Jiu-Jitsu: Winning & Losing Like a Champion


Ok ok, don’t get all riled up or confused by the title of this latest piece! (lighten up people. It’s Tuesday, it’s still flippin freezing out, and we need to have some fun in life!) Allow me to clarify. Handling the wins, and losses, in jiu-jitsu (in life!) require some finesse, panache, strength and class. I don’t care if you have 1,000 golds; getting there took time; getting there took blood sweat and tears; getting there was an uphill battle and you put in the hours. There were wins and losses.
How you handle yourself determines the path your journey will take. If the losses overwhelm you and crush your spirit, smash your determination and basically override your confidence… Welllll there will be many more losses to come. But if you are honest with yourself, watch your footage, examine your mistakes and get back up- get back on that GRIND, you my friend are a winner at heart. Don’t make excuses, make a new you. Revamp your game plan. Come back better, harder, more determined; and the wins will start to stack up. Do your best on and off the mats. Don’t be the person who blames the ref, your coach, the air you breathe- so lame! ACCOUNTABILITY starts with número uno.
So, handling the wins, and losses, like a Champion? Be a warrior: a person who fights in battles and is known for having courage and skill! Perfect your technique, drill your moves until your muscles scream in agony, and never give up. Quitting is for losers. And we don’t have losers in jiu-jitsu, hmmmm?
Now I know the critics out there are rolling their eyes in disgust. “Oh Aya you’re such a Pollyanna!! You smell roses & see unicorns and leprechauns too probably!” If you only win, you’ll never learn. And from what I’ve seen once you reach the top you can always fall. People on the bottom have nowhere to go but up. BOTH require determination, hard work, and heart. Period. End of story. Handle yourself like a champion- have the mindset of a champion and you will get there. If you’re already a champion you will remain there.
Alright, time to hit the weights. Oooooo! Haha you don’t believe in strength and conditioning, that’s ok. Lata gata!

Andrea Harris trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the MA area. Currently a blue belt her focus is on competing this year. You can visit her fan page

AK Quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kimonos Crafted for Battle

Richard Photography

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here