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(Published December 11th, 2023)
In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the journey is much like trying to navigate a new city without GPS – exciting, unpredictable, and you're bound to take a few wrong turns. It's a path marked with highs, lows, enlightening moments, and the occasional "Did I really just do that?" experience. This adventure in BJJ is strikingly similar to the rollercoaster of life, where the path is rarely a straight line and often feels like a game of Twister.
This week please indulge me as I get a little philosophical and wax poetic about the concepts of preparation and transformation, both in BJJ and in life.
Much like in a game of chess, in BJJ, we often find ourselves in situations that test our strategy and resilience. We're in a metaphorical desert, facing challenges that at first seem as tricky as assembling a piece of furniture without the instructions. But in these moments when we listen very closely, we hear a metaphorical voice urging us to adapt and prepare for the next move.
Of course sometimes it’s not metaphorical at all. Sometimes it’s the voice of your coach, screaming at you to use the technique you just learned in class today. But I digress.
Where was I? Oh yeah…
In BJJ, embracing this journey means seeing every roll on the mat as an opportunity, a bit like trying to catch a slippery fish with your bare hands. But fear not… every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low. In other words, we seek to level the playing field – turning our oops moments into aha moments and acknowledging our wins with humility.
In the dojo, our quest is not just about mastering the physical moves; it's about finding balance and harmony, kind of like trying to balance a spinning plate on a stick. We learn that brute strength only takes one so far, and that true strength in the long run is more about inner resolve. Patience and persistence are like the secret ingredients in a master chef's recipe – absolutely essential!
Each student's journey is unique, filled with its own set of bloopers and breakthroughs. Every challenge is a new chapter in one’s personal growth story.
As we step onto the mat our practice is more than just a physical workout. It's like a mini-life lesson in every session, preparing us not just for the sparring sessions but for the unpredictable journey of life. We aim to be diligent, sharp in our technique, and at peace with our progress, knowing that each step, no matter how small, is a step towards becoming a better version of ourselves.
In short, let's approach BJJ and life with a sprinkle of humor, recognizing that preparation and transformation can sometimes be as amusing as they are challenging. Each session on the mat is a reminder that life, much like BJJ, is a mix of meticulous planning, spontaneous reactions, and the occasional laugh at our own missteps.
As we used to say in the aviation community, if you're not having fun, then you're doing something wrong!
Stay grounded, stay safe, and keep rolling. We’ll see you on the mats.
- Mike
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