Deciding to return to the mats after a long hiatus can feel like a daunting task, especially if your break was due to an injury, work schedule, home life, school, or anything else that demanded more of your time, leaving less room for training. Another dose of reality is knowing that your training partners, who were once beginners, have most likely progressed, improved, or even been promoted, making it unlikely for you to dominate them like you may have in the past. It can be disheartening to realize that techniques that used to flow effortlessly for you aren't chaining together as they once did and lower belts are now able to control, pin, or even submit you.
Now you may question: Is it even worth it to come back at all?
Well firstly, it's important to remember that everyone's jiu-jitsu journey is unique, and taking calculated breaks is entirely normal. Life can be unpredictable, and various responsibilities may take precedence for a while. Also, It's okay to acknowledge that your skills may have developed ring rust during your time away from the mats. The important thing is to accept that everytime we train, we are always learning. So if you're considering returning back to jiu-jitsu, remember, it's a marathon not a sprint, and we're all on our own path sharing the journey with one another along the way.
- TWBJJ Correspondent