You don’t need extreme flexibility. You should have “normal” flexibility, but you don’t need to join yoga classes or take any other courses to get flexible. If you want to supplement your jiu-jitsu with outside training, make it strength training.

Extreme flexibility is counter productive. Imagine you’re attempting to triangle someone and they stack you. You’re flexible, so you allow your spine to be compromised, and you’re feeling OK. Suddenly, and it’s always sudden, you’re no longer OK and you’re seriously injured. It’s your extreme flexibility that allowed the situation to get that bad.

If your jiu-jitsu game relies on being very flexible, know that your flexibility will decrease over time. Understanding that your game will need to evolve, you might as well start working on a game that can last. If you want to train forever, think about whether you can train your way in ten years. Or even five years.

Strength lasts. It will save your life. As Mark Rippetoe says, “Strong people are harder to kill than weak people, and more useful in general.” It’s a better complement to your technique than anything else.

Don’t bother with yoga.

Don’t bother with ice baths.¹

Focus on technique, timing, and breathing. Focus on being present.

Get strong. Get technical. Technique lasts.