We all know them.
You are very likely one yourself.
A BJJ addict.
You read articles like this one, spend far too many hours watching YouTube technique videos, and can’t wait to get to the BJJ academy.
You probably own way too many kimonos and rash guards.
Some of the truly afflicted can’t hug their girlfriends without pummelling for the underhook.
They compare cauliflower ears and discuss esoteric subjects like De la Riva back takes and debate advantage points in competition.
What got YOU addicted in the first place?
I enjoy asking fellow jiujitsieros this question.
If you are over 35 you might answer “I saw Royce Gracie win the first few UFC’s and I said to myself ‘I’ve GOT to learn this!'” Truth is, without the Gracie family and their revolutionary NHB tournament, the martial arts world might still be practicing their one-inch punch or pressure point knockouts.
But many years have passed since that first UFC when the martial arts world was turned on its head.
Today, more people will answer that a buddy had been training and been trying to convince them to try jiu-jitsu. After getting tied up in knots and submitted six ways from Sunday by their buddy, they felt an immediate exhilaration and fascination with jiu-jitsu.
Some guys bored with three sets of 10 on the weight machines at the fitness gym were looking for a fitness activity that offered more learning and less tedium.
Watching the UFC and seeing some submissions triggered MMA fans to try a few classes at the local BJJ academy.
Many former college athletes experienced a void in their post-college athletic lives. After competing in athletics for so many years, they needed a new outlet for those competitive fires.
It is not surprising that many people enter a martial arts gym for the first time seeking some training in self-defense techniques.
Learning to defend oneself and build confidence in personal security is what got them in the door after a Google search.
Making friends and learning more advanced sports jiu-jitsu to play “kinetic chess” with their training partners is what truly got them addicted.
What got YOU addicted to jiu-jitsu?
On Jiu-jitsu Times : “Hey! It Worked!”
