For many of us, the idea of a full two-week break from Jiu-Jitsu sounds like torture. We want to enjoy the mince pies and the family time, sure, but we also crave that time on the mats to stay sane amidst the holiday chaos.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between a good Christmas and time on the mats You just need to change gears.
Instead of aiming for peak performance, treat the holidays as a time for maintenance and enjoyment. Here is how to navigate training during the festive period without acting like a Scrooge to your family or your body:
1. Let Open Mats Be Your Best Friend
Classes often slim down over Christmas, and Open Mats take over. This is a blessing. Without the pressure of a structured curriculum or drilling, you can focus on the fun part: Rolling. Treat these sessions as a social catch-up with your teammates. Show up, have a laugh, get a sweat on, and head home.
2. Take It Easy!
If you’ve been training hard all year, your body is probably carrying a few niggles. You don’t need to win every round in December. Use this time to focus purely on your technique and new positions without going mental. Move your body, experiment with new techniques, and let your training partner work, too. See it as active recovery, you keep your movement sharp without putting your body through the wringer.
3. Quality Over Quantity
During the rest of the year, maybe you stress if you miss your usual 4-days-a-week schedule. Over Christmas, let that go. If you can only sneak away for one or two sessions a week, count that as a win. A 45-minute rolling session is better than nothing, and it leaves you plenty of time to get back for Christmas dinner prep.
4. Fuel the Machine (Guilt-Free)
You’re going to be eating more calories than usual.. that’s just a fact of December. Instead of feeling guilty, use it. That extra food is fuel. You might find you have a bit more explosive energy or strength during your holiday rolls. Enjoy the treats, use the energy on the mats, and don’t obsess over the scale.
5. Take Time For Yourself
Sometimes, the best way to be a good family member is to take an hour for yourself. If the house is chaotic and noise levels are high, a quick trip to the gym can be the perfect reset button. You’ll return to your family with a clear head, a flood of endorphins, and a lot more patience for the in-laws;)
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to stop training, but you don’t have to train like you’re preparing for the Euros, either.. (unless you are!)
Merry Christmas, and enjoy the festive rolls!