Rules for main forums
- Be nice
- No advertisement
- No events
- No fundraisers
- No topics asking for votes
- Only posts related to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
For those who have been in the game awhile Why do you train?
5 year(s) ago • 3846 views • 53 replies
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
It's funny I have been training and competing almost me whole life..
I am not in the business of Martial arts and I get asked all the time why are you still doing it and training so much at your age..
I am 58 and the worst parts of my life were after my broken neck at 26 I had to take a year off and a couple years off in my early 50's for cancer..
I love EVERY aspect of the game training, teaching, competing and coaching. Honestly it is the only time I feel like everything is right in the world and is as it should be. I can't picture not doing it..
When people ask me why I always say because I can.
But I always look at the other person with a certain degree of sadness and ask isn't there anything you do just because you love it..
Wondering how many of you feel the same way after decades of training do you still feel the same passion
I am not in the business of Martial arts and I get asked all the time why are you still doing it and training so much at your age..
I am 58 and the worst parts of my life were after my broken neck at 26 I had to take a year off and a couple years off in my early 50's for cancer..
I love EVERY aspect of the game training, teaching, competing and coaching. Honestly it is the only time I feel like everything is right in the world and is as it should be. I can't picture not doing it..
When people ask me why I always say because I can.
But I always look at the other person with a certain degree of sadness and ask isn't there anything you do just because you love it..
Wondering how many of you feel the same way after decades of training do you still feel the same passion
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
It's funny I have been training and competing almost me whole life.. I am not in the business of Martial arts and I get asked all the time why are you still doing it and training so much at your age.. I am 58 and the worst parts of my life were after my broken neck at 26 I had to take a year off and a couple years off in my early 50's for cancer.. I love EVERY aspect of the game training, teaching, competing and coaching. Honestly it is the only time I feel like everything is right in the world and is as it should be. I can't picture not doing it.. When people ask me why I always say because I can. But I always look at the other person with a certain degree of sadness and ask isn't there anything you do just because you love it.. Wondering how many of you feel the same way after decades of training do you still feel the same passion
It keeps me sane despite all the nagging injuries. It keeps me healthy and fit. I don't want to be sitting on a couch dying slowly.
DBBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
My profession (writing, teaching) is mostly in my head.
I also worry about things, relentlessly.
Grappling is one of the few things that shut that tsumani of thoughts off. Completely.
When I roll. It's just this.
That's why I've stuck with it.
I also worry about things, relentlessly.
Grappling is one of the few things that shut that tsumani of thoughts off. Completely.
When I roll. It's just this.
That's why I've stuck with it.
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I just enjoy it and why change something that works - both subjectively and there's enough objective proof (e.g. health benefits) as well.
TPBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I don't think my 9+ years count as being in the game "for a while" :D but I feel this is the perfect sport for me.
I'm probably the laziest person you know. No matter how lazy I feel, when that round timer buzzes, a big motherfucker grabs me and intends to strangle me or break my joints, I have no chance but work.
Also, if you indeed wanna take it lazy & use the least effort possible in these situations, you need to be technically unequivocally superior to your sparring partner/opponent. Which is why you hone your techniques a ton.
I find this combination simply irresistible.
And when you realize the depth of the levels in the game... It still blows my mind how good some people are. And just to get a little bit good at a few things already makes you better than the majority in most gyms... oh man.
I'm probably the laziest person you know. No matter how lazy I feel, when that round timer buzzes, a big motherfucker grabs me and intends to strangle me or break my joints, I have no chance but work.
Also, if you indeed wanna take it lazy & use the least effort possible in these situations, you need to be technically unequivocally superior to your sparring partner/opponent. Which is why you hone your techniques a ton.
I find this combination simply irresistible.
And when you realize the depth of the levels in the game... It still blows my mind how good some people are. And just to get a little bit good at a few things already makes you better than the majority in most gyms... oh man.
Edited 5 year(s) ago
YBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I'm just addicted
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I was just thinking about this the other day, and I came to the conclusion in my head, that BJJ serves as kind of a "religion" to help me regulate my entire life.
Yeah, so, no big deal.
Yeah, so, no big deal.
MBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
It's funny I have been training and competing almost me whole life.. I am not in the business of Martial arts and I get asked all the time why are you still doing it and training so much at your age.. I am 58 and the worst parts of my life were after my broken neck at 26 I had to take a year off and a couple years off in my early 50's for cancer.. I love EVERY aspect of the game training, teaching, competing and coaching. Honestly it is the only time I feel like everything is right in the world and is as it should be. I can't picture not doing it.. When people ask me why I always say because I can. But I always look at the other person with a certain degree of sadness and ask isn't there anything you do just because you love it.. Wondering how many of you feel the same way after decades of training do you still feel the same passion
Hy Phil,
I am in my mid 40s and doing martial arts almost half of my life , too (this year 21 years of MA training).
Like you I am still really passionate about it and love teaching and training (of course on an another level like you do- I am only a recreational bjj practitioner).
As a prison officer of course my bjj training helps me on duty, but the most important thing is, that it keeps me mentally and physically fit in a very positive environment with awesome people. Very often, almost on daily basis, I am surrounded by negativity and violence on the job, but in the gym after duty when sparring and rolling (or teaching) I am always in a positive mood and my battery is reloaded after the sessions- ready to „right hook“ everyday life. As English is not my mother tongue I am lacking perhaps of the right words to describe it, but I think you know what I want to say.
I am in my mid 40s and doing martial arts almost half of my life , too (this year 21 years of MA training).
Like you I am still really passionate about it and love teaching and training (of course on an another level like you do- I am only a recreational bjj practitioner).
As a prison officer of course my bjj training helps me on duty, but the most important thing is, that it keeps me mentally and physically fit in a very positive environment with awesome people. Very often, almost on daily basis, I am surrounded by negativity and violence on the job, but in the gym after duty when sparring and rolling (or teaching) I am always in a positive mood and my battery is reloaded after the sessions- ready to „right hook“ everyday life. As English is not my mother tongue I am lacking perhaps of the right words to describe it, but I think you know what I want to say.
KKBrown beltPending
5 year(s) ago
It's funny I have been training and competing almost me whole life.. I am not in the business of Martial arts and I get asked all the time why are you still doing it and training so much at your age.. I am 58 and the worst parts of my life were after my broken neck at 26 I had to take a year off and a couple years off in my early 50's for cancer.. I love EVERY aspect of the game training, teaching, competing and coaching. Honestly it is the only time I feel like everything is right in the world and is as it should be. I can't picture not doing it.. When people ask me why I always say because I can. But I always look at the other person with a certain degree of sadness and ask isn't there anything you do just because you love it.. Wondering how many of you feel the same way after decades of training do you still feel the same passion
I find rolling fun! I also enjoy martial arts and it's a large part of my leisure time.
My style and goals of training have changed over the years and now the goal is to be able to roll and train for as long as possible. Lots of Deep Half guard, Closed guard, I'm picky with my takedowns and who I do stand up with ect.
I try to have a few nonphysical hobbies so that when/ if i can't train I have stuff to enjoy on my rest days or if I'm injured.
My style and goals of training have changed over the years and now the goal is to be able to roll and train for as long as possible. Lots of Deep Half guard, Closed guard, I'm picky with my takedowns and who I do stand up with ect.
I try to have a few nonphysical hobbies so that when/ if i can't train I have stuff to enjoy on my rest days or if I'm injured.
MBrown beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
My profession (writing, teaching) is mostly in my head. I also worry about things, relentlessly. Grappling is one of the few things that shut that tsumani of thoughts off. Completely. When I roll. It's just this. That's why I've stuck with it.
Found that quote of Joe Rogan on Facebook in relation to the topic and what you have written:
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Found that quote of Joe Rogan on Facebook in relation to the topic and what you have written:
Love it and very true
BWBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
It's fun!
But seriously, I like that no matter how my day or week has been, I can go and roll and just be totally in the moment, It's like a mental reset.
I like that it's hard and I have to keep working and goal setting to get better, if I'm lazy I pay the price right away, it keeps me honest with myself.
I also really enjoy teaching / coaching and passing on the knowledge and understandings I've developed.
Last, but not least, I like the people at my club. They're my friends and I enjoy chatting with them or trying my best best to choke them :)
But seriously, I like that no matter how my day or week has been, I can go and roll and just be totally in the moment, It's like a mental reset.
I like that it's hard and I have to keep working and goal setting to get better, if I'm lazy I pay the price right away, it keeps me honest with myself.
I also really enjoy teaching / coaching and passing on the knowledge and understandings I've developed.
Last, but not least, I like the people at my club. They're my friends and I enjoy chatting with them or trying my best best to choke them :)
VBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
It's funny I have been training and competing almost me whole life.. I am not in the business of Martial arts and I get asked all the time why are you still doing it and training so much at your age.. I am 58 and the worst parts of my life were after my broken neck at 26 I had to take a year off and a couple years off in my early 50's for cancer.. I love EVERY aspect of the game training, teaching, competing and coaching. Honestly it is the only time I feel like everything is right in the world and is as it should be. I can't picture not doing it.. When people ask me why I always say because I can. But I always look at the other person with a certain degree of sadness and ask isn't there anything you do just because you love it.. Wondering how many of you feel the same way after decades of training do you still feel the same passion
It's just what I do, it's part of my identity
Edited 5 year(s) ago
OMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Its the deepest & most fascinating art of physical expressions that I know of.
An endless pursuit.
If I had 3 lifetimes to completely devote myself to Jiu-Jitsu, I still would be learning knew things week in and week out.
Its a hopeless dream to learn it all but that's what I love about it.
I feel like a whitebelt even after 14 years. So many moves, combinations, approaches and possibilities stretch out on the road before me....I can't wait to walk it!
An endless pursuit.
If I had 3 lifetimes to completely devote myself to Jiu-Jitsu, I still would be learning knew things week in and week out.
Its a hopeless dream to learn it all but that's what I love about it.
I feel like a whitebelt even after 14 years. So many moves, combinations, approaches and possibilities stretch out on the road before me....I can't wait to walk it!
JPBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Since modern ninjitsu is fake and Jedi haven't been around since a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I figured I may as well ride the BJJ thing out. Had a nice little amateur MMA run, taught some really great people, made plenty of mistakes along the way, but it's just always been part of my life.
OHBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
it's the only activity that i fully enjoy and never bored me....even a little bit...
mma/grappling/bjj, others sports are boring to me .... i like watching rugby (but 60kg - 1,61m is not the typical rugby player :-D )
as long as i remember i always been interrested in martial and other sports never really makes me feel good....
i began grappling at first because i wanted to submit and end fights in mma ....and i get lost :-D .... too addictive
it's the only activity that i fully enjoy and never bored me....even a little bit...
mma/grappling/bjj, others sports are boring to me .... i like watching rugby (but 60kg - 1,61m is not the typical rugby player :-D )
as long as i remember i always been interrested in martial and other sports never really makes me feel good....
i began grappling at first because i wanted to submit and end fights in mma ....and i get lost :-D .... too addictive
Edited 5 year(s) ago
![Slideyfoot [jun]](userimg/5e25cf311adfd.jpg){kind=small}
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I started grappling, surprisingly, with some extremely intermittent MMA (like literally a few times a year) back in 2003, made the decision to start BJJ in 2005....then got injured in my third ever judo class which put me out for months (also why I never went back to judo and has avoided takedown training ever since). So I finally started BJJ in late 2006, meaning I'm up to a bit over 14 years at this point.
I began for fun and fitness, those are still the primary reasons I train (I don't care about competing or self defence, though I did force myself to compete once to see if I liked it. I very much didn't ;) ). At this point, BJJ has also become my full time job, so that's one strong motivator to keep me on the mats. BJJ is also a huge part of my social life: pretty much every single close friend I have at this point is somebody I met through training. There would be a big hole if I had to give up BJJ.
Saying that, I do also think it's deeply unhealthy to be totally obsessed about just one thing to the exclusion of all else. So I make a point of having other hobbies, which has proved very useful for this lockdown. DnD in particular. :D
I began for fun and fitness, those are still the primary reasons I train (I don't care about competing or self defence, though I did force myself to compete once to see if I liked it. I very much didn't ;) ). At this point, BJJ has also become my full time job, so that's one strong motivator to keep me on the mats. BJJ is also a huge part of my social life: pretty much every single close friend I have at this point is somebody I met through training. There would be a big hole if I had to give up BJJ.
Saying that, I do also think it's deeply unhealthy to be totally obsessed about just one thing to the exclusion of all else. So I make a point of having other hobbies, which has proved very useful for this lockdown. DnD in particular. :D
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I started grappling, surprisingly, with some extremely intermittent MMA (like literally a few times a year) back in 2003, made the decision to start BJJ in 2005....then got injured in my third ever judo class which put me out for months (also why I never went back to judo and has avoided takedown training ever since). So I finally started BJJ in late 2006, meaning I'm up to a bit over 14 years at this point. I began for fun and fitness, those are still the primary reasons I train (I don't care about competing or self defence, though I did force myself to compete once to see if I liked it. I very much didn't ;) ). At this point, BJJ has also become my full time job, so that's one strong motivator to keep me on the mats. BJJ is also a huge part of my social life: pretty much every single close friend I have at this point is somebody I met through training. There would be a big hole if I had to give up BJJ. Saying that, I do also think it's deeply unhealthy to be totally obsessed about just one thing to the exclusion of all else. So I make a point of having other hobbies, which has proved very useful for this lockdown. DnD in particular. :D
DnD? it's funny how many people are what others call "nerds" that get into BJJ.. I had a bunch of them back east
SCBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
HAHA n
But really Ive been training in some type of contact sport since i was little kid and i never ever wanted to stop or just lay around. then it started to become fun and exciting with training and traveling. I look forward to training with new people on a regular basis.
But really Ive been training in some type of contact sport since i was little kid and i never ever wanted to stop or just lay around. then it started to become fun and exciting with training and traveling. I look forward to training with new people on a regular basis.
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
DnD? it's funny how many people are what others call 'nerds' that get into BJJ.. I had a bunch of them back east
Yep! BJJ is a super nerdy sport. I was quite surprised that when I suggested DnD at a BJJ Globetrotters Camp a few years ago, there was loads of interest. Thanks to that, I've built up a group of 80 people who regularly play DnD several times a week: almost all of us met through those camps. ;)
I'm a mega nerd, I've met quite a few other people like me in BJJ. I reckon it's the technical depth of BJJ that appeals to nerdy people like me, along with things like crazy gi colours/patches. Plus BJJ is great for lazy people (also like me), you can quite happily develop a game that involves mostly lying down and not moving very much. :D
I'm a mega nerd, I've met quite a few other people like me in BJJ. I reckon it's the technical depth of BJJ that appeals to nerdy people like me, along with things like crazy gi colours/patches. Plus BJJ is great for lazy people (also like me), you can quite happily develop a game that involves mostly lying down and not moving very much. :D
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Yep! BJJ is a super nerdy sport. I was quite surprised that when I suggested DnD at a BJJ Globetrotters Camp a few years ago, there was loads of interest. Thanks to that, I've built up a group of 80 people who regularly play DnD several times a week: almost all of us met through those camps. ;) I'm a mega nerd, I've met quite a few other people like me in BJJ. I reckon it's the technical depth of BJJ that appeals to nerdy people like me, along with things like crazy gi colours/patches. Plus BJJ is great for lazy people (also like me), you can quite happily develop a game that involves mostly lying down and not moving very much. :D
It's one of the things i love about the grappling aspect it really seams to attract a diverse group of people from former athletes to people that love roll playing games. The conversations that go on at times in and after class can be funny as hell
DBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I don't think my 9+ years count as being in the game 'for a while' :D but I feel this is the perfect sport for me. I'm probably the laziest person you know. No matter how lazy I feel, when that round timer buzzes, a big motherfucker grabs me and intends to strangle me or break my joints, I have no chance but work. Also, if you indeed wanna take it lazy & use the least effort possible in these situations, you need to be technically unequivocally superior to your sparring partner/opponent. Which is why you hone your techniques a ton. I find this combination simply irresistible. And when you realize the depth of the levels in the game... It still blows my mind how good some people are. And just to get a little bit good at a few things already makes you better than the majority in most gyms... oh man.
This! Perfectly summed up.
RBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
Life-saving skills in my profession, plus it's great for anaerobic conditioning, it's a mental challenge, keeps me confident yet humble, and acts as a microcosm for life. It helps me stay balanced and keep things in perspective. Not to mention I made a promise to myself when I put on my blue belt that I would stay in it for life. I've been doing martial arts for over twenty years but don't have a single black belt. To someday earn it in what I consider to be the most difficult and rewarding martial arts style out there at the moment will be a huge honor.
ELBlack belt 1st degreePending
5 year(s) ago
My profession (writing, teaching) is mostly in my head. I also worry about things, relentlessly. Grappling is one of the few things that shut that tsumani of thoughts off. Completely. When I roll. It's just this. That's why I've stuck with it.
I feel you
ELBlack belt 1st degreePending
5 year(s) ago
Yep! BJJ is a super nerdy sport. I was quite surprised that when I suggested DnD at a BJJ Globetrotters Camp a few years ago, there was loads of interest. Thanks to that, I've built up a group of 80 people who regularly play DnD several times a week: almost all of us met through those camps. ;) I'm a mega nerd, I've met quite a few other people like me in BJJ. I reckon it's the technical depth of BJJ that appeals to nerdy people like me, along with things like crazy gi colours/patches. Plus BJJ is great for lazy people (also like me), you can quite happily develop a game that involves mostly lying down and not moving very much. :D
Im a Dm in 3.5 lol. Count me in!
ELBlack belt 1st degreePending
5 year(s) ago
Well, i was in awe when i watched ufc 1 as a teen. Royce made me want to do it.
Coming from a small ski town, no classes within an hour. I did other martial arts but eventually said screw it and drove over 2h a day to train.
Eventually opened an academy with a higher rank. After a while, fundamental diffetences made me decide to leave and i train and teach 10mins from my house!
Coming from a small ski town, no classes within an hour. I did other martial arts but eventually said screw it and drove over 2h a day to train.
Eventually opened an academy with a higher rank. After a while, fundamental diffetences made me decide to leave and i train and teach 10mins from my house!
DSPurple beltVerifiedSerbia
5 year(s) ago
The story why do I train:
I have started in 2014., had some back injury problems, and I wasn't keen on going to the gym.
After talking with my ex-colleague at work, he gave me the advice to start some aikido classes.
So, I went to aikido classes, but it happens that the aikido professor was a purple belt in BJJ too (now he is a black belt), and he had a small group of BJJ beginners training basics after aikido classes. I have stayed after aikido and tried BJJ, my first spar was with one girl which took my soul and hanged my body on the ceiling. That was my last aikido class and my first BJJ class.
Fast forward 7 years, I hold a purple belt.
The reason why I keep going and showing to the gym is not just loving BJJ, it's much more. It became part of me, I have seen a lot of places, met a lot of people, and made such strong connections in all fields of life, that I could not just say that is only loving the art. Can't imagine life without it.
I have started in 2014., had some back injury problems, and I wasn't keen on going to the gym.
After talking with my ex-colleague at work, he gave me the advice to start some aikido classes.
So, I went to aikido classes, but it happens that the aikido professor was a purple belt in BJJ too (now he is a black belt), and he had a small group of BJJ beginners training basics after aikido classes. I have stayed after aikido and tried BJJ, my first spar was with one girl which took my soul and hanged my body on the ceiling. That was my last aikido class and my first BJJ class.
Fast forward 7 years, I hold a purple belt.
The reason why I keep going and showing to the gym is not just loving BJJ, it's much more. It became part of me, I have seen a lot of places, met a lot of people, and made such strong connections in all fields of life, that I could not just say that is only loving the art. Can't imagine life without it.
FFBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 year(s) ago
I also worry about things, relentlessly. Grappling is one of the few things that shut that tsumani of thoughts off. Completely. When I roll. It's just this. That's why I've stuck with it.
This.
I started with karate at 9 and simply never stopped. I probably wouldn't know how to live life without.
Through highs and lows of life, martial arts was where I could shut up all thoughts, worrying and anxiety. There's been times where thinking that in the evening I was going to be in the dojo literally was what kept me going through the days (it sounds more dramatic then it was, but it is what it is).
Even now with all the restrictions and whatsoever, sometimes I just go to my gym and I sit there.
I started with karate at 9 and simply never stopped. I probably wouldn't know how to live life without.
Through highs and lows of life, martial arts was where I could shut up all thoughts, worrying and anxiety. There's been times where thinking that in the evening I was going to be in the dojo literally was what kept me going through the days (it sounds more dramatic then it was, but it is what it is).
Even now with all the restrictions and whatsoever, sometimes I just go to my gym and I sit there.
CHBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
I started this to learn self-defense and didn't think I'll be training for long. However, every time I thought I knew enough and I can quit now, I realise I still forget/freeze in uncomfortable situations. The answer is to keep practising. Now it just became a part of my life and I also do enjoy every aspect of the game - training, competing and coaching.
MBlack beltVerified
5 year(s) ago
Ever hear of the accidental manager? Well, I am the "accidental BJJ" guy. I started in the sport because of my daughter. She wrestled from the time she was in 6th grade until college. She was on the cadet team USA and competed at the Pan American Games, placing 4th. She is also is a 9 time All American. My professor knew her from wrestling clubs and camps and contacted us to see if she would help a fighter who was scheduled to fight against someone with a wrestling background. Going to the gym every day and being around this new 'family" made me want to be more a part of it. Once I started I couldn't stop. Except for a nasty injury to my hand in 2014 (i will not post the photo) Just remember hand VS table saw, the saw wins every time. I am also a disabled veteran from my service in the first Gulf War and find that this is better than any therapy or medicine I can get.
