Prior injuries - never trained

[parker]

Hello all, 

This is my first post and I'll try to keep it brief.

Fast facts:
I'm 25, 5'10 170lb

played ice hockey and lacrosse growing up.

Shoulder surgery for labrum tear (bankart repair) at 18

Shoulder surgery for labrum tear (bankart repair) at 25 on same shoulder


I've never trained, and after listening to the pod for a few months, I really want to. But I'm incredibly apprehensive because I don't want to deal with another surgery + 4-6 months rehab. I know injuries are apart of any sport, but I couldn't imagine having three surgeries on the same shoulder before I'm in my late 20s, and don't want my shoulder to be worthless later in life. 


I'm hoping to find someone with similar circumstances, and/or any advice. Should I train, risk injury/surgery, or just continue to weight lift and call it a day?

Thank you in advance, 

Parker

[drann]

Hey Parker,

I think that if you do 3 things you should be ok.

a) The support muscles of the shoulder will help prevent future injury. BE sure to strength train to keep those muscles strong. Take care of your body, foam roll, stretch, go to PT if needed, etc.
b)when you start BJJ, alert any training partners to your pains and injuries (for some of us this changes daily)
c)tap fast and tap often. The time you learn the most is when you tap. There is no shame in tapping out.

IF you have choices in your area, make sure you choose a school that meets your needs culturally. Visit a few and try out some classes before you make your decision.

Hope you start getting after it soon!

[mynewunit]

So every other time anyone posts in this tread, I say you are not too old, or fat, or slow, or broken to try BJJ. All those recommendations on HOW to start or TRY BJJ are still wise and valid. Good training partners, Tell you instructor and training partner about your injuries, and ideally a private lesson.
There are a bunch of things that specifically concern me about this situation. 2 shoulder surgeries before 30. Most recent shoulder surgery isn't even 1 year ago. You are too young to control yourself from going too hard on the mats.
This would be my plan, not too different than Drann's, Get your shoulder strong. Not healed but strong. My thought is that this would be something like dumbbells and yoga for a few weeks. Once you have seen some progress, then I would try to add some gymnastic type movements. Dips, rings, planks, inversions, etc. You need to make your muscles strong in addition to tendons and ligaments. Once you have completed this you should be ready to try BJJ. I would assume the prep would be about 6 months. Obviously, talk to a doc, or physical therapist, or BJJ coach.