It was an early morning class. I noticed the new guy — he seemed timid, but was really big and strong. Coach came over and said, “Go easy on him, he’s new.” So respectfully, when we started sparring, I gave him the power position and didn’t really resist him getting side control and then getting the mount. That’s when I realized that this “new” kid was a serious beast. He wasn’t skilled per se, but he was strong and applying a lot of pressure. I guess coach forgot to tell him to go easy on me. That was our first encounter.
Some days later I was rolling with this same young white belt. As I mentioned, he was a very big and powerful guy. So this time, I gave him what he gave me. I brought the heat because I already knew what he was about.
At one point as I tried to sweep him, his weight was too much and he managed to take my back. At the time I wasn’t too worried because he didn’t appear to be going for my neck yet. But moments later I felt his legs squeeze around my waist and he started to twist them towards the right. Next I felt his arms squeeze around my chest and he started to twist them towards the left. Finally, I felt him trying to raise his hips as he twisted my back in opposite directions.
Realizing that this move could seriously injure my spine, I tapped. Next I asked him, “What are you doing, man?” He said, “That’s a submission, people tap to that.” I replied, “There are plenty of things that would make someone tap that we would never do on the mat, especially in a live roll where things are unpredictable. You have to be careful with training partners. That’s some dangerous stuff you are pulling.”
He didn’t love being called out on that, but I don’t think he fully understood the risk involved in his aggressive submission attempt that he probably saw on YouTube. It’s important to be aware of safety first.
I am noticing that though most people in BJJ are cool, not all are particularly careful with the safety and well-being of their training partners. I’m not saying they are intentionally trying to hurt anyone, but many can be careless or unaware of the dangers involved. Especially at the lower levels with newer guys. I’ve been hurt a few times by new guys over the years.
Fortunately, I didn’t get hurt too badly by this guy. He did the move a bit more slowly since he’s such a big dude and was still figuring out the mechanics. However, if he had cranked it faster, I would have been hurt badly without a chance to tap.
My friends, when you are rolling and training, please be very careful with how you attack your partners, especially around the neck and spine. Winning at a casual school roll isn’t worth injuring someone badly. Please, respectfully, watch out for your training partners and train safe.
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