Category: coaching

I’m Going to be Sore Anyway- Health and Jiu Jitsu

I Choose Soreness!!!

My hands are sore everyday. I am trying hard to teach or train at least 4 days a week at Gracie Barra Princeton and the soreness used to limit my training. Basically every joint in my body is sore…everyday. I have inflammation and hives that make life uncomfortable. That is why the concept of being comfortable being uncomfortable has been so life changing for me. I have an autoimmune disease that has a crapload of daily side effects. This is my reality. Someone asked me how I felt about it and my only honest answer is that it sucks. It sucks. It is aggravating and painful and discouraging. And there are many ways to deal with this reality. I could drink. I could eat. I could complain. I could take too much Advil. I could feel sorry for myself. Well, I’ve done all of these and none of them made me feel any better. So, I tried Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. And it is working for me.

Hives on the hand…

I am still sore every day and I still get a lot of the same emotions. But, I also have discovered a lot of what BJJ offers. Community, fitness, empowerment, humility and something that I will take the rest of my life to learn proficiently.

I used to choose not to go to class if I was sore. Now I go. Because guess what?!? I’m going to be sore anyway. I might as well get sore doing something I love!! I am going to be sore- so I’m doing it my way. I get to choose soreness. I don’t have soreness put upon me by the weakness of my body or by some stupid disease.

I choose soreness!!!! It’s mine. And I’ve earned it. Gratitude- the powerful gift God has given me. Thank you BJJ for empowering me to make this choice.

Learning and Teaching, Teaching and Learning

This week I started assisting in the kids classes at Gracie Barra Princeton. It was really fun to see kids take in the instruction from Coach Turtle and Coach Wojtek. And it was fun to offer what tips I could too.

I also learned a lot from seeing how each child learned differently. How you could say the same instruction to 3 different kids and they would all hear it slightly differently because they are different. Difference is a good thing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. You develop your own style because you feel and react differently to each movement.

I also saw that some students both adults and kids-including myself, don’t listen very well. Distraction, focus and attention to the instructors and coaches varies for each student. This really makes a difference as you are learning something new. I am hoping to squeeze every ounce of knowledge from my coaches and training partners. So watching other students manage their different learning styles is informing me to be more aware of my strengths and weaknesses as a student. Nd preparing me better to enter the mat with more intention.

The mats are a rich place to learn. As an adult or a child we are all capable of gaining skills and knowledge. The great thing is in BJJ, in my experience at Gracie Barra Princeton, you get to learn within great mentoring relationships. I have developed a trust in my coaches and my training partners. And I am building trust in myself as a student, partner and coach.

So, another great week. Thanks to all who were a part of it. And thanks to Coach Mike, Coach Turtle, Coach Wojtek and all the kids and parents for trusting me to join them in their BJJ journey.