Strength is only good if you know how to use your strength effectively. The MMA fight Jones is a good example, he does powerlifting and MMA, but not everyone can do what he does. just because he made it work, it doesn't mean it will work for you too

Yeah, I don't think I'd go full power lifting.

Everybody's body is different too, plus there are so many variables that will affect the way you fight

I just think it's a matter of picking a priority. Learning how to fight, or getting big and strong

Yeah, I think I will cement my big and strong status for the next year and then next year, switch to fighting.

If you want to learn to fight, then use weightlifting as a tool for preventing injuries and building a tiny bit of extra strength

Agreed.

I'll do that 😉

There's nothing wrong with being big and strong, then transitioning over to fighting. They're just two different worlds and your body will adapt to the way you train

Yup!

I've seen some guys that are fucking huge and muscular and they're black belts in BJJ

Look at Jocko Willink

Plus, I mostly want to validate a keto/low carb + lifting/rowing lifestyle would work for me long-term. Once I get ripped and strong and prove to myself it works... I will feel good going forward.

He's my example/goal!

I love Jocko

Goggins too

He's the dude I have been using as my blueprint. I've devoured his book multiple times. I read it once a week honestly. It's an easy read and it focuses me.

Yes, Goggins is good but he's a little too extreme in running in my opinion. He's wrecked his body.

I have that book on my phone, haven't read it yet

I want to be strong and CAPABLE of being a warrior/beast but I don't want to wreck my body unless it's necessary.

I will slowly wreck my body once I get back into BJJ.

MMA ruined me a little bit

a lot of guys have back problems from BJJ later in life too

That's why I say to put off weightlifting until you're officially done learning fighting skill

Yeah, I think that may be lack of lifting/yoga. If you haven't established a strong body you can break easier.

Ah... I see what you're saying. I was thinking the opposite haha.

Because when you're older, at least you still have some fundamentals of fighting down

Oh yeah.

I am 24 lol. I will be 25 by the time I re-enter BJJ. I'd be very skilled by 30 if I stuck with it.

It won't take longer than 5 years to become pretty fucking good.

And how humbling would it be for a body builder with a huge ego get his ass whooped by a skinny guy half his size

At that point, it would be maintenance and a form of cardio lol.

exactly

Dude, yes! Absolutely.

See, I have no ego. I leave that at the door of a gym or dojo.

I am there to learn - either lifting, rowing, biking or sparring.

My ego both inflates and deflates, I have to manage it. But when I step in the dojo I have NO ego

I've gotten my ass handed to me so many times and said awesome work right after being tapped out

Fuck yes. It's all about improving. Continuous improvement. This is why I love engineering and computer science. It's the act of re-iterating over successes and doing better.

Exactly, if you stay stuck for too long, you start to die

gotta keep it moving and improving