Where Would I Be...?

I remember my 1st class like it was yesterday. I went into class, 240 pounds of ass and guts, stinking like Newports after eating a box of cookies, thinking I was hot stuff. Guess what? I got my ass handed to me by a girl. It was shameful. I couldn't even have pride...I was too tired for pride. I just wanted out of there.

Good thing I've never been much of a quitter otherwise I would have handed my gi in that day and said, "Screw you guys" (in my best Eric Cartman voice). Something else came to me as I was getting my butt kicked all over the mat. I realized if I didn't change, I would be dead, or a stroke victim, or a heart attack victim...you get what I'm saying. Furthermore, I realized quick that this ass whoopin' I was being handed was less about health and wellness and more about who I am psychologically, emotionally and more important, spiritually.

In one 8 minute sparring session I made one of the best decisions of my life...to come back tomorrow, take my lumps and like it. Tomorrow turned into 5 years. I am hoping 5 years turns into 10 and so on and so forth. The lumps lessen with time and like grows into love.

I originally set out in this post to write about how BJJ opened me up to other avenues to express life through movement but it seems like I'm on some other shit today. I may get to that another day.

Today I urge any newcomers to BJJ to make the decision to show up tomorrow, take your lumps and like it. It will eventually turn into love, passion, dedication, committment. It will enrich all your relationships. It will help you focus. It will keep you grounded. You will make friends all around the world without even knowing them. I'm not going to speak for everyone but that's powerful to me.

So where would I be...?

I'm not really sure but I'm loving where I am these days.