Jiu-Jitsu is like life. Sometimes everything is clicking and your game is on. Then there are other times when all you're doing is getting your butt kicked. The good news is nothing is forever. Change is inevitable for all of us. You just have to keep moving forward no matter how hard it gets and know that it will all work out. I've learned a lot over the past six months, but ultimately, I've realized how little I really know about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a never ending process and it all starts with the most important step, choosing where to train and what team to represent.
When I started Jiu-Jitsu, I didn't research or train at any other academies before starting out. If not for the encouragement of my instructor and long time friend, Phil Cardella, I wouldn’t have begun in the first place. I have no regrets. I would not be who and where I am if not for where I’ve been. I wouldn't have met all the amazing people, learned and achieved my goals either. I was so fortunate to be a part of something unique and amazing at the right time and place. Before I separated from my old academy, I'd never even trained at the other academies in Austin. Then over the past six months, I trained at six different academies. Each was special in its own way. I felt welcomed and comfortable everywhere I went. I got to know old friends even better and met new ones. I learned, grew and was inspired.
There were several factors that led to my decision to join Gracie Humaitá, Austin. The compatibility of teaching and learning styles was the most important factor. Already having an established relationship with teammates/training partners and instructor was a bonus. It was also important to me that I be a part of an academy, team and under an instructor I respect and would be proud to represent. I felt right being on those mats with my new/old teammates and instructor. But still I was nervous and excited my first day of class. The energy was high and everyone was happy to be together again. This is the beginning of a new era for all of us and we all know we are a part of something great in the making. Being around familiar faces and training with all of my favorite training partners is like being among family. I'm humming again when I roll and train. It's a weird habit I have when I'm happy on the mats, I hum. I'm thinking about Jiu-Jitsu outside of class-replaying technique like a broken record in my head. I'm hungry to learn and train. At Gracie Humaitá Austin I know I'm in good hands and will continue to grow and learn. I just hope that I represent this team well. I am so honored and blessed. Everything has worked out better than I ever imagined.
However, I'm not in Kansas anymore. The system and structure are completely different from what I’ve known. It's as though I transferred from public school to a elite prep school. No colored Gis (white or blue). No stripes, just belts. I couldn't help but feel sad saying good bye to the two stripes I fought so long to keep attached, but it’s time to let go of past systems and embrace new ones. I could not ask for a better instructor. Donald Park is not only fountain of wisdom but extremely supportive, attentive and caring instructor and person. The training at Gracie Humaitá Austin is top notch and there are amazing resources at your fingertips. I feel like I am studying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in an entirely new way that makes sense. It's also clicking for me mentally, which is always a good sign.
There were several factors that led to my decision to join Gracie Humaitá, Austin. The compatibility of teaching and learning styles was the most important factor. Already having an established relationship with teammates/training partners and instructor was a bonus. It was also important to me that I be a part of an academy, team and under an instructor I respect and would be proud to represent. I felt right being on those mats with my new/old teammates and instructor. But still I was nervous and excited my first day of class. The energy was high and everyone was happy to be together again. This is the beginning of a new era for all of us and we all know we are a part of something great in the making. Being around familiar faces and training with all of my favorite training partners is like being among family. I'm humming again when I roll and train. It's a weird habit I have when I'm happy on the mats, I hum. I'm thinking about Jiu-Jitsu outside of class-replaying technique like a broken record in my head. I'm hungry to learn and train. At Gracie Humaitá Austin I know I'm in good hands and will continue to grow and learn. I just hope that I represent this team well. I am so honored and blessed. Everything has worked out better than I ever imagined.
Made my way over here for the first time today from Fueled by Fear and I have to say, such great content and amazing photography. Thanks for giving insight through your grappling journey. This is being added to my blogroll, so good.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading and sharing the link! I really appreciate it. Glad I could share this experience with others. :)
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