If you’ve just started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu then the chance is that you’ve began doing front rolls too. These aren’t just to look flashy either, they’re actually key movements when sparring BJJ.
Basically, there may be times when you need to roll to escape submissions such as omoplatas and armbars. Even to finish certain sweeps such as the tornado sweep or to do a rolling kimura, these movements are all done by practicing a forwards roll.
This is why you train doing these rolls and it’s important to get the correct technique to avoid injury. Otherwise, you could seriously harm your neck or shoulder when performing a front roll. As a result of doing these drills, there’s a good chance that you’re dizzy. Don’t worry this is normal even if it is a bizarre situation. Further, if you start practicing backwards rolls then you’ll probably feel even more disoriented because of this.
So, this begs the question of how to do a front roll without getting dizzy in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Read on for more information.
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How to do a front roll without getting dizzy in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Sadly, by the time you’ve reached adulthood you probably won’t have done many front rolls in a while. As a result, performing the movements will stiff at first. Anyway, the good news is that you can combat dizziness by rolling more efficiently.
The way to do this is how gymnasts practice rolling. Firstly, you’ll want to keep your eyes open whilst you roll. The reason for this is to keep wary of your boundaries. This isn’t just bro science either, it’s actually proven in gymnasts. It actually makes sense as well. If you’re doing an activity with your eyes closed, your balance is compromised and you’re less aware. However, with your eyes open you’re less likely to get dizzy.
Usually, most people will naturally close their eyes whilst rolling. If you can re-train your brain to do otherwise, you will get less dizzy.
Another way to lessen your dizziness is to improve your flexibility. Again, this makes sense the more you look into it. For example, if you often invert in BJJ, you’ll be more used to it and know how it feels like to go upside down. Like all things in life, the more you do this, the more you’ll get used to it. In other words, the more you roll and get used to it, the less dizzy you’ll feel.
Exercises to improve your reaction to dizziness
One way to avoid dizziness is by practicing disorientation drills and getting your mind and body used to being dizzy. This is a technique used in martial arts like krav maga. As seen by the video below, spinning with your eyes closed is one way of doing this.
In wrestling, sometimes coaches will do drills that involve spinning around like above then breakfalling – followed by trying to get up from the floor quickly. Whilst this may look a bit weird, it is one way to beat dizzy spells. For the most part though, people get used to being dizzy and it’s completely natural. However, as mentioned above there are ways to improve balance, co-ordination and in turn your reaction to forward rolls.
Can you train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without front rolls?
As mentioned in the intro, there’s a number of moves that require front rolls. From attack to defense, this is a key part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In complete honesty, you will need to incorporate front rolls into your game to progress. Even with only doing the basics, you’ll probably have to do similar movements at least.
With this in mind, if you don’t like front rolls, then you’ll need to learn them at some point. Having said this, in all reality front rolls aren’t that common in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid dizziness when doing front rolls it by training your body to get used to such unusual situations. One of the best ways to do this is to keep your eyes open whilst rolling as this will keep your brain in check with the local environment.
Secondly, you can also drill certain scenarios to mimic the disorientation that rolling brings. Lastly, by improving your flexibility, you’ll also feel more fluid whilst moving which also benefits the brain and body whilst rolling. By doing these exercises, you should help improve your body and combat dizzy spells whilst doing rolls in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
