The current COVID-19 situation in the world is a very serious one; people are getting sick, oftentimes critically, and countries are attempting to fight the disease by going through extreme lockdown procedures. These procedures have, unfortunately, changed the BJJ landscape as well – the academies are closed and training has, for the most part, come to a sudden stop.

As the coronavirus continues to spread, fitness & Martial arts gyms around the country are shutting their doors and adjusting to a new reality.

Even with vaccines being developed and taking the first steps towards global immunization, the pandemic is not over yet. The protective measures must be constant, and we must remain vigilant, with attention, caution and, why not, fear.

Rickson Gracie recently a guest on the “InfernoCast” podcast where he talked about how to overcome our fears:

“Jiu Jitsu is very gentle. It’s an art that makes people come together. You have to feel the opponent, there’s a connection right there. It’s a perception of energy, that connection of the perception transcends the fight. Just by shaking a hand you can read a guys personality. Jiu Jitsu teaches how to approach and feel confident in situations. In Jiu Jitsu, the important thing you learn is about yourself. You start to become comfortable to be in the hell you live in”

He also spoke about the coronavirus and how it affects the worldwide crisis.

“If you’re not afraid, you’re stupid. About covid-19, saying you are not afraid of it, is a big mistake. If I get it, for example, I’ll take it easy, eat well, stay healthy. I will take all the precautions and strategies no matter what is necessary to overcome this enemy. I may even die of covid, but it would not be a lack of strategy and anticipation. I will follow through until te last day. ”

He added:

“Fear is a friend, because it puts you in a situation of attention, of precaution. I can’t take chances with things I don’t know. I have to protect myself. Fear helps me make adjustments. If I have to fight someone I will be afraid of him, since he knows how to beat and defend himself. Only, on the day of the fight, I keep my fear in the closet and fill myself with courage. It overcomes fear and prevents me from braking. ”