So why are we doing BJJ again? Seriously. This question always comes into mind whenever my body is sore and my legs starting to hurt, or when I get a busted lip. And at times when you are injured, you begin to wonder: is it worth it?

For most of you who could be new to BJJ, who may have encountered getting injured in training, you may be thinking of quitting. Hanging that almost new gi and thinking of just going for a another sport instead… like chess. (just kidding).

For the new ones out there, here are are some of the things that you can expect from the art of BJJ:

It’s a lifelong process

Before Master Carlos Gracie Jr could walk, I think he knew BJJ. He’s been teaching the art all his life, and yet, there is still more to learn. He has come a long way to become one of the world class BJJ artists of all time. And yes. It takes a lifetime. You may be starting to feel bad now. Doubt setting in your head like, “is it too late?” or “Will I ever become a master?” I want you to change your focus a bit and look at what BJJ will teach you instead of what BJJ will give you. There are a lot of lessons in BJJ. BJJ will give you more than a belt level, it will teach you life lessons.

It’s physically demanding

A tough body is a tough mind altogether. When we train our bodies, the mind follows. BJJ will be demanding. It’s not easy. You will have bruises. You will have days where your arms will hurt, your legs will be sore. There will be days that you will want to quit. But, during these moments, when your body starts to hurt, it means that it is experiencing something new. Growth is painful! Therefore, your body is growing and adapting. Again, growth is painful.

It’s is full of interesting personalities.

The gym alone is full of interesting personalities. Different walks of life come into the gym all the time. A gym is a tapestry of those who believes in the art. gGet to know them well and enjoy the journey with them.

There is help everywhere.

Whether you are still on your training wheels, or getting that 3rd degree black belt, there is help everywhere. You are going to have a lot of people who would enjoy seeing you succeed. There will be people who will always be willing to provide you with guidance. From drills to submissions, from stamina building your core. From preparing to compete to celebrating your success,  BJJ is that full of those people.