I love Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I love the health benefits, physical and mental challenges, and the relational connections that are made on the mats and in the gym. Through jiu-jitsu, I have learned how to manage my ego, work around my physical limitations, and push myself beyond my mental limits. I have participated in several competitions. I have had seasons of training 6 days a week. However, I am not motivated by a desire to fight professionally, semi-professionally, or as an amateur.
I have no desire to chase medals, compete in tournaments, or dedicate 7 days a week to training. For me, Jiu-jitsu is a healthy hobby. For some in the jiu-jitsu world, my worldview is blasphemy.
I don’t care.
If you want to put in the work to compete with the best that is GREAT and I’ll support you in any way that I can. However, I believe in jiu-jitsu for everyone. This includes most BJJ practitioners who will NEVER compete at the highest levels. They will NEVER train more than 2–3 times a week. And you know what…that’s perfectly fine. There is so much more to BJJ than gold medals and tournaments.
Would a black belt be awesome? Sure. However, at this point in my life, I’m called to be a “black belt” in leading my family, teaching, and serving. Thus, I train for myself and for those I get to teach, not someone else’s preconceived notions of what a BJJ practitioner should be.
What does this have to do with life and leadership?
Bottom line: Don’t let others control your motivations. Whatever you do in life, fight YOUR fight.
