People are always looking for the next, new health trend. From diets to workout routines, people that are aware of their health and are willing to participate in an active lifestyle to achieve their health goals will try anything that makes sense.
For the most part, anything that achieves an elevated heart rate and causes a person to sweat is an option. For GQ writer, Sam Schube he decided to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. From the sounds of it, he learned right away what many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes have known for a while … There is no workout on Earth like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Now, we all know that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not a fitness trend. For those of us dedicated to the sport, it is a lifestyle. However, it’s nice to see the sport that I love so much get some much deserved attention.
Read what Sam Schube wrote below:
The first time I tried Brazilian jujitsu, the mat itself submitted me: I sloughed off skin from one knee and the tops of both big toes, leaving shiny red patches. I bandaged myself up and took a week off. When I returned, I was promptly thrown to the wolves, as is standard practice at Vitor Shaolin’s BJJ Academy.
In my second week, a bowl-cut kid, 19 at the oldest, proceeded to submit me with a series of spinning, twisting throws and choke holds while I held on for dear life.
Beyond the horrible teen, there were plenty of other challenges: the general frequency with which men and women leaned on my windpipe or manipulated my joints or hyperextended my elbows. And then, hovering in the background, there was my gaping lack of knowledge. When I managed, by luck or by minor athleticism, to gain an advantageous position, I…just didn’t know what to do. And that, really, is the point. BJJ is about submission, in all its forms: finding ways to make your opponent tap out. And “picking up” Brazilian jujitsu is all about submitting.
Why do this for exercise? Running is free, and also no one tries to choke you unconscious. But if you’re like me—in search of a workout that is difficult and a little bit sadistic—BJJ is the ticket. Navy SEALs are known to be fans. So is Anthony Bourdain. After a month of training, I can’t say that I’ve experienced an “aha” moment yet. But I’d like to think I’ve learned something: that there is value in confusion, in being a white belt, in turning beet red as a 140-pound buddy cranks my neck in a guillotine hold. Mastery isn’t cheap, and fluency is hard-earned. Sometimes, I’m realizing, flailing madly is exactly what the body needs.
(Source GQ Magazine)
Andy Gonzalez is a coach at Aces Jiu Jitsu Club. He has earned his BJJ Brown Belt under 2nd Degree Black Belt, Professor Mikal Abdullah. Follow Andy on Twitter at @GoGoGonzilla
Andy lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Amanda and their 3 beautiful children. Andy is also the father of a Marine who is honorably serving in the United States Marine Corps.
