All of us want to roll until we hit the grave, but is that really possible? Helio Gracie did it, and I am sure there are plenty of reasons why he was able to accomplish this. There is one thing people tend to neglect thinking about when it comes to sticking with jiu-jitsu, and that is the bonds and friendships we make when we are on the mat with our training partners, and even the people we compete against.
We all hear what we need to do to stay consistent in jiu-jitsu to avoid injury, but most people don’t quit because of one injury. Most people quit because it is too hard for them physically and mentally. Jiu-jitsu should be fun for the most part. If you take it too seriously, you will probably get burned out pretty quick. I have been around to many schools, and there is a characteristic that is associated with the best teams out there. What is it? It is a family environment.
The more you get to know who you are training with, the more likely you are to make it to class. I always tell people the best thing about jiu-jitsu is that you get the social aspect, which is good for mental health, and you get the physical benefits too. You are hanging out with your friend while you exercise, but if you don’t have any friends there, it is just another form of exercise. While I was injured about a month ago, I still went in to watch and learn technique, but I honestly just missed the atmosphere where everyone is joking around having fun.
If you have a community to belong to, life is much more enjoyable. This is an aspect that many people don’t have in their lives, and this is why so many people join and get addicted to jiu-jitsu. Do yourself and your team a favor by getting to know everyone in class. Ask them about what they do for a living, why they decided to do jiu-jitsu, teach them what they are doing right or wrong, and most importantly, build your teammates up by encouraging them that they are progressing. Sometimes simple words, like you are doing great, can make all the difference in someone stick with jiu-jitsu, or giving it up.
Shout out to Corral’s Martial Arts for providing me with this family atmosphere, and building me up to who I am today. I am forever in debt to all of you!
