is important to remember that everyone has the right to safety during training and if you ever feel uncomfortable with a certain partner, it is best to avoid rolling with them.
Finally, it is essential to remember that safety should be a top priority in any martial art. It is important to learn proper technique and conditioning before attempting to roll with someone who may have more experience than you. Also, it is important to take the necessary precautions of communication and self-defense so that you can protect yourself during training.
Keep in mind you can simply explain to a potential training partner your trying to pick your partners wisely and need to avoid injury (I am sure for a variety of reasons - Career, previous Injuries, Health Issues, upcoming wedding etc...) If a person is for any reason NOT RECEIPTIVE to this they probably weren't a good choice to begin with. If it is an opponent you know is "spazzy" or "much larger" it may be best to choose someone else or wait until the next round to roll.
THINGS YOU CAN "SAY" TO AVOID ROLLING WITH SOMEONE
"I'll catch you on the next one if that is okay?"
"I'm trying to work on some new techniques and I'd like to work on a few things before we roll together."
"I'd love for us to drill together instead of rolling right now."
"Can we flow roll and get warmed up" (this is if they understand flow rolling and are likely a blue belt or higher in rank)
"I want to modify a few things in my game before we roll"
"What do you think about taking it slow and working on technique first?"
"I am gonna stretch for a bit, lets circle back around in a bit maybe"
"I'm sure we'll have a great roll later, but I'd like to focus on something specific right now."
"Let's take it easy and work on our flow during class for a bit before rolling together?"
"I have to check my phone for something"
"I need to focus on working with people closer to my weight class"
HERE ARE THE BRUTAL HONEST (maybe considered rude) APPROACHES
"Honestly, your a bit too wild for me and I don't want to end up injured"
"You are too big for me. I don't want to get injured"
"When you stop spazzing out Ill reconsider"
"You too spazzy, when you calm down we can roll in the future"
Please let me know some of the things you say to an opponent you don't want to roll with.
Train Safe, Train Often
Matthew Tropp | BJJ Report
Info@bjjreport.com