I believe that we as BJJ practitioners have, along the way of this beautiful martial art:
1. Convinced ourselves that we HAVE TO perform well on the mat.
2. Come to believe that it's a competitive world out there where only the fittest and best will survive.
3. Found ourselves in jobs / lifestyles that demand meetings / result / statistics / information that often, very often, serve no purpose and we bring some of that mentality with us to the mat.
4. Forgotten that BJJ and grappling should be fun and enjoyable. Do people smile where you train? Is there a lot of laughter and camaraderie? It's surprising how much that's missing from so many jiujitsu academies.
This is one of the major reasons why Fighting Fit Manchester produces such high quality grapplers and other combat athletes and has always had such a low level of injuries: the owners, instructors (BJJ, striking, Strength & Conditioning, Ninjutsu...etc.), competition crew and by extension all members contribute to making it such a happy and productive training environment that people train often, bring friends to try the sessions and participate in social activities outside training such as trips, Xmas parties and the like.
Many BJJ practitioners have lost focus and, to put it plainly, permitted others to dictate how and on what terms they should be happy on and off the mat. They have allowed someone else (coach, peer, competitor...) to decide their joy for them. If the environment is toxic it'll get to you. If the environment is healthy it'll empower you. Find the most positive, happyfull and supportive environment and people and give it your all.
ZHOO ZHITSU IS FOR EVERYONE!
Liam "The Part Time Grappler" Wandi
Proudly sponsored by Predator Fightwear: Built for the kill and Brutal TShirt: Made By Grapplers For Fighters
2 comments:
I am convinced I need to simply keep going. I have come to believe that I do need to do more than simply show up on the mats, and take a bit more control of my training, or perhaps simply it's more about taking advantage of my opportunities.
Thankfully the network I train in is very enjoyable. They smile, they laugh, they have a very good time. I don't think I would survive well in a very competitive training environment - at least right now.
Absolutely! Why on earth are we spending time and money to go be miserable? well said.
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