In life there are some things you will learn on your own.  No one will be able to teach you certain things.  In Jiu-Jitsu there are things you will have to experience to understand.

#1.  You will learn what it feels like to be helpless

There will come a point in every Jiu-Jitsu student’s life where they feel helpless on the mat.  A skilled opponent can hold you down in such a way that makes you feel powerless. Sometimes the only thing you can do is tap.  It develops humility in Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.  There maybe several people you know that would could benefit from this lesson.

#2.  You will bond with people in a different way

While training in Jiu-Jitsu, you will develop a special bond with your training partners.  It’s difficult to explain, but it’s a relationship that comes forged only through the rigors of training.  You may not know them as well others, but the bond is still there.

#3.  You will see people in a different light

You can learn a lot about others when you roll with them.  People react differently to the pressure and challenges of Jiu-Jitsu.  Some panic, some give up, and others weather the storm.  How they react on the mat can show you a lot about them.

#4.  You will learn a lot about yourself

Jiu-Jitsu is mentally therapeutic.  It will clear your mind and allow you to put many things in perspective.  It’s also a path to self-discovery.  It can help you to find out who you are, and what you’re made of.

#5.  You really have to love Jiu-Jitsu

I’ve never met a Black Belt that didn’t love Jiu-Jitsu.  For those that decide to stay, it stops becoming a hobby.  It develops into a lifestyle.  It’s a passion that fuels the rest of their lives.

#6.  Getting to the top is never easy

It’s definitely within the realm of possibility to be good at Jiu-Jitsu training casually. Making it to the top is another story.  Top-level Jiu-Jitsu competitors don’t train 2 hours a week.  They don’t sit out rounds. You have to be willing to put in the blood, sweat, and tears.  You have to be willing to go hell and back.

#7.  It has the ability to change your life in a way you would never expect to be possible

Many people try Jiu-Jitsu.  Not many make it to blue belt, fewer even to purple and brown belt.  Very few make it to black belt. Regardless of when you stop training Jiu-Jitsu (if ever) or what level you are, Jiu-Jitsu can create beneficial change in your life.

Patrick Flores

Gracie Barra Chino

Twitter: patjflores