Injuries and Setbacks

Illness, injuries, and other setbacks are a part of life. There are many benefits to training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - from health, self-defense, strength, mobility, community, and fun, but the risk of injury is real. These injuries can be temporary or permanent. I have been injured already several times where I've had to pay a visit to the orthopedic doctor, and luckily so far, I’ve either walked or limped out with only rehab exercises. Having to step back from training, partially or completely, can be very frustrating, especially once you get the “jiu-jitsu bug” and don’t want to miss the thrill and fellowship of training with your team.

This can be a great lesson though, as it teaches us that we need rest, and we will not always be healthy and strong. Moreover, it helps remind us that we are not always in control. It allows us to reach a place of forgiveness with ourselves and also allow us to have empathy for others who are also struggling in some way. Sometimes stepping back, though hard, is exactly what you need at that time. The body and mind needs rest and if you don’t build in time for recovery, it often times finds a way to force you to rest involuntary through injury and illness.

I have found a slow and steady pace provides the best results. The analogy Jiu-Jitsu is a marathon, not a race, fits well. Of the many students that started training at the same time with me at my academy, only one other student remains. Eventually you will lose and have a set back. Eventually you will need to rest. To understand the balance of pushing hard and rest is critical. And in the end, it is how you face adversity that matters, and how you come back!

God bless!

Psalm 23:1-3 – “The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”