I hit 45 last year. Things change. As much as I wish it were still the case, I don't recover as quickly and am a little slower to get going. However, instead of pining for times gone by, it was time to start figuring out how to make the most of what I have now. My biggest thing - is recovery - and a prime candidate for optimising my recovery (or lack of it) - is inflammation.
As the saying goes, "bodies age, just like fine wine." Unless, of course, you fancy yourself more akin to single-malt whisky. That being said, much like a glass of 2001 Pinot Noir, you may also notice you've developed a wobble. Assuming it's not from an overindulgence of the vino mentioned above, it could all boil down to your inner ear! Ah, that unsung hero, quietly working away at its balance-maintaining duties. However, with age, it's much like we've misplaced the umbrella on a rainy day - a little less reliable, a smidge unpredictable, and frankly, a right bugger when it gets it wrong.
As you embark on your journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), there's more to consider than just the technical aspects. Equally crucial are the often unspoken rules and codes of conduct that shape the social fabric of this martial art. In this guide, we'll expose you to the common – yet often unvoiced – rules and ethics within BJJ. These guidelines revolve around respect, sportsmanship, and personal hygiene, nurturing a training environment where learning, development, and camaraderie can flourish. Get ready to engage not just with the sport, but with its vibrant culture too.
I train, I bruise. Since I started Jiu Jitsu, I have regularly been getting home to find small marks on my arms and legs. Bruises have become a regular feature in my life. The come, they go, but what is the mechanism behind them? A bruise, or a contusion if you want to get fancy, is a mark on your skin caused by blood trapped under the surface. It happens when an injury crushes small blood vessels but doesn't break the skin. Those vessels break open and leak blood under the skin. Sounds gruesome.
Life, is like trying to untangle a pile of earphones—filled with twists, turns, and unexpected knots. It's a wild ride, just like a game of Jiu Jitsu where you're grappling with challenges and opponents. But fear not, for life is no match for your adaptability. Jiu Jitsu, with its philosophy and fancy moves, equips you to dance around life's curveballs while looking cool as a cucumber. So, gear up and get ready to master the art of untangling life's earphone messes like a true champion!
