What BJJ Can Offer You in Real Life
Applying BJJ to real life situations
Here’s the best things BJJ has helped me with in my day-to-day life.
Realizing White Belts Exist Everywhere
We all know what it’s like to be a white belt. That newbie feeling. You feel awkward, you don’t know anything, you don’t want to do/say something stupid. You need guidance.
It’s a feeling I have had when I am training for a new job or learning a new skill. With my BJJ training I remind myself “I’m a white belt at this” and I don’t expect to be good at it right away. Whether it’s learning how to cook or putting together something from IKEA, give yourself some grace.
Keeping Calm Under Pressure
You are training a simulated fight. Fights are unpredictable chaos. If you can remain calm in the chaos you will have an advantage over those who do not. Learning how to slow things down and handle stress is one of the best things you can takeaway from BJJ training. When I am rolling in BJJ sometimes I feel like my opponent is using way more energy than I am. I try and chill before I make my move. Energy efficiency.
You see calm under pressure in a lot of first responders. Paramedics, cops, firefighters. They are mostly very cool under pressure when most people are freaking out. I see this in my life in things like parenting. When my kids are having a tantrum, it doesn’t help the situation if I am freaking out too. It’s much better to remain calm and show them it’s alright.
You face a lot of high-pressure situations in life. Job interviews, job losses, financial challenges, deaths, births, illnesses. If you can remain calm, you will make better decisions.
A Great Network
One great thing about BJJ is that it brings people together from many different walks of life. If you train BJJ you likely know tradespeople that can fix your home, lawyers or doctors that can help you out. Local business owners who you can support and trust.
I met my wife through one of my training partners. I have found jobs and apartments through my BJJ friends. You need to lean into your network to get things done.
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