The Source of Mental Toughness

It’s been a while since I started Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ), and I can confidently say that I’m more familiar with the mat than the people around me. It’s the kind of art that humbles you, over and over again.

About Brazilian Jujitsu

From its origins, BJJ is more than just a martial art. It’s a discipline that teaches resilience, strategy, and humility. For me, it’s also been the key to sticking with a fitness routine, something I’ve struggled with for years.

There’s something about the adrenaline rush during sparring—the need to stay on your toes, to constantly think ahead about what your opponent might do next—that is deeply engaging. After a couple of months, I’m still learning the basics, still facing constant defeat, but it’s addictive. The community is supportive, and my coach’s passion for the art is contagious.

We all need some form of discipline in our lives. For me, BJJ has become my habit—and I love it.

A Few Lessons I’ve Learned:

• The more you fail, the more you learn. It may not sound like much, but every time I find myself flat on the mat, I learn something new. I figure out what to do next, try again, and if that doesn’t work, I improvise. Every fall is a step forward.
• It’s all about the techniques. Whether you’re big or small, your technique is your best friend. Sure, size helps, but it’s not the deciding factor. Precision and control are everything.
• You don’t always see it coming. There have been so many times I’ve been caught off guard—whether it’s getting thrown down or picking up a new bruise. There’s always something unexpected waiting. Over time, I’ll learn to anticipate better, but for now, it’s about being okay with the unpredictability.
• No one learns by being a master, but by being a student. After many defeats, I’ve realized I’m not here to master BJJ; I’m here to learn, one step at a time. And that’s okay. Most of our growth comes from embracing our failures.
• When you’re happy, your surroundings are happy. BJJ has become my way to release the stress and pressure that builds up from work. While I’m training, it’s just me and my inner self, facing the challenges head-on. By the time I get home, I feel refreshed, motivated, and ready to engage with life again.

If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my experience. The main takeaway?

Find a habit that challenges you, one that lets you see yourself in a new light. It’s about discovering how you handle situations, what you can learn from them, and the beauty of trying, failing, and growing.

The Origin of Jiujitsu

Mitsuyo Maeda, one of the Kodokan's top groundwork experts trained by?Tomita Tsunejirō, the first student of judo's founder?Kano Jigoro, was sent overseas to demonstrate and spread his art to the world. He left Japan in 1904 and visited several countries giving "jiu-do" demonstrations and accepting challenges from?wrestlers,?boxers,?savate?fighters, and various other martial artists, and arrived in?Brazil?on 14 November 1914.

Read more on how it was introduced to the Brazil community here