Lessons I Have Learned From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts

Jiu-Jitsu As the Melody

    As a purple belt who has been training at Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the past 3 1/2 years, I have already been on a wild ride due to  my commitment to  Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, and MMA. I have traveled to cities like New York, Miami, and San Fransisco to  train and learn from legends in the sport and have fought in various competitions.  Jiu-Jitsu offers many ups and downs and I like to compare it to an endless melody. Like the journey, the melody has many different particular characteristics, expressions, and changes within.
    Jiu-Jitsu seems so simple in the beginning of its melody. Learning the basic movements and concepts starts you off on your progression, but you have very little idea on how to perceive it, because you have only heard the first few notes of the melody. The known defines very little of what the unknown will become. Jiu-Jitsu can take on many different flavors or perceptions in this regard. The beginner may think of Jiu-Jitsu as simply a series of different moves. An armbar from close guard, an escape from mount, a sweep from closed guard. However, as the practitioner progresses they realize it is not enough to be successful by simply to knowing a few techniques. The practitioner's journey may become one of frustration, because he is not receiving instant results from a few months of training. If he or she sticks with it, the melody unveils itself and it can become motivating and satisfying, exceeding any former intuitions of what Jiu-Jitsu is. Jiu-Jitsu becomes much greater than a series of moves designed to end a confrontation, but rather it becomes a way of thinking that transcends into day to day life.

Lessons Learned from Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts

Trust that the melody will reveal itself as long as you keep listening.
 Their are many sudden awakenings in Jiu-Jitsu and it is not uncommon to see a practitioner break out in smile and delight when  a position he has been studying finally reveals itself to him/her. This occurs only when the practitioner  stays focused on the position or technique and does not leave it when they become frustrated at the puzzles they present. These moments of clarity make Jiu-Jitsu all the worth while.

Immersing yourself in the art is the key.
   Jiu-Jitsu is not a chore. It should not be something you have to force yourself to do like how one debates whether or not they should go run on the treadmill at the gym for an hour. To become good at Jiu-Jitsu one must love Jiu-Jitsu. If one is to become competent in Muay Thai, you must not think of training footwork as a "chore", but you must fully immerse yourself in it , learn the technique, and practice it without judgement. Kids don't think in terms of good and bad as much as adults do. They immerse themselves into their tasks and have less artificial distractions, which is why kids pick up techniques like sponges. Labels of good and bad must cease in order to fully immerse yourself into the practice.

The Road is unknown and that will never change

   The great thrill of being a martial artist in Buffalo, NY is that you never know where your journey will take you. Some days  are as simple as repeating the same technique for an hour and sparing with your teammates, while other days  might mean you are on the mats competing in front of a thousand spectators.  Either way you always end up in the unknown, but the unknown is what keeps everything interesting. Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts are full of unknowns, but once your on the path, the excitement of the journey keeps you on that path.

Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts in Buffalo, NY

   At Buffalo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we want to show the experience of Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, Kids martial arts, and MMA. We are offering a Free 30 Day Trial for all those who stop in and see what real martial arts are all about! Check us out www.BuffaloMMAFitness.com to sign up for your free trial!