My Obsession With Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Fighting

“MMA is not a real sport.”

That’s what my dad says.

He likens it to the days of gladiators in the Colosseum. It upsets him that people get hurt. That it’s so brutal. That no one really wins (according to him).

After he says all this, of course, he turns the channel right back to football.

Now, I’m the first to admit that I know nothing about MMA or UFC or any of the rules that go along with them. The only thing I know about MMA is that it allows for different types of mixed martial arts for fighting.

But I’ve always been fascinated with martial arts. All of them. Karate, tae kwon do, krav maga, and in just the last few months, jiu-jitsu.

Real Life Applications of Jiu-Jitsu - Lindsay Glazer
Seriously, I’ve become increasingly fascinated with ju-jitsu as a community. I’m fascinated by the mental control that each athlete in this sport seems to have. And really, I’m fascinated by the real life applications of martial arts. I’m not joking. Stay with me here.

Most sports are about dominating. Jiu-jitsu can be about surrendering, getting away, or finding the dominant position. And sometimes the dominant position is no engagement at all.

There are so many real life applications to jiu-jitsu. (Yeah, now you see where I’m going with this.)

Should I let it go and walk away?

Has this happened before, and if so, what can I do to change how I react to it?

Is this person a bully who needs to be put in their place?

What is the best defense to someone else’s nonsense?

Sometimes it’s fighting back and other times it’s just waiting. A lot of times, jiu-jitsu is about slowing down and being in control of your breathing. You know who the original creators of that are? Fucking ninjas. And I want to be a fucking ninja. Whether I’m fighting off an attacker, sparring with a partner, or just really frustrated in line at Starbucks. (Yes, there will be an entire series about getting frustrated at Starbucks coming soon.)

Lots of people (not just my dad) make fun of MMA and jiu-jitsu, but I think their applications in real life are astonishing.

Another important rule in jiu-jitsu? Breath deeply and don’t waste your breath. And that’s just another way of saying don’t sweat the small stuff and remain in control. Things I struggle with daily. Because there are SO MANY IDIOTS. And yeah, some days that idiot is me.

When I’m frustrated because one more person got in the way of me accomplishing something on my to-do list, rather than punch them in the face (and risk a lifetime of being harassed in jail because of my pretty face), I just breathe deeply and imagine myself doing a chokehold on them… till they pass out.

But I just imagine it, so it’s a win.

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