Ep. 298: Working Around Injury, feat. Mandy Schneider
Aug 19, 2024
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Mandy Schneider, a purple belt and rising star from SOUL FIGHTERS Martial Arts, shares her journey navigating the challenges of training after surgery for elbow bursitis. She discusses distinguishing manageable injuries from those needing full rest, and the mental toll of recovery. Mandy emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals and maintaining motivation while sidelined. With insights on resilience and adaptability, she encourages listeners to focus on long-term health and personal growth through setbacks.
Managing injuries in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu involves distinguishing between those that can be trained around and those that require full rest.
A positive mindset during injury recovery enables athletes to view rehabilitation as an opportunity for personal growth and skill enhancement.
Effective communication with coaches and teammates is essential for developing tailored training plans that accommodate injury-specific limitations.
Deep dives
Convenience of Learning Jiu-Jitsu Today
The current environment for learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is much more accessible than in the past, thanks to advancements in technology. Athletes can subscribe to platforms offering premium audio courses that deliver a wealth of knowledge on techniques, mindset, and training strategies. This convenience allows practitioners to study and enhance their skills from the comfort of their homes, rather than relying solely on in-person instructions from educators with limited knowledge. It represents a significant improvement in resources available for both aspiring and veteran fighters.
Navigating Injuries in Jiu-Jitsu
Injuries are an inevitable part of training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, requiring athletes to adopt strategies for continued training while recovering. Understanding whether an injury necessitates a complete break from the sport or can be managed with modified training is crucial. For example, some injuries, like elbow bursitis, may allow for light training with precautions, making it feasible to prepare for competitions even under physical constraints. Athletes must weigh their long-term goals against immediate discomfort to make informed decisions about training intensity during recovery.
The Role of Mindset in Overcoming Injuries
A positive mindset plays a key role in coping with injuries and maintaining focus on personal goals. Athletes can benefit from reframing their recovery as an opportunity for mental and physical growth by setting specific rehabilitation goals. This perspective allows them to stay engaged with their sport, even while physically sidelined. Further, recognizing that injuries are a common challenge in athletic careers fosters resilience and long-term commitment to the sport.
Coping With the Emotional Aspects of Injury
Emotional responses to injuries can lead to negative thought patterns, which can hinder the recovery process. Athletes may initially feel resentment towards training partners or the circumstances that led to their injury. However, releasing these feelings is essential, as holding onto negativity can impede both physical and mental healing. Embracing forgiveness and focusing on personal recovery helps maintain a healthy attitude, allowing athletes to regain their confidence and re-engage with their training.
Support from Coaches and Peers During Recovery
The support of coaches and teammates is vital during an athlete's recovery from injury, as communication is essential for tailoring training methods. Coaches can help devise a plan that accommodates an athlete's specific limitations while ensuring they still feel part of the team. Constructive dialogue about injury management and what can be safely practiced aids in maintaining good relationships within the gym. Ultimately, the combined efforts of coaches and peers can foster a positive environment that supports recovery and strengthens community bonds.
This week we're joined by Mandy Schneider! Mandy is a BJJ Mental Models sponsored athlete competing at purple belt out of SOUL FIGHTERS Martial Arts in Allen, Texas. Mandy just underwent surgery for chronic bursitis in her elbow, and in this week's episode, Mandy shares her experience working around injury in Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include the challenges of training through injuries, distinguishing between manageable injuries and those requiring full rest, maintaining mental sharpness and motivation during recovery, and the public perception athletes face regarding injury-related decisions.
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