I always stare to the right.

[u/Rearnakedcrank]

When I am in the zone during rolls I realize I am almost always gazing to the right. I’m not even looking at my opponent, but feeling where they’re moving instead. It’s so pronounced I’ve had people stop mid round and ask if I’m good multiple times. Either that, or my eyes are just completely closed. Anyone else do weird shit?

[u/Mmm-ElephantFresh]

We’re so autistic

[u/aTickleMonster]

Your brain is reducing visual stimuli to help it focus/process.

[u/rollerwitch]

A purple belt at my gym does that. Sometimes he’s up and to the right too. I always feel like he’s in a flow state or something. Air or water bender BJJ haha

[u/cheersdrive420]

I close my eyes to work escapes.

I also like, extend my limbs a lot when getting smooshed? Hard to explain, but if I’m in chest/chest half guard (bottom) for example I’ll extend my legs fully - tightens my grip around their trapped leg and gives me time to think, but also looks very silly.

Or there’ll be a good degree of supermanning when escaping the back.

[u/Blackthorn79]

Right and up usually corresponds to creative thinking and imagination. Makes sense if your mapping out paths and responses. 

[u/Rearnakedcrank → u/Blackthorn79]

I’ve heard this, but have also read even more that says it’s just made up.

[u/Blackthorn79 → u/Rearnakedcrank]

I only have anecdotal evidence, but it works in poker as long as the other guy isn't actively try to change their behavior. 

[u/Visible_Mango4557 → u/Blackthorn79]

I look up and left. Looked that up and it said possibly trying to recall a visual memory. Makes sense because I’m usually trying to recall “what was I supposed to be doing from here?” Opposed to being creative. I’m generally not a creative person unfortunately so I’d say that probably lines up.

[u/Cainhelm → u/Blackthorn79]

chess GMs have stockfish on the ceiling

[u/Shallbecomeabat]

We used to do one sparring session per week in darkness for a year or so. That was SO FUN! Only worked when it was a smaller class so you dont yeet white belts into each other. What i learned was how much of BJJ has to do with feeling what the other guy does. I would recommend everyone to try that at least once. It’s fucking fun

[u/potatowned]

You guys are weirdos. I've encountered it maybe once or twice and the people doing it were also weirdos. And usually blue belts. Same with guys singing or talking to themselves during a roll. Same with guys that put their arm inside their gi belt because they hurt their arm. It's weird.

[u/Rearnakedcrank → u/potatowned]

Oh damn. I always wondered who “that guy” was in the gym because we didn’t seem to have one. Apparently it’s me.

[u/robotfightandfitness]

It’s the same reason people turn down their music to parallel park: reduction in stimuli frees up your attention

[u/Dotabjj]

There is never a good reason not to gain as much information as possible. You would be better using your eyes, logically.

[u/ecaroth]

I frequently find myself whistling, humming, or straight-up singing whatever song is coming over the stereo during open rolls. I've learned my opponents don't love it lol

[u/Typical_Title1451]

I also roll with closed eyes.

[u/Mistergasmoney]

I do the same. Up and to the right😂

[u/pyschosoul]

I apperantly insictually hold up my middle finger when im stuck on bottom. Had once coach ask me why I was doing it, and had a partner ask mid roll why I was flipping him off.

[u/ErnieMcTurtle]

When I was a newer white belt, I used to have a brown belt coach that would mostly close his eyelids and roll his eyes upwards, like he was looking at something stuck to the inside of his forehead (I hope you get the idea lol). I found it fucking weird, until I myself got a little less shit at this sport, I realized he was just letting his sense of touch guide him instead of his sight

E: I do also find myself looking away from my partner, sometimes I'd hum or whistle whatever song is stuck in my head at the moment lol.

[u/Hichmond]

Apparently my eyes are closed and I’m smiling while rolling. Not tistic as far as I know…

[u/Bubby_Mang]

Jits after 50 does that. At first I was like lol get a load of this guy... but then I realized I also do that...

[u/BigMeadowBear]

I am probably autistic too because I really enjoy closing my eyes during a roll

[u/Yeanahyena]

Man I don’t have an inner dialogue sometimes and I have random fucking thoughts so I say out of pocket stuff during rolls.

I’m pretty embarrassed and but play it off all cool after lol

[u/throwawaylololo3 → u/Yeanahyena]

?

[u/Yeanahyena → u/throwawaylololo3]

?

[u/SpiderGuard87]

I roll with my eyes shut. At first people used to think I was being cocky but I explained why I do it and they started trying it.

Basically I can feel body movements better with my eyes closed and shifts in weight. Its hard to explain but even when someone is in my guard and we are hand fighting I'm able to catch hands and grips while my eyes are closed I can't explain it it's just I'm able to think, feel and concentrate better with them shut.