The Jiu-Jitsu Addiction

As I was typing that title, I said, “Have I done this one before?” Probably, but I think we can never really get enough conversation about the addiction Jiu-Jitsu offers. I mean seriously. Jiu-Jitsu is a complete addiction.

I wonder why that is sometimes. Why haven’t I ever gotten addicted to wrestling or Judo? I didn’t become addicted to Muay Thai or Krav Maga, so why Jiu-Jitsu? What’s the difference?

I’m not sure, but I’m going to say that it’s lower impact than what I just mentioned above. It’s also more cerebral. It never leaves the mind. I can dream of Jiu-Jitsu, think of it while I’m in the shower, planting grass seed and running a marathon. It’s weird like that, and if you have any idea why this sport is, and has been, sweeping the nation, please chime in below. I’d love to hear your perspective.

I’m seeing more and more video online that covers what I’m saying here. I’m seeing interviews where the interviewee claims to have been bitten by the bug and has committed his life to BJJ. Sounds like me – the more I roll, the more I want to and the more I do, the more I don’t want to think of anything else. If this trend continues, it’ll only be a few more years before I find myself in some sort of a cocoon somewhere, shaking and incoherently muttering the names of techniques.

I’m going to post two videos below. The first is – well, they’re both really good. Do yourself a favor and watch both all the way through. You’ll pick up on some striking similarities between who’s being interviewed and yourself. That is, if you’re a BJJ player.

In the first video, I found that I related to the part where Royler Gracie says that when he’s on the mat, he “forgets. He forgets somebody sick at home, he forgets the problems he has.” And it’s so true. I remember one time I must have been visibly shaken by something before I got to class up at Jeff’s place. During warm up, Meghan walked by me and asked if I was okay. I answered that I wasn’t. That was the first time in my life I ever told anyone I wasn’t okay. I’ll tell you though, by the end of class, I was better. And now, I’m good. Jiu-Jitsu has probably helped a lot.

Anyway, watch the videos. Enjoy and let me know what you think of them.

BJJ Master Royler Gracie: “Everyone Should Compete at Least Once”

Rolled Up Episode 23 – The impassable guard with Michael Langhi