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!
This was it. I decided to go to my first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class. I had read up a bit about what BJJ was generally about, done some research online about local schools, got in contact, asked a couple of basic questions (i.e. do I turn up? What do I wear, etc.) managed to be late for my first attempt (I didn't even go in) and found myself sitting in my car outside the gym, about to head in. And I wasn't sure if I could do it.
