I am currently a White Belt at Swamp Fox Jiu Jitsu, and I started Jiu Jitsu with the goal of getting in shape. Here is a short story on how I ended up where I am today.
I was diagnosed with a kidney disease back about 2 years ago and almost died from a pulmonary embolism because of the disease, then I started my downward spiral of self destruction. I was having some serious depression issues, because my condition was not getting any better, my marriage was not the best it could be and physically I felt like nothing was going the way I wanted and my diet and overall health reflected a lot of what I was going through.
I sat in the doctor’s office one day and was told by my doctor there was no more treatment left for him to do. I immediately set up a 2nd opinion with another specialist. The 2nd doctor told me there is nothing more he could do either, but there was some things I could do to improve my situation. I could change my diet, change my habits, and change my lifestyle.
Well, I had already quit smoking; diet was easy to fix, so that left me with an exercise regiment. I am no gym rat, I hated going to the gym and spending hours banging out sets and repetitions. I decided to try jiu jitsu, I figured I had to be in shape to start, but that was the wrong assumption. You join jiu jitsu to get in shape, not wait to get in shape. This was something different, it centered on submissions and self defense and I have always been intrigued by the skill level it takes to master such a martial art.
That was in November of 2010, now fast forward to current date, after training nearly six months in Jiu Jitsu, and starting Cross Fit and changing my diet, I have seen great improvement in my health and my condition. Someone told me to start a blog to chronicle training and journey through Jiu Jitsu, but the only issue I have yet to overcome is my ability to procrastinate.
Jiu Jitsu 360 is about surrounding your life with everything jiu jitsu and how jiu jitsu impacts your everday life. You would be suprised how many students of the sport improve their lives to help them in the sport. Please let me know what each of your thoughts are and let me know any feedback on how BJJ changed your life? Email me at abair1981@gmail.com
Welcome to blogging!
ReplyDeleteI think it is fantastic that you chose something like BJJ to get healthy. It is fun and the commitment is more likely than saying you'll go to the gym a few times a week.
BJJ is awesome for exactly that, it does surround you. I think it keeps your mind sharp because you are constantly learning and being challenged mentally and physically. It is definitely because of BJJ that I (usually) watch what I eat, and do weight training and conditioning. Gearing up for tournaments makes me that much more focused on my health.
Have you competed yet?
Thanks Ashley! Blogging is somewhat new to me and blogging about Bjj will help share my experiences.
ReplyDeleteI will be able to look back and see some progress 1 year from now.
Please feel free to give some feedback!