“You could encounter many defeats, however you should not be defeated. In actual fact, it could be essential to encounter the defeats, so you possibly can know who you might be.” ~Maya Angelou
There was a time in my life when every little thing felt heavy, like I used to be consistently carrying round a weight that nobody else might see.
I wasn’t in a disaster, precisely. I used to be functioning, displaying up, doing what wanted to be finished. However inside, I used to be struggling to remain afloat—trapped in my very own head, questioning my value, and uncertain tips on how to transfer ahead.
One night, I walked right into a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class for the primary time. I had no concept what I used to be doing. I didn’t know the foundations, the language, and even tips on how to tie the belt on my gi. However I used to be drawn to it—perhaps as a result of I used to be determined for one thing to tug me out of my psychological spiral. I wanted construction. I wanted problem. I wanted escape.
What I didn’t anticipate was that BJJ would turn into greater than a bodily outlet. It turned a type of remedy. A spot the place I might reconnect with my physique when my thoughts felt like a battlefield.
Discovering Peace within the Strain
On the floor, BJJ appears to be like intense—folks grappling, sweating, combating for management. However beneath, it’s a quiet recreation of survival. You breathe. You alter. You adapt. You retain going.
There have been moments after I could be pinned, fully caught, with somebody twice my dimension on high of me. I’d panic. My breath would quicken; my ideas would race. However then I’d hear my coach’s voice within the background: “Decelerate. You’re okay. Simply breathe.”
That easy instruction saved me greater than as soon as—not simply on the mat, however in life.
Over time, I began to note one thing: I used to be calmer exterior of coaching. Extra affected person. Extra conscious. Jiu-Jitsu didn’t repair my psychological well being in a single day, but it surely gave me instruments to cope with the times when every little thing felt like an excessive amount of.
Shedding It… and Discovering It Once more
After all, progress isn’t a straight line. After a couple of years of coaching, I acquired injured. Not as soon as—a number of occasions. Every damage compelled me to cease, relaxation, and reckon with the worry that perhaps I wouldn’t return.
With out Jiu-Jitsu, I felt misplaced once more. That acquainted darkness crept again in, and I noticed how a lot I had come to depend on the follow to remain grounded. However finally, I returned. Slower, extra cautious, however extra appreciative than ever.
I noticed it wasn’t about being the most effective or incomes stripes. It was about displaying up—for myself.
What I’ve Realized
I used to suppose therapeutic meant eliminating ache. Now I perceive it’s extra about studying to dwell with it—and studying tips on how to transfer with it, not in opposition to it.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught me resilience, sure. However extra importantly, it taught me presence. You may’t be caught in your head when somebody’s making an attempt to choke you out. It’s important to be right here, now.
That follow of presence modified how I approached every little thing else—relationships, work, relaxation. It helped me turn into somebody who doesn’t hand over so simply, even when issues get onerous.
Why I’m Sharing This
Perhaps you’re not into martial arts. Perhaps you’ve by no means set foot in a health club. That’s okay. This isn’t about Jiu-Jitsu—it’s about discovering the factor that brings you again to your self. That reminds you of your energy whenever you’ve forgotten it.
It might be yoga, operating, portray, journaling, climbing, music. It might be remedy. It doesn’t matter what it’s, so long as it helps you come residence to your self.
When you’re going by one thing proper now, I would like you to know: You’re not weak for struggling. You’re not damaged. And also you’re not alone.
Discover your mat—no matter that appears like for you. And whenever you do, hold displaying up. You is perhaps shocked at how sturdy you already are.
About Robert Grover
Robert is a lifelong martial arts pupil and the founding father of Divine Jiu Jitsu, a small mission-driven model that helps psychological well being by neighborhood and attire. He trains BJJ in Scotland and believes within the energy of presence, strain, and displaying up when it’s onerous. Discover him on Instagram @Divine_jiujitsu or at divinejiujitsu.com.