Interested in diving into BJJ classes despite the COVID commotion? Imagine a fun way to sharpen your BJJ skills by exploring BJJ pods. Maintaining your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu moves at home becomes easy-peasy, no sweat, even with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic!
As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires intense training and practice, you must keep honing your grappling skills. But in this era of social distancing, how is that possible? What if your fellow grappler is infected?
That’s where BJJ grappling pods come in. You can call it a boon for martial artists who won’t have inner peace without some BJJ training.
The idea here is to train in small groups with people you trust to minimize the chances of catching COVID-19.
To get back on that mat safely, continue reading the article to learn all about BJJ grappling pods!
Check out our latest related post about The 9 Best BJJ and MMA Spats For Women!
Table of Contents
What Is a BJJ Training Pod?
A BJJ training pod is an emerging idea conceptualized thanks to the pandemic (at least it got something right!).
Social distancing isn’t possible while tackling your opponent. So, you need to reduce the risks of contracting COVID-19 as much as possible. A BJJ grappling pod allows you to train with a small group of people you can count on to maintain safety precautions.
An important point to note here is the members of this small group will do everything they can to stay safe and keep everybody else around them safe. It means that members of the grappling pod keep their social circles small and limit exposure to others when they are not grappling.
You must also ensure that your group members are not grappling with others. There needs to be an understanding between you and your fellow grappler.
You must maintain the necessary precautions once you’re off the mat. This includes social distancing, sanitization, and wearing masks to keep the wretched virus at bay!
Vaccinated Training Pods
A vaccinated training pod is another concept that has been making its rounds in the BJJ industry. As the name suggests, it is a concept where a small group of wholly vaccinated people practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with other vaccinated people.
This can allow more people to practice BJJ safely and also prevent infection.
Why Are BJJ Pods A Good Idea Right Now?
Well, to be honest, if you want to practice BJJ safely right now, training pods might be the only way. This technique can protect you from getting infected while grappling or tackling.
Before diving into this, let’s take a look at the common causes of Coronavirus –
- Coming in close contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands or touching
- Inhaling the respiratory products released by an infected person who reads close to you (within 6 feet)
- Touching surfaces where the virus may have landed on and then touching your mouth, eyes, or the nose
By now, you might know how grappling pods will keep you safe.
Social distancing is one of the key ways to keep this virus away from you. Hence, practicing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu with a large group of people doesn’t quite fit the picture.
Grappling in a small group will reduce the chances of inhaling infections and contacting an infected person.
How Many Members In A Group?
A grappling pod must have not more than two members.
Even if you do grapple an infected fighter (unfortunately), the virus won’t spread too much. It’s because these grappling pods usually consist of a group of two people. So, the chances of a catastrophic outbreak are almost none.
As the idea behind these pods is to keep up the spirit of BJJ while staying safe, there has to be a sense of commitment among the fighters.
For example, if you practice with your friend, you must look out for each other and the people around you. So, if you or your friend is suffering from any symptoms of COVID-19, you must stay away from practice.
Another thing to remember here is to maintain the group while practicing. It means that if you practice with your friend, you must not practice with anyone else.
Similarly, your friend must also commit to practicing only with you. This way, if either of you catches COVID, it stays between you.
So, if you observe your partner practicing with another BJJ enthusiast, stay away from him! Similarly, don’t train with people who are practicing in multiple groups. Even if you find your partner hanging out too much with friends or being way too social, it’s time to bid them farewell!
After all, every relationship is built on commitment. In this case, we’re focusing on the love for BJJ, though! You’ll only be safe while practicing if your partner is committed to sacrificing his active social life for the sake of BJJ.
How Do You Create a Training Pod at Home?
Now that you know the basics of a BJJ training pod, why not make one for yourself? It doesn’t have to be very high-end like a BJJ gym, but you can still make a functional setup of your own. Check out the essential equipment you need to build your BJJ dojo!
Decide The Space
The place for your BJJ setup must be spacious enough for 2 to 3 people to practice comfortably. As only two people are preferred in this training pod, an unused basement, spacious attic, or garage will be ideal.
Ensure the area is well-lit and has no issues, such as water leaking from the ceiling or pests roaming around.
Get a BJJ Gi
The first gear to set up your dojo is a BJJ Gi, your training uniform. If you already train, then you must have your uniform. However, as you set up a training pod, get an extra Gi for your partner.
This will be handy if one uniform gets damaged or someone forgets to bring their GI. Make sure it’s durable and thick enough to withstand grappling.
Wearing a Gi can help you get in the right mindset for your training and enhance your focus.
Note: Thicker GIS are excellent for preventing your opponent from grabbing you.
Select a Grappling Mat
Mats are probably the most essential part of your setup, as this is where you and your partner will practice. Look for mats that are extra durable and have an inch of thickness. It will allow you to grapple and roll comfortably. If you want to take things up a notch, you can opt for a 2-inch mat.
As a recommendation, stay away from any fancy or interlocking mats. Always go for simple and standard mats, which are usually reasonably priced. When in doubt, ask the store dealer or a fellow martial artist.
Get a Grappling Dummy
You might ask yourself why I need the grappling dummy when I already have someone to fight. Your question is entirely valid, but in this lockdown-stricken era, you never know. You can continue practicing your moves with the dummy if your partner gets sick.
Grappling dummies might be a little pricey, but they are good value for your money. You can continue honing your skills with the dummy until your partner returns.
However, if you think buying a dummy is not worth it, watch videos online to make one yourself.
Buy a Good Pair Of Spats
Some martial artists wear grappling shorts instead of Gi. On the other hand, some BJJ fighters like wearing tight-fitting grappling spats. These have become popular for being comfy and offering a lot of flexibility.
Besides all the equipment mentioned above, you will also need short and long-sleeve rash guards, knee pads, headgear, and mouth guards. These are essential for preventing injuries.
Summing Up
Any form of martial arts, including BJJ, takes years to master. During COVID, you must stay safe indoors and train at your home dojo.
You'll need a partner if you’re willing to take the plunge to keep sharpening your skills. And what better way than BJJ pods? This concept might eventually revolutionize the martial arts industry; you’ll know better when it does!
Check out our latest related post about The 9 Best BJJ and MMA Spats For Women!
Frequently Asked Questions About Training BJJ at Home During This Pandemic
What are other efficient ways to train BJJ at home?
What are some precautions to follow while using a BJJ training pod?
I'm Andrew, the entrepreneurial mind behind AV SEO Consultant Boutique Agency, with a deep-rooted love for cats and a knack for crafting the perfect home office. As the co-founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World, my expertise has evolved from the mat to the digital realm, where I now leverage my SEO savvy to empower others. Though injury may have paused my BJJ and MMA journey, my commitment to sharing actionable insights and resources for these passions remains unshaken.
