Twelve months on: What I've learned

It has been about a year now since I started this blog, so I thought it'd be appropriate to take stock of the year gone by. As you know, the start of this blog coincided with my return to learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after a two-year hiatus. Mind you, I did not possess much skills then before I stopped, as I have only started going for around a month or so, so whatever I learned before did not really stick after two years of changing nappies and feeding puréed food.


 I have learned (and continue to learn) techniques that looked easy until I tried doing it.


 I have learned that having injuries is annoying and has initially put a huge dent on my ability to train but I have since learned to work around them. From May to December, I actually had more days injured than days I actually came to class. Funnily enough, I get less injured now than when I first started. Maybe it has something to do with being more aware of which positions to avoid being subjected to (knee rides can cause fractured ribs FACT!)


 I have also learned to relax if I find myself at the bottom or getting submitted (which is frequent) and concentrate on my breathing and to try to find a way out(which is less frequent). I'm sure that any low level BJJ player had this thought at some point in their training - "Now, how did that guy in the YouTube video do it again?"


 I have learned that there is no replacement for drilling techniques and positions. Attending beginners classes is worth its weight in gold.


 I have learned that properly applied techniques beats strength anytime but with equally skilled players, the strong or bigger one wins. I have been on both sides of the coin, fortunately or unfortunately.


 The things I have learned in the past twelve months will help shape the way I approach the challenges in front of me and are undoubtedly important in developing my game, but equally important, as well, besides learning the art of BJJ, going back to training afforded me with the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share the same passion with me, and a host of other interests, as well - blogging, films, music, drawing, comic books, gi-shopping(lol), etc. This is where training partners became friends. These are friends I will always grateful of, for accompanying me in my journey in learning and appreciating this gentle art we call Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.


 Oss.