Insights I’ve Gained Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Since martial arts interest is, in my life, associated somehow with higher than average stress levels, I found some additional benefit from martial arts by treating the interest as a hint from my subconscious to do the following _outside of_ martial arts:

- Attack problems in clever ways

- Learn to grapple with things; don't give up!

- Explore and exploit the biggest leverage points

- Try to "level up" over time--rate my belt level in various areas

- Stick up for myself

- Explore the idea of life-mastery

- Invent one's own routines, styles (non-martial arts), etc.

One of the biggest problems I've encountered in doing this is that once you learn to overcome one kind of problem, you only seem to come across harder problems; the previous problems aren't as problematic anymore. For example, someone who learns to be more socially adept might suddenly find themselves absolutely bowled over when they realize how much gossip, scheming, and sabotage really happen in the world. At each one of these maturation levels, it's been important to find ways to temper my viewpoint so that the problem itself doesn't overwhelm before I can start to grapple with it.

1. Learning jiujitsu has made me more confident in failing things more often and learning as a result.

2. I've learned to minimize / maximize the use of my time, for things that matter to me most.

Its often said one of the best ways to sharpen the mind is to learn a hobby unrelated to what you've done previously. I've also learned & drawn the following analogies from Jiu Jitsu

- Jiu jitsu is like playing competitive chess. Every move, every position you make in jiu jitsu is like strategically placing your units on a chessboard. You are the chessboard. Sometimes you make sacrifices (e.g. chess pawns, disadvantage in a specific position in jiu jitsu) in order to leverage results (e.g. get someone in an armbar). Like competitive chess you only get so much amount of time to make decisions, and you are penalized for not acting swiftly.

- Jiu jitsu is like programming. You learn the foundations (e.g. computer science or in this case, or how to stabilize your center of mass). Then you learn basic positions (e.g. learning about the basics of a programming language, for loops, etc). Then you submission techniques (e.g. putting a program all together). Then you fine tune into advanced mastery by learning patterns of getting into dominant positions quickly (e.g. you learn about design patterns, and knowing the pitfalls of algorithms to solutions).

Like anything, practice makes perfect. I'm a naturally big fan of automating things, so jiu jitsu for me is a lot of fun. Trying to figure out the least amount of effort to leverage the most amount of work is something I admire in any top-level practioners, regardless if we're talking about programming or jiu jitsu.

Jiu jitsu has also taught me that just because you are the bigger person in an advantageous position, that doesn't mean you'll come out the victor. I've had people about half my weight put me in submission. In life, you can draw the same analogy here that being more educated (advantageous jiu jitsu position) or financially well off (weight class) doesn't make you necessarily happier (victor)

Coincidentally I got my first IBJJF medal (3rd place) in a tournament this past weekend. Achievement unlocked. https://www.instagram.com/p/BisnjNlHWSC/?taken-by=mrdazm

There's just something about a sport with constant co-ed physical contact that lends itself to a very relaxed and comfortable attitude.

1. When learning, don't try to win. Fail. Fail lots.

2. BJJ works well because it's highly modular and composable. It allows you to chain things together in many interesting ways. But the core is to learn the basics well.

3. There are lots of fancy moves that are fun to play with. But when it comes to a fight and winning, core, well executed, at speed technique with the odd out of the box surprise move does the job.

4. Asking lots of questions quickly enhances your understanding. The more details you pay attention to for even the most simple thing, the better you get.

5. Everything is practiced until it comes naturally.

6. Test everything you learn in many different scenarios to develop robustness

and... more :)

I used to pack a Gi whenever I had work travel and it was a great way to connect locally.