Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu
Questions and Answers
- Question
- Why isn't everyone who tries Brazilian jiu-jitsu as wildly enthusiastic about it as I am?
- Answer
- I don't know anyone as wildly enthusiastic about jiu-jitsu as you are!
- Question
- So why do you like wriggling on the floor and trying to choke people while other people seem to lose their enthusiasm?
- Answer
- I just like the full-on, 100% force, 100% energy attempt to get someone to submit!
- Question
- But is that all? That sounds exhausting! No wonder people stop doing it!
- Answer
- To succeed, you need to relax while someone is trying to choke you or armbar you. That seems odd, but it's true. You need to relax to be able to recognise what they are doing and to respond to it in a way that defeats what they are doing. It's a lot like life; when the unexpected downfall happens: your boss does something unfair, or life throws you an unexpected obstacle; what should you do? Will your response be best when you tense up and rage? Or will you deal with it better if you relax and analyse the situation and respond in an appropriate way?
- Question
- Do you mean that trying to choke someone is the most relaxing part of your day?
- Answer
- Yes.
- Question
- But they all get you to submit! You've never even got someone into an armbar! Why do you, so close to retirement age with your white hair and all, still want to do that?
- Answer
- I just imagine that I will be able to do it in the end. There is clearly a lot of skill required here. I'm the most persistent person I know, except my best friend, who rode his bicycle around Australia to get familiar with his new country. I know I can persist till I learn some of the skills.
- Question
- Is that all? So you have to ride to Kabul on a bicycle before you're persistent enough to do BJJ?
- Answer
- No, there is something more. It is really good fun using full force and speed in a fight without hurting or maiming anyone, but where the opponent submits. Giving in is a pretty clear admission of victory to your opponent.
- Question
- Can you tell me more?
- Answer
- Later.