Paul Stolyar aka "Pasha", he is a beast on the Jiujitsu scene, a great friend and teacher, We've been lucky enough to have Pasha host multiple events of ours and he never disappoints. Check out our Q&A below.
Q. Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in Jiujitsu? -
A. I have been wrestling and Judo’ing around for a bit as a child (which gave me a great base for the future) – started BJJ as a part of my MMA journey – and eventually switched to BJJ about 15 years ago
Q. What advice would you give to your younger self starting your jiujitsu journey? What advice should they ignore?
A. I would tell myself to play and experiment more. Also, I would engage more in specific situations rolling. Enjoy the journey and work smart (not hard). Stretch and do weights REGULARLY (it’s a must if you are serious with your training). Fundamentals are fundamental, I must ad 😊.
Q. In your experience, what Intensity of training is best for learning? And how is this achieved? I.e. what proportion is drilling, sparring " light", And intense sparring across a session /week.
A. I think the intensity should obviously rise coming up to a tournament. Once there is now upcoming comps, one should focus on specific situation and experiment with new tools a lot. Seek out to be vulnerable in your training. Each grappler is individually unique – so throughout your journey ensure you shape your training for yourself to fit your needs (strengths and weaknesses).As for drilling, it is important to not just drill a move, but rather playfully study this situation/position/move through playful rolling (i.e. specific rolling). Drilling an element in my opinion is not as effective as playful rolling for studying/adjusting a particular part of the game.
Q. How often are you experimenting with new moves and positions vs working on existing and established techniques within your arsenal?
A. It is hard to adequately define “new moves and positions”. For the comps I work on things that fit my game/game plan. I try to experiment with new things when I am between the comps. For me, the majority of my moves I evolved into them – I rarely specifically seek out a move. However, I do often “nerd out” on a particular move – and can study it a lot – I am guilty of that.
Q. Do you have any advice on recovery/preservation for BJJ, or any practices you wish you implemented earlier?
A. Sleep is a must. Doing weights is a must. Stretching is a must. Diet helps 😊 (but it is very individual). Find a good drilling partner.
Q. Do you use strategies or game plans for upcoming matches or competition? If so can you provide an example
A. As I am now more experienced, mentally I try to enjoy the process and make sure my fundamentals are sharp (guard retention and passing base) – and opportunities will present themselves.
Q. Pre competition nerves is a thing allot of people deal with. Do you have any advice/tips on how to deal with it this that you or your students implement?
A. This is a very big issue for any grappler. Competitors need to realise that everyone is experiencing nerves and it is normal. I have had an issue with that my whole career. The mental aspect is very important and extremely individual – explore how your mind works, be vulnerable. NERVES IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF EVEN IF WHAT YOU LEARN IS NOT A “POSITIVE” ASPECT.
Q. Strength and conditioning can be the deciding factor in a match with opponents of equal technical skill, do you do any Strength & conditioning? Can you give any insight as to what that looks like?
A. As a natural grappler I understand is weights are as important as drilling. Strength is a great equaliser – make sure you are not on a receiving end of that stick – this is something that everyone is in control of. WEIGHT TRAINING IS A MUST. Keep it simple 2-3 times a week on a regular basis. Even if you are in off season period, you do not stop doing weights. I have never stopped doing weights in my life at all. I think it assisted me A LOT (AAAA LLLOOOOT). STRETCH AND DO WEIGHTS REGULARLY!!!
Q. When preparing for a match/competition what does your training look like? (Eg 8 weeks out, training twice a day etc)
A. I train everyday regardless of whether I am prepping for a tournament or not. However, when I am prepping for something serious then my rolls intensify 6 weeks out.
Q. What’s something you now know, that you wish you knew earlier in your Jiujitsu journey? (techniques, training methods, business advice)
A. Enjoy your journey. Make friendships. Help others. Don’t do it for money. It all depends on you – I have never really had a coach and when I started our gym was tiny – love what you do and you will be rewarded. Competition is not the only validation that you need.
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