Eureka!!!!

Every Grappler has had that moment where your instructor has shown you a technique or explained a concept to you that instantly ripples through your entire knowledge base of techniques. It is slightly different then the times you normally are shown a technique. It is different then when you normally commit something to memory or when you see different ways to add something to your repertoire. You, for some reason can see how that one technique/concept applies to a wide variety of techniques you have been working on or it helps refine ones you have been using for a while.

I call these moments Light Bulb Moments. Walking around in a dark room with a candle can be difficult. Bumping in to things, sort of fumbling your way around until you finally turn the light on and suddenly you have a clear path. These moments don’t always last long, eventually it will get dark again, but you have gained a new outlook. Now you know when it does get dark again, you probably won’t bump into the couch again, and you will remember where that table is next time. Each time it just gets easier and easier to manage those dark times, when things seem foggy, and it’s hard to see a clear path, those light bulb moments help you the most.

A good example is when you finally realize how the core movements of Jiu Jitsu show up with almost every technique you do, every movement, and every escape. You wonder why you didn’t figure that out a year ago, but once you do remember, you never forget.

Those Light Bulb Moments make the journey worth it. And the growth that transpires from those moments is priceless. 

Can I get sprinkles on that?

A buddy and I were chatting about Jiu Jitsu and its evolution. With a new generation getting involved and the originators and the purist that are still around. There seems to be a conflict between what is acceptable BJJ and what is not.

We are all aware there are a ton of guards out there, often, to many to even count. Just like Donuts, a little flavor here, a few sprinkles there, you can turn a regular guard into anything you want, and call it what ever you want. From the super creativity of Eddie Bravo and the 10th planet system, to Mad Magazine style (insert word here) Guards. From Quarter Guard, Half Guard, ¾ Guard, Full Guard, DLR guard, Open Guard, Spider Guard, Butter Fly Guard, Hooks Guard, X-Guard etc, etc. Everyone has their own flare they like to put on their game.

I come from an academy that focuses almost solely on Self Defense. So what ever we do in the Guard, or any other position for that matter, priority one is, “Respect the Punch”. And also, you need to be aware that most people don’t fight fair. So be aware of secondary attackers. But I can’t lie; it is fun to fool around during open mat with all the various guards. I love the DLR guard myself, not for any reason other then when I first started and didn’t know anything, this is a position I often found my self in. I didn’t learn it was an actual guard till much much later. Go Figure?!?!


Unlike traditional Martial Arts and other Sports, creativity is a wonderful thing in BJJ. Look at Braulio Estima with his reverse Triangle victories at ADCC this past weekend. I mean, it may not be new, but not a whole lot of people are pulling that off on the main stage these days.


So I encourage everyone to experiment from time to time. Always being aware of your surroundings, and recognizing what is sport and what is self-defense.

Genesis

Jiu Jitsu is a fundamental part of who I am and will soon become. It is the foundation for my improvement as a person, as a father, as a friend, and partner. 


I do not subscribe that the only way to personal improvement is through the path I have taken. There are many paths and this is just one. 


But there are few things that can ignite a passion as the art of Jiu Jitsu. A passion so deep that although there is repeated trying and failing day after day, you wake up the next day only to try again. 


The thought of quitting is worse than death. 


Forcing your mind and body to breakthrough the restrictions set upon you by society or ignorance. Few things can take your health, fitness, and diet to new levels as well as give you the tools to defend and protect, provide and progress through life in a more humble, centered and enlightened way. 


Jiu Jitsu makes me and many others a better person. 


For this gift I am thankful.