The Idea

​Grappling has become very popular because of the UFC and a multitude of podcasts, influencers, and celebrities touting its benefits. I appreciate that, everyone who does Jiu Jitsu appreciates that, but it also gives people a false idea about what they are getting into. Those of us who speak so highly of grappling also suffer greatly. The greatest benefits of Jiu Jitsu come from giving up your life. Things that I never would have done and the person I am were all possible because of Jiu Jitsu. That being said I sacrifice so many things, because I am at the gym and this is what I chose. It’s a frustrating journey if you aren’t always training. If every waking moment isn’t consumed by Jiu Jitsu, you probably won’t feel like you’re progressing fast enough. It sounds cool, learn how to fight, make friends, and maybe hit a competition or two. The reality is it’s hard, really hard, really really ridiculously hard, and it hurts physically, mentally, spiritually, it takes such a long time to get anywhere, but somehow I don’t regret any of it. I don’t miss the money I could’ve made, the youth I could’ve had, or the life I could’ve lived. To paraphrase Kristian Woodmansee, Jiu Jitsu is not for everybody, but it is for anybody willing to put in the work.