As I gain “time in” on the mat, I have begun to learn a bit about the pressures we put ourselves under. There are some really interesting dynamics that happen on the mat, and a big one that I see a lot is the interplay between the non-competitor/hobbyist and the competitor. I personally don’t define a competitor as merely someone who competes, but rather someone who competes as often as they can and trains with competition in mind. It’s a subtle but crucial difference.
People can be very hard on themselves when it comes to lower ranked competitors. Competitors will always roll at a higher level because they are setting definite goals. Their goal isn’t to “get better at jiu-jitsu” but to defeat all of their opponents at the next IBJJF Open or to make a loud enough statement on the competition scene to be considered for the upcoming Fight to Win Pro event, or some other definite, concrete goal.
There is some inherent responsibility on the competitor’s part to respect the hobbyist. When I roll with another competitor, I take submissions faster and with a lot more “intent.” I’m not trying to injure them, but I am trying to sharpen my skills and get to the point where my opponents have no choice but to tap at competition.
On the other hand, when I roll with someone I know is a hobbyist, if I play offense (which I don’t always do) I hold the submissions rather than crank them. I let my partner decide when to tap rather than deciding for them. I also do my best to avoid neck cranks and instead focus on applying a perfect choke. I will even ask the training partner mid choke if I am cranking or choking. If they inform me I am cranking, I will reset or release the submission.
I’d say that a very small fraction of jiu-jitsu practitioners are competitors, and those of us who do compete need to find ways to get something out of rolling with those who do not. We also need to find a way to ensure that our training partners benefit from rolling with us. I know that if I go 100% on a non-competitor, there’s a good chance that roll will be to their detriment. Even if they don’t get hurt, they won’t feel good after the roll.
Another thing to remember and respect is that a solid competitor will often be a better grappler than many practitioners who outrank them. This again brings about a two-way street of respect and consideration. If a lower ranked competitor is going against a higher ranked hobbyist, the competitor should remember that the hobbyist may not know what they’re in for. On the other side of things, when the hobbyist realizes that they are rolling with a better grappler, it is their responsibility to respect the other person’s grappling abilities and not become prideful because of belt colors.
Always be mindful of the grappling level of your training partners. You can get something out of every roll, and you can give something back in every roll. However, in order to benefit most and to be most beneficial, you must also tailor your training to your training partner.
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