Insights I’ve Gained Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Insights I’ve Gained Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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There's just something about a sport with constant co-ed physical contact that lends itself to a very relaxed and comfortable attitude.

1. Learning jiujitsu has made me more confident in failing things more often and learning as a result.

2. I've learned to minimize / maximize the use of my time, for things that matter to me most.

Its often said one of the best ways to sharpen the mind is to learn a hobby unrelated to what you've done previously. I've also learned & drawn the following analogies from Jiu Jitsu

- Jiu jitsu is like playing competitive chess. Every move, every position you make in jiu jitsu is like strategically placing your units on a chessboard. You are the chessboard. Sometimes you make sacrifices (e.g. chess pawns, disadvantage in a specific position in jiu jitsu) in order to leverage results (e.g. get someone in an armbar). Like competitive chess you only get so much amount of time to make decisions, and you are penalized for not acting swiftly.

- Jiu jitsu is like programming. You learn the foundations (e.g. computer science or in this case, or how to stabilize your center of mass). Then you learn basic positions (e.g. learning about the basics of a programming language, for loops, etc). Then you submission techniques (e.g. putting a program all together). Then you fine tune into advanced mastery by learning patterns of getting into dominant positions quickly (e.g. you learn about design patterns, and knowing the pitfalls of algorithms to solutions).

Like anything, practice makes perfect. I'm a naturally big fan of automating things, so jiu jitsu for me is a lot of fun. Trying to figure out the least amount of effort to leverage the most amount of work is something I admire in any top-level practioners, regardless if we're talking about programming or jiu jitsu.

Jiu jitsu has also taught me that just because you are the bigger person in an advantageous position, that doesn't mean you'll come out the victor. I've had people about half my weight put me in submission. In life, you can draw the same analogy here that being more educated (advantageous jiu jitsu position) or financially well off (weight class) doesn't make you necessarily happier (victor)