Why I Started Training Jiu Jitsu
Have you ever been in the presence of a wild animal, specifically one with capabilities to tear your limbs off in a matter of seconds at its will? If you have not, get outside, it’s an important, humbling feeling, that we used to share on a daily basis (and some parts of the world/country still do.) I’m asking because this is the same feeling I was struct with on a random night, hanging out with friends I had hung out with many times prior. I should specify, these individuals are my friends, people I love, but they are good people who are capable of very dangerous things. These kind of people are needed in the world, they’re protectors. All of them had been in some form of high level combat or another, beit combat sports and or in actual war with many tours overseas under their belts. They’re trained, physically and mentally at the top of their games, the cream of the crop. Myself, however, I am all of 110 lbs soaking wet at the time, and not trained in any facet. But it’s cool cause we’re homies! It was 4th of July so you can imagine how packed the Bar was we were currently doing Tequila shots at. Delicious Tequila I might add. Now, at the time, I’m not drunk by any means, but I am not sober. I have to assume my buddies are on somewhat of the same level as me, but again, they’re black belt ninja special forces certified badasses. They’re 100% good should something sketchy pop off. Keep in mind, I am realizing this after the events that took place next, not in the current happily buzzed moment with my friends.
Shocking enough, when a lot of drunk people are stuffed in a small bar like sardines, in the spring break capital of the world, on 4th of July, once in a blue moon, some physical altercations do occur. And god forbid, you’re an innocent bystander, trapped in a rowdy crowd, it can be a life and death situation at times. Now, if you were a frequent goer-outer, like myself, you could almost sense when something was about to go down, almost like an experienced partiers 6th sense. Or, if you’re like my buddies, a fucking trained wolf-like sense of awareness to danger or threat at all times.
Fortunately for my small ass, and everyone else in the bar, my friend confirmed my suspension I had not yet verbally expressed and before I knew it, had completely defused what could have been a very dangerous situation and our excellent time continued as did everyone else’s. Based on the reaction of my friend, it was obvious he was not at all rattled by the situation. Infact, I am sure this is something he has done many of times, rescuing innocent people from a random dangerous stranger. Once the drunken idiot had been subdued by my friend and escorted out by security, my friend returned with a smile on his face as though nothing even happened. But I was overcome with an overwhelming feeling. I was surrounded by a pack of lions, individuals who were capable of killing me (of course, they wouldn’t, they’re friends), and probably everyone else in that bar, within a matter of seconds and there is not a damn thing I or anyone else could do about it.
I very quickly realized, I was a liability to my friends. Because if the shit did hit the fan in that situation, or any situation I am with them, they’re assets to each other, but they have to take care of me. I’m their friend but I am not capable in a dangerous situation. I hadn’t the slightest clue of how to defend myself, let alone someone else. I can’t fully explain it in words clear enough, but I had an instant feeling of responsibility to become physically capable, trained, a contributor, even half the badass my friends were.
I’ll never forget my first experience rolling in Jiu Jitsu class. (Rolling, in the Jiu Jitsu community, means sparring.) Sam Harris had a brilliant analogy for it that i’ll be happy to paraphrase and probably also butcher so please go read his amazing blog post as well, “When you’re untrained and engage with someone who is trained, Jiu Jitsu is like jumping into the deepest part of the ocean, when you don’t know how to swim.” That was my exact feeling the first time rolling with someone who had even a year of training under their belt when I had none, complete helplessness. A white belt rolling with a purple belt or above is like watching a father wrestle with his 3 year old son, it’s all just play and the dad obviously can end it whenever he decides.
At first you think, it can’t get any worse than this, these more experienced people are just toying with me like a cat with a baby mouse. Then a different form of helplessness feeling begins to happen, the better and more experienced you get, you begin to feel and even know that these more advanced ninja’s are setting you up for something. Just like the mouse thinks the cat is letting him run away, the cat is simply waiting to pounce on him in a far worse manner than the original attack. You think they’re going for some form of arm submission when in reality they’re setting you up to choke you out and you fall right into the trap, every damn time. That feeling quickly sparked a realization that if I stay untrained, a hopeless and likely fatal outcome is my only result in a combative situation. On the other hand, If I begin training and stay training, If I am ever in a dangerous situation with someone who is untrained, the result will surely be the same for them.
“A black belt is just a white belt who never quit.” This is a philosophy that Jiu Jitsu introduced me to that has completely changed my life. I started Jiu Jitsu to learn to defend myself. Achieving a black belt was never the point, it’s the journey of learning and becoming capable of defending myself and possibly others. Because if there’s one thing Jiu Jitsu will teach you, it’s that someone always has an answer for your “move” so you must continue learning and evolving. Just as in life, there is always an answer to your question, a solution for your problem, you just have to keep learning, and continuing on the journey.
Tips for finding a great Jiu Jitsu gym:
Research every gym who offers BJJ in your area. Typically most gyms offer a free week or at least a free class. GO TO EVERY GYM! Get a feel for the instructor and talk to the current members. Not every gym is for you but there is a gym for every one!
Health & Happiness
Coach Karli