Tom DeBlass, a veteran in the world of competitive BJJ, has just shared one of the biggest regrets of his career – over-training.
This may come as a surprise to many aspiring BJJ competitors who believe that toughness and grit are the keys to success in the sport.
However, as DeBlass explains, there is a fine line between training hard and over-training.
“Personally, I think me training so hard was a huge phonological factor. In my mind, I didn’t deserve it unless I trained hard. I believe with smarter training and the right mindset; I’d have done much better. I truly never competed healthy.” – Tom DeBlass
The culture surrounding competitive fighting sports is built on the idea that hard work and perseverance can lead to victory.
While there is certainly some truth to this, it’s important to remember that professional athletes also need to take care of their bodies in the long term.
Over-training can lead to burnout and injury, which can significantly impact an athlete’s career.
Over-Training Could of Held Tom DeBlass Back
DeBlass emphasised that it’s crucial to find a balance between pushing yourself to improve and avoiding over-training.
Acknowledging that while there may be moments when going all out is necessary, it’s not a sustainable approach in the long run.
When asked about the biggest regrets of his BJJ career, DeBlass shared that over-training was at the top of the list.
When asked how to avoid over-training, DeBlass replied that it’s important to listen to your body and take regular breaks to allow for recovery.
Additionally, DeBlass suggested seeking the guidance of experienced coaches and trainers to create a well-rounded training plan that takes into account an athlete’s individual needs and goals.
While training hard and pushing oneself is important in competitive BJJ, it’s equally important to avoid over-training.
By finding a balance and listening to their body, BJJ competitors can improve their skills, avoid injury, and have a long and successful career in the sport.
Tom DeBlass revealed what one of the biggest regrets of his BJJ career was in a recent post to his official Instagram account
Image Credit Tom DeBlass