Tim,
Is BJJ training harmful to the lower back and/or neck in the long run? Also, do the training/fighting postures in BJJ work to elongate the spine?

thanks,
robert

Robert,
Any combat sport can be potentially harmful to any part of the body. I don't think there is anything inherently dangerous in the practice or techniques of BJJ that could hurt the low back or neck. BJJ includes no bridging techniques (movements that involve supporting the bodyweight on the top of the head) like Western wrestling, so the neck is not usually called on to bear weight. On the other hand, people will try to crank, squeeze and otherwise put pressure on your head and neck when you grapple. It is good to condition the neck (and know when to tap).

I have never heard a BJJ instructor tell the students to elongate the spine in those words, but a good teacher will talk about maintaining good posture.

Helio Gracie is in his late 80's and still grapples on a regular basis.

If you grapple seriously, you will get injured, but with sensible training and health habits I would imagine people that practice BJJ, in general, will be in far better shape than most. It is important to train sensibly and stay in the best shape you possibly can.

I didn't know the patriarch was still alive . . . and grappling too! That is pretty cool.

I heard that a few years ago Helio was grappling
with a student while hosting a seminar. After a few minutes Helio stopped and began speaking angrily to his translator.

The translator told the student
"he says you are going easy on him because you think he is old. He says to start over and seriously try or he will break your arm."

Now THAT'S my kind of seminar.

Not long ago I also broke a students leg with a knee bar because she wasn't trying hard enough.

How does one go about conditioning the neck?

Would the repeated twisting action in Bagua suffice, or perhaps the squatting monkey exercise from Dai family Hsing-I.

Cheers

Rich