Every training session gives you a valuable opportunity to live up to your highest expectations – even if it’s only for a few hours. It’s really a one-of-a-kind chance. Within the walls of the jiu jitsu academies there’s a widespread sense of cooperation and camaraderie that you don’t often find out in the world.
When you arrive at the academy, push aside all the things that pull you down and tire you out. Politics, job stress, money troubles – leave them behind.
When you’re at the academy, it’s all about letting the very best of yourself shine through.
The respect you have for your teammates shines through in your appearance. Your gi is clean. You have well-manicured nails. When you set foot on the mats, you bow. You heartily welcome all of your friends, both new and old. These are people you might have never met if not for jiu jitsu. Think about it: When was the last time you approached a total stranger and shook his or her hand? What we share as jiu jitsu players transcends language, cultures and classes.
When you train, remember the old judo maxim of “mutual benefit.” You are here to learn and help your teammates learn. Training is not a competition. It’s a co-operative effort among friends. The more your teammates improve, the more they can help and push you to improve. It’s a community project.
It’s essential that you concentrate wholeheartedly on your training. It’s easy to float through everyday life without paying attention to what’s happening to us or around us. We let our thoughts drift. We let our physical selves flounder on autopilot. In contrast, when you’re out on the mats you will need to engage your mind and body completely. This is known as “being in the moment” in yoga – when the physical and mental states are centered on the same action. If your thoughts are on TV shows you want to watch or video games you want to play, or problems in the family or political issues, you won’t be able to give your best effort to your training.
When you’re sparring, you must put your heart into what you’re doing so that your teammates will truly benefit. Rolling in class isn’t a competition, but it isn’t time to slack off, either. You must be as good as you know how to be. That said, you don’t need to try to be the most outstanding student in the class or think you have to rise to world-renowned status. It means giving your best effort and being the best training partner you can be.
More than a sport, jiu jitsu is a journey of personal discovery. You might never be a world champion. But you should always strive to be your best. It’s a lesson that can be taken off the mats and back to the outside world.
Draculino is a 4th degree BJJ black belt, is a multi-time world champion, and trains champions in BJJ, MMA, and grappling. If you are interested in reading more about him, visit his BJJ training site or visit the jiu jitsu forum.
Recent Comments