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Jiu Jitsu Is Great… But Remember: It Isn’t Everything

Jiu Jitsu Is Great… But Remember: It Isn’t Everything

Do you sometimes find yourself daydreaming about Jiu Jitsu? Thinking about all of the techniques you’ve been learning and drilling, about the rolls and submissions you had, as well as the up-and-coming competitions and classes? You’re really on cloud seven! BJJ became a big part of your life and that is amazing.
However, no matter how amazing and how great Jiu Jitsu may be, it isn’t everything.

 

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A (WORLD) CHAMPION?

First of all, what are your ambitions with Jiu Jitsu? Are you planning on becoming a champion, perhaps of the world? Or do you want to, quite simply, keep on training for the sake of your own enjoyment and health?
If it’s the former, then you have absolutely every right to devote the majority of your time to BJJ. Both on the mats, by getting in as many training sessions as possible per week; but also off the mats, through analyzing matches, watching instructionals in bulk, working out in the gym… etc. You need to apply yourself to the Gentle Art as much as humanly possible if you want to become the best in your craft.

However, if turning yourself into one of the best in the world isn’t a goal of yours, then it would probably be wise to slow down a bit.

 

WE GET IT, BJJ IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. BUT…

What do we mean by „slowing down“? It means that no matter how much you enjoy training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you shouldn’t let it overtake your life.

Listen, we get it. You enjoy BJJ so much that you’d gladly do nothing else for the entire day other than train, watch instructionals and Youtube videos, train again, sleep… And then repeat the whole process. And as we mentioned, this is great! By making it into such a vital part of your days, you’ve made a big step towards leading a happier, more fulfilled and healthier life. Bravo for you!
But there’s a fine line between great, productive enthusiasm and unhealthy obsession.

„But the motivational speaker said that, if you want to be successful, you have to be obsessed about it!“ Yeah, a lot of motivational speakers say that. And yes, your strive for greatness is truly to admire. But don’t you remember the start of this „conversation“?
If you’re training Jiu Jitsu recreationally – which doesn’t mean that you aren’t competing, but that BJJ isn’t your source of income – then there’s no reason for you to train and think about Jiu Jitsu like a world champion.

 

JIU JITSU IS IMPORTANT, BUT IT ISN’T EVERYTHING

The world-class athletes sacrifice just about everything in order to achieve their goals. All of the other aspects of their lives get placed on a back-burner; their families, their friends, other career options. But if they succeed in their aims, all of these sacrifices pay off; both in fulfillment and monetary terms alike.
So, since you aren’t going to make a ton of money nor achieve international recognition, what you have to do is ask yourself whether the sacrifices you’re making for BJJ are common sense or not.

Is training every day of the week really necessary… Or could you drop it to 4 times per week and spend more time with your family? Does watching instructionals all day benefit your work or education – or are they suffering?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may be a very important part of your life, and it should stay that way. Just don’t let it take control over everything. Have a life outside of BJJ; and you will find that Jiu Jitsu will benefit as well.