There are schools where high impact techniques are a centerpiece. You drill judo throws, big lifts, and movements that put a lot of stress on your body. Maybe you don’t want to train that way, and someone tells you that you have to. They bring up street fights or self-defense.

But you can make a different choice. Cut out the explosive stuff and stick to techniques you can practice for the rest of your life.

Most people never train martial arts. Most people never face real violence. By training jiu-jitsu, you’re already in a tiny group. So the real question is whether your training methods will keep you on the mats the longest.

Longevity is what makes you good, and longevity comes from avoiding injuries.

So look at everything you practice, standing and on the ground. Which techniques let you train for years without breaking down? And which are risky? That’s the filter to use.