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The Moment: When you knew Jiu Jitsu was for you.
3 year(s) ago • 13926 views • 30 replies
AFBlack beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
A while back I was having a heart to heart with one of my students. A genuine good guy, up there in years, who has been driven to learn and grow. He’s getting into jiu jitsu, in his words not mine, late in the game. Made it clear that’s the best day to start May have been yesterday, but the second best is certainly today.
He asked me when I knew I loved jiu jitsu. My answer was that it was during an MMA spar when a guy I had nearly 40 pounds on turned me into a pretzel.
For my student he said it was when he rolled with one of my purple belts, and said purple belt showed him how to breath. To relax, and find his way out of the problem that he found himself in. My student said he always wanted to be a martial artist, but whenever he visited a school he was made to feel powerless, and shown no way to escape it.
I’m curious, what was it for you? What got you hooked? And even what recommits you? The story above is my answer to that question. Students like this one may feel inspired by us, but I feel they inspire me in equal measure. Having a student tell me they want to learn, because they feel someone actually has their best interest in mind is truly an honor.
I hope wherever you are you’re doing well, and I hope to see you on the mats somewhere.
He asked me when I knew I loved jiu jitsu. My answer was that it was during an MMA spar when a guy I had nearly 40 pounds on turned me into a pretzel.
For my student he said it was when he rolled with one of my purple belts, and said purple belt showed him how to breath. To relax, and find his way out of the problem that he found himself in. My student said he always wanted to be a martial artist, but whenever he visited a school he was made to feel powerless, and shown no way to escape it.
I’m curious, what was it for you? What got you hooked? And even what recommits you? The story above is my answer to that question. Students like this one may feel inspired by us, but I feel they inspire me in equal measure. Having a student tell me they want to learn, because they feel someone actually has their best interest in mind is truly an honor.
I hope wherever you are you’re doing well, and I hope to see you on the mats somewhere.
SBBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
It was at purple belt! When I first started I wanted to learn how to defeat jiu jitsu. When I first started, I was wrestling and MMA oriented and wanted to know it enough to be able to have a defense for whatever my BJJ opponent could throw at me. Four years later and for some reason I never started my mma career at 40 it dawned on me that I loved that I could study this art my whole life and never know half of what is out there.
I didn't put on a gi until 6 weeks before I got my purple belt. I fell in love with jiu jitsu as soon as I did. It's the strategery (to quote former president Bush) that keeps me coming back.
I didn't put on a gi until 6 weeks before I got my purple belt. I fell in love with jiu jitsu as soon as I did. It's the strategery (to quote former president Bush) that keeps me coming back.
CBBrown beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
I did BJJ parallel to Japanese Koryu, which I had been training for about 10 years at that point. I was already a black belt in that style and had a lot of people who wanted me to get a promotion for a teacher's license, but politics got in the way. Started off at one session of BJJ a week and slowly worked up from there.
Anyway, at a party I threw, my wife noticed that almost all my guests were from BJJ. Afterwards she asked if I was giving up the Japanese Koryu and shifting completely to BJJ. I answered, "It's just nice being in an environment where my abilities count instead of political crap." She just looked at me perplexed and asked, why would you want to be in a group where that wasn't the case?"
I didn't have a good answer then and I still don't now. Haven't been to the Japanese Koryu since.
Anyway, at a party I threw, my wife noticed that almost all my guests were from BJJ. Afterwards she asked if I was giving up the Japanese Koryu and shifting completely to BJJ. I answered, "It's just nice being in an environment where my abilities count instead of political crap." She just looked at me perplexed and asked, why would you want to be in a group where that wasn't the case?"
I didn't have a good answer then and I still don't now. Haven't been to the Japanese Koryu since.
ARBlack beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
I don't know if I've decided that or not. I go because I don't really have anything else to do away from my wife. I like it, but I'm no good. lol. I try though. Even after 16 years, I still go to the beginners classes. I've actually never skipped class and attended the open mat only. It's often the opposite. practice doing arm bars, then go home. :) I like going to the Globetrotters camp just because that's pretty much all the socializing I do. In fact, I speak to more Globetrotters then I do to members of my academy. lol
OHBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
in the 2000's i was doing kickboxing and wanted to "free-fight" after watching that VHS tape with this brazilian light guy Gracie beating BIG ken shamrock...and others
i found a way to learn some basics and arm-bared guys in the ring (shooto europe)... i was hooked!
i found a way to learn some basics and arm-bared guys in the ring (shooto europe)... i was hooked!
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
The moment I saw Genki Sudo Westside Tournament highlight.
DBlack beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
UFC 1, watching Royce go through them all without getting any real damage. My fellow Aikido buddy and I got the Gracie basics tape off ebay, an ungodly amount for bootlegs, but in retrospect, worth it.
We started training after Aikido class and soon others started to join us. Eventually our head sensei found out and put a stop to it. Went looking for a proper school after that, and found a purple belt that had just opened his school. It was me and 5 other guys, only catch was that they were mma fighters. Good times and a serious reality check after years of Aikido lol.
We started training after Aikido class and soon others started to join us. Eventually our head sensei found out and put a stop to it. Went looking for a proper school after that, and found a purple belt that had just opened his school. It was me and 5 other guys, only catch was that they were mma fighters. Good times and a serious reality check after years of Aikido lol.
RBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
The moment I saw Genki Sudo Westside Tournament highlight.
That was an amazing thing for sure. I can still picture the highlight reel.
I don't remember what led me to start training in jiu-jitsu, but I didn't really commit myself to it until I lost my first MMA fight. I thought I had good striking skills and though I did train in jiu-jitsu, it wasn't my strong suit and I felt it didn't come naturally at all. My opponent ended up having a much better striking pedigree than me, and because I didn't have confidence in my ground game I ended up standing and trading until I got TKOed. After I got past the devastation of defeat, I hesitantly went back to the gym I trained at and dove into jiu-jitsu. It didn't become a lifetime venture until I attained purple belt. From that day forward, it became a priority for me and has only continued to grow and develop as a way of life for me ever since. It took me fifteen years to attain a black belt, and just like the cliche states - it is only a new beginning.
I don't remember what led me to start training in jiu-jitsu, but I didn't really commit myself to it until I lost my first MMA fight. I thought I had good striking skills and though I did train in jiu-jitsu, it wasn't my strong suit and I felt it didn't come naturally at all. My opponent ended up having a much better striking pedigree than me, and because I didn't have confidence in my ground game I ended up standing and trading until I got TKOed. After I got past the devastation of defeat, I hesitantly went back to the gym I trained at and dove into jiu-jitsu. It didn't become a lifetime venture until I attained purple belt. From that day forward, it became a priority for me and has only continued to grow and develop as a way of life for me ever since. It took me fifteen years to attain a black belt, and just like the cliche states - it is only a new beginning.
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
The moment I saw Genki Sudo Westside Tournament highlight.
Just to clarify - before that highlight I understood BJJ is needed for complete skills. I was interested in sport and MMA.
But this was THE video after which I thought that "F* YEAH, this (grappling) is COOL as an ART/SPORT in itself as well."
But this was THE video after which I thought that "F* YEAH, this (grappling) is COOL as an ART/SPORT in itself as well."
JPBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
When I realized I sucked at most ball sports but I was good at fighting. Lol. I started martial arts when I was 4. When I knew Jiu-Jitsu was for me was when I watched UFC 1 in 93. I was 15!
JPBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
When I realized I sucked at most ball sports but I was good at fighting. Lol. I started martial arts when I was 4. When I knew Jiu-Jitsu was for me was when I watched UFC 1 in 93. I was 15!
SBBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
The moment I saw Genki Sudo Westside Tournament highlight.
I was there! I don't think I knew who Genki was at the time. I saw him at BHJJC from time to time, but he killed it that day. My most vivid memory of that tournament was Chris Brennan eating a sandwich on the mat while reffing dropping food on the mat here and there. It might have been one of the moments where I questioned whether or not this was for me :-)
AFBlack beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
I love all these. Sorry took so long to respond. This is my last week of advance training, and I’ve been studying like crazy. But I always want to honor when someone shares a story. So to everyone thank you.
MGPurple beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
I’m still waiting for my moment.
AFBlack beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
I’m still waiting for my moment.
I hope that it happens soon. And when it does I hope it’s spectacular.
![Slideyfoot [jun]](userimg/5e25cf311adfd.jpg){kind=small}
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
I'll let you know when it happens. Still on the fence. ;)
JABlack beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
For me personally, I have been in martial arts for about 18 years (18 in Kenpo karate, 12 in Judo and about 8 for BJJ) and I knew martial arts was for me as I started to get addicted to self-betterment and to learn to protect myself (I was bullied as a kid).
For me in grappling that moment was when I started going against people that were dominant fighters standing but once to the ground I could control them and all the "lethal strikes, groin punches, and eye gouges" weren't going to help them get out. That's when I realized getting competent in all phases of fighting was important and necessary.
In jiu-jitsu specifically when I could teach the kids and see a kid who was super shy, and nervous and not confident grow and learn how to protect themselves and then try new things like competition, makes me proud but also was that aha moment that for Jiu-Jitsu my reason wasn't to ever be "world class" or win tons of comps, but to help teach others to be better then they were yesterday, and to give kids tools to grow and be the best they can be. That's why I do and train BJJ.
For me in grappling that moment was when I started going against people that were dominant fighters standing but once to the ground I could control them and all the "lethal strikes, groin punches, and eye gouges" weren't going to help them get out. That's when I realized getting competent in all phases of fighting was important and necessary.
In jiu-jitsu specifically when I could teach the kids and see a kid who was super shy, and nervous and not confident grow and learn how to protect themselves and then try new things like competition, makes me proud but also was that aha moment that for Jiu-Jitsu my reason wasn't to ever be "world class" or win tons of comps, but to help teach others to be better then they were yesterday, and to give kids tools to grow and be the best they can be. That's why I do and train BJJ.
JJBlack beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
Never had a moment.
Just thought it was more fun than striking because you could go full speed.
Just thought it was more fun than striking because you could go full speed.
BWBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
Less of a moment and more a slow realisation over time.
I'm still learning jiujitsu because of the ongoing puzzle it presents. Always something new to learn or a new way to view things I thought I already knew. It's fun and challenging and endlessly engaging for me :)
I'm still learning jiujitsu because of the ongoing puzzle it presents. Always something new to learn or a new way to view things I thought I already knew. It's fun and challenging and endlessly engaging for me :)
ESBrown beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
When I knew it was for me? Pretty much right after my first class
When I realised the positive impact it was gonna have? Still learning but I take time to look at the change in myself from it both physically and mentally and it really has been an amazing journey so far
When I realised the positive impact it was gonna have? Still learning but I take time to look at the change in myself from it both physically and mentally and it really has been an amazing journey so far
JCBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
I had been training TKD and Hapkido from 13 to 30 and thought I was a badass. I visited a Jiu-Jitsu class and realized I wasn't as much of a badass as I thought. White belts were destroying me. It took a year for me to quit teaching Hapkido and put a white belt on and start Jiu-Jitsu.
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
Someone headlocked me.
ADBrown beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
Watching UFC 2 on a VHS tape. I was a wrestler and thought I could do that if I learned to finish people with chokes, etc. I ended up becoming a Judoka, because that was available to me. I later got into BJJ in the Army. So, now I get to be the 3rd degree in judo with a blue belt in BJJ who loves doing both whenever I can.
DBBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
Somewhere in 2000, Louisville, KY, 'Merica.
Me wearing my japanese jiu-jitsu black belt, having trained martial arts for most of my life judo, karate, capoeira and wing chun.
Then getting absolutely and effortleslly dismantled by then purple belt Kyle Cannon.
Took the black belt off. Put the white belt on.
"WTF just happened? I NEED MOAR!!1"
Me wearing my japanese jiu-jitsu black belt, having trained martial arts for most of my life judo, karate, capoeira and wing chun.
Then getting absolutely and effortleslly dismantled by then purple belt Kyle Cannon.
Took the black belt off. Put the white belt on.
"WTF just happened? I NEED MOAR!!1"
Edited 3 year(s) ago
JZPurple beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
12 years ago, i was a Taekwondo blackbelt for about a year and a blue belt Jiu Jitsu guy came in to teach us a BJJ class. We were not impressed when he walked in of course being just a blue belt amongst us black belts, but as soon as we started we got ragdolled. We were allowed to kick and punch, but we were not able to and everytime he took us down and he tappen us out whenever he wanted to... the next day i took a BJJ class at the academy where he was from and never left...almost 12 years on my way...been teaching kidsclasses for 7 years now and got about 80 youth students to share my passion for Jiu Jitsu with!!! Loved it from the firtst tap! The who teached that class is still a teammember and we still roll together!
THBlack beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
I was out with the instructor and a few others after class one evening. I had been training about 3-4 months and thought, as I’m sure most do, about quitting constantly. I’m a bigger guy but not the biggest guy in the gym so I regularly got the biggest heaviest pressure guys. For some reason that night the instructor turned to me and said “I knew pretty quick that you were never gonna stop”. I was taken aback. I didn’t know that about myself but somehow he did. After I took some time to think about I decided, he’s right I want this to be a part of my life forever! Still going! 8 1/2 years later.
EJBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
As a kid, I was always into karate. In 1994, Royce Gracie wrecked UFC 4. I didn't really understand it until UFC 5 the next year. That's when I knew that I had to learn this mysterious new way of fighting or I'd spend my whole life wishing I had.
ALBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
Mercilessly kimuraed and guillotined by my brother who was training under this guy name Carly Gracie in SF.
JBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
3 year(s) ago
As a kid, I was always into karate. In 1994, Royce Gracie wrecked UFC 4. I didn't really understand it until UFC 5 the next year. That's when I knew that I had to learn this mysterious new way of fighting or I'd spend my whole life wishing I had.
The moment I knew Jiu-Jitsu was for me was when Erick Jordan demolished me in sparring in the Furman University Jiu-Jitsu Club back in the late 90s. He was the first person to awaken me to the realities of grappling. Thanks Erick!
JSPurple beltVerified
3 year(s) ago
Probably in my third class when I was allowed to roll for the first time and was completely smothered. To this day I'm the happiest when people simply wreck me with pressure, which is getting harder since I'm usually the largest person on the mat and it doesn't feel the same when I know how, and am able, to counter my mates.
