Yay or Nay?

Over the past few weeks I've frequented a few new jiu-jitsu academies. All of my jiu-jitsu muscles hurt, but it's that good type of pain that gives you a sense of accomplishment.  Like you got a real work out.  Its been a while since they've (jiu-jitsu muscles) been used.  I am glad to know they still work.

 My first and second week back were rough.  I seriously felt like a white belt on the mats.  My timing, coordination and ability to focus were all off.  I had the attention span of a two year old.  I think what's made it harder is that I am learning new technique and style instead of things I am already used to.  Although It was particularly frustrating, I've found amusement in my awkwardness and am working through it.  Thankfully I am getting back into the groove.  I can only hope the worst is over. 

Through my visits at these academies, I am also realizing that there is no best or worst Jiu-Jitsu schools, teams or instructors. It's all about finding what's right for YOU!  We don't all have the same outlook, or learn the same ways, goals or share the same values.  It's important that I find an academy and team that best aligns with my vision and meets my needs.  I feel it's crucial that I choose wisely, because I believe that the ties we have to our schools and teams are a reflection of common qualities and similar outlooks.

That patch on our backs, shirts that we wear and sticker on our car mean something to me. It identifies us as a representative of  a  team, school, and  instructors. That is why it is important to remember that not only does our conduct and demeanor represent who we are, but our actions reflect upon what we choose to represent.  Just as we are an extension of our lineage (team, academy and instructors) , that lineage  is an extension of ourselves and what we believe in.

What most people don't realize right away is that there are underlining politics and rivalries involved in Jiu-Jitsu that go way back. I don't really understand most of it and it's none of my business anyway but I've been around long enough to have heard different perspectives. But is it fair to allow what rumors you've heard dictate where you train?  Aren't you just selling yourself short?  I think so.  My goal as I visit each school is to
enter with an open mind and an unbiased opinion so as to truly gain a worthwhile perspective. I owe it to myself to give all schools and teams a chance before I make a decision.    

I never used to understand why someone would want to leave a school or a team.  I thought people who left their schools were traitors, weak or deserters.  I wondered how loyalty could be so fleeting.  It is funny that no matter how wonderful a relationship might have been at one time, it is the bad that most of us remember.  Loyalty is incredibly important but at the same time I believe that it is also important to look out for ourselves too.  After all this is our personal life experience and ultimately each and everyone of us have the right to choose what is best for ourselves.  Some people get lucky and find the right school on the first try. While others might not find the right school immediately or after they do find it things change.  Once again I am reminded of how hard it can be to look out for our own best interests even when it sometimes it means hurting people you care about the most.  Everyone has their own reasons for leaving and it takes strength to move on. I don't see this as being selfish anymore, but as being a wise investor in our life path.