You know what the most egregious error that people make when they advocate for others to train Jiu-Jitsu? They forget that first and foremost it should be fun. 

Whether someone is talking about doing jiujitsu because it can be crucial for self-preservation (which it is), or that it is all about competing and testing yourself against others in tournaments (which is really cool, and I have been doing that for multiple decades), there tends to be often a condescending attitude that if you are not willing to do either of the above (or both), then you are not serious about self-defense or about being more than a couch potato. 

It is similar to far too many online commentators and self-proclaimed experts in the gun community who take anyone to task who is not at the range numerous times each month, is not not competing in IDPA, USPSA, or Steel Challenge matches, is not dry firing every day, and is not taking weekend courses from famous instructors throughout the year. Or god forbid, you don’t put a red dot optic on your pistol. Don’t even get one of these experts fired up about that! 

We can debate what is needed to be truly prepared to defend your life against violence. There is much room for adjustment, nuance, and continued improvement to maximize those goals, and there undoubtably are folks out there who can pursue that even if they don’t enjoy it. But for the vast majority of people – all of whom have the right to defend themselves as they see fit – it becomes extremely difficult to do any of the above if they are miserable about doing it. 

For years, before I snapped my hamstring, my main cardio training was running. I was able to force myself to do it, but I hated it. It was boring (to me), and took much discipline to keep to my multiple sessions a week. I did it because a) I needed to continually improve my cardio to combat my severe asthma, and b) I needed the cardio to be able to function at a high level in jiu-jitsu and jiu-jitsu competitions. So I generally was able to push myself. However, if life got in the way of training, running was one of the first things that would suffer. My combatives practice would not, neither would my shooting and dry firing, and my weight training usually was a constant. So if something had to go, running was the choice. To be fair, I usually got good cardio no matter what with 4-6 BJJ sessions a week, so missing some running was not a great loss. 

I believe in the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu. I don’t think any other physical pursuit gives you the bang for the buck that BJJ does, so I want to make sure the emphasis I bring to any talk about it, and or any time I post something to encourage someone to train Jiu-Jitsu, is that above all else, it is incredibly fun. Certainly it can be challenging, but that to is part of the fun. Knowing that you have legitimately overcome some challenge gives you a feeling of self-satisfaction and pride that is crystal clear. 

If you have never practiced Jiu-Jitsu because you hav been intimidated, just find the right academy and the right instructor, and know you don’t have to be an elite level athlete, or some super tough guy to get all the benefits. You will have fun, make yourself more capable, and maybe even make some good friendships that stand the test of time. 

If anyone is unsure of how to find a good academy, don’t hesitate to reach out and I will try my best to help. I have been doing that for 20 years and have a pretty good track record by now. 

Step on the mat, and go with the idea that the ride will be fun!