Why 90% Quit:The Brutal Truth of BJJ & The Art of Emotional Stealth

Summary

In this interview, 52-year-old Conrad Spangler, a highly-ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and military veteran, shares his journey and insights into the sport. He discusses the mental and physical toughness required, drawing parallels to his wrestling background under legendary coach Dan Gable. Conrad emphasizes the importance of consistency in training and diet to maintain resilience and readiness. He also highlights the mental game of competition, advocating for a stoic demeanor to keep opponents guessing. His advice for those who have fallen out of shape is to create a daily habit of exercise and to enjoy the process of continual self-improvement.

Takeaways

• 🤼‍♂️ **Mental and Physical Toughness**: The sport requires both mental and physical resilience, which can't be replicated through other means.
• 🤝 **Camaraderie and Ego**: There's a strong bond among those willing to step on the mat, often putting ego aside to face challenges and learn from them.
• 🏆 **Competition and Progress**: Conrad Spangler emphasizes the importance of competing to test and improve one's skills, regardless of the outcome.
• 🎖️ **Achievement and Dopamine**: The thrill of victory and the recognition on the podium provide a significant dopamine rush, which is a strong motivator.
• 🤕 **Injury and Recovery**: Injuries are part of the sport, and it's crucial to understand the difference between pain and injury to avoid permanent damage.
• 🚫 **Emotional Control**: Hiding emotions during a match is vital as it prevents opponents from gaining an advantage or sensing weakness.
• 🏋️‍♂️ **Consistency in Training**: Maintaining a consistent workout routine, even when not actively competing, is key to staying in shape and ready for competition.
• 🍽️ **Diet and Discipline**: A disciplined approach to diet is essential for maintaining one's physique and health, especially as one ages.
• 🧗‍♂️ **Adaptability**: Recognizing when to push through and when to take a break is part of the mental aspect of the sport, and it's important for injury prevention.
• 👨‍👦 **Balancing Life Roles**: Conrad balances being a father, maintaining his physique, and staying competitive, highlighting the importance of managing multiple life roles.
• 🔄 **Regaining Shape**: If one falls out of routine, the key to getting back into shape is to create a daily habit that is enjoyable and sustainable.

Q & A

What is the sport that Conrad Spangler is involved in?

Conrad Spangler is involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and he trains at Henzo Gracie Houston.

What was Conrad's ranking in the IBJJF competitions before he was promoted to brown belt?

Conrad was the number one ranked purple belt in IBJJF competitions before his promotion to brown belt.

How long did Conrad serve in the military?

Conrad served a total of 29 years in the military, including 6 years in the Marine Corps, 11 years in the Army, and some ROTC time in college.

What is Conrad's approach to training and competing in BJJ?

Conrad's approach to training and competing in BJJ is to be consistent, cautious initially due to his wrestling background, and to always look for ways to improve and test his skills against others.

What is Conrad's view on the mental aspect of competing in grappling sports?

Conrad believes that the mental aspect of grappling sports is crucial. He emphasizes the importance of not showing emotions during a match to avoid giving the opponent any advantage.

How does Conrad manage to maintain his physique and continue training despite his age and other responsibilities?

Conrad maintains his physique through consistency in both his diet and training. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, goals, and training with intention.

What advice does Conrad give for someone who has fallen out of their fitness routine and wants to get back into shape?

Conrad advises creating a daily habit that is enjoyable and can be easily integrated into one's life. He also stresses the importance of consistency and doing workouts that can be sustained over time.

How does Conrad feel about the camaraderie among people who practice BJJ?

Conrad feels a strong sense of camaraderie with people who are willing to step on the mat and put their ego aside, knowing that they will face challenges and eventually succeed in overcoming them.

What does Conrad consider to be his main weapon when competing in BJJ?

Conrad considers wrestling to be his main weapon when competing in BJJ, as it gives him an advantage in taking opponents down and wearing them out on the feet.

How does Conrad handle the emotional aspect of losing a match?

Conrad acknowledges that losing is a part of the sport and that everyone will face it. He believes in learning from the experience and not letting the fear of losing prevent him from competing.

What is Conrad's perspective on the importance of Jiu-Jitsu in building mental and physical resilience?

Conrad views Jiu-Jitsu as a way to build mental and physical resilience that is difficult to replicate in other ways. He believes that the sport's challenges help individuals develop discipline and the ability to face life's difficulties.

What advice does Conrad have for older competitors in BJJ?

Conrad advises older competitors to be smart about their training, avoid overtraining, and not to replicate the training routines of younger athletes. He emphasizes understanding one's own body and goals and training accordingly.