In recent years, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has transcended its niche origins to become a global phenomenon, captivating people from all walks of life. While competitive athletes continue to inspire with their remarkable performances, a new wave of influential figures has emerged, playing a pivotal role in introducing more enthusiasts to the gentle art. In this blog, we shine a spotlight on nine individuals who, through their blogging, celebrity status, or online presence, are driving new students to explore the world of Jiu Jitsu in 2023. In no particular order, I give you the list.
Joe Rogan (@joerogan) - Rank: Black Belt
Renowned comedian, podcast host, and BJJ black belt, Joe Rogan's love for Jiu Jitsu is no secret. Through his popular podcast, he has engaged millions of listeners in discussions about the art's physical and mental benefits, sparking a curiosity among many to step onto the mats. Jiu Jitsu schools around the world are in debt to this man for his influence on our sport.
Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) - Rank: Black Belt
AI researcher, educator, and BJJ practitioner, Lex Fridman, has built a substantial online following through his insightful conversations and interviews. His discussions about Jiu Jitsu's influence on personal growth and resilience have intrigued countless individuals seeking a holistic approach to self-improvement.
Tom Hardy (@tomhardy) - Rank: Purple Belt
A-list actor Tom Hardy's commitment to Jiu Jitsu has garnered attention, serving as a source of inspiration for fans worldwide. Hardy's journey in the art showcases its transformative power and appeals to those looking to challenge themselves physically and mentally.
Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) - Rank: Blue Belt
The co-founder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, has openly shared his passion for Jiu Jitsu even posting about his gold and silver medals at a local tournament. His public involvement in the sport sheds light on its universal appeal, drawing curious minds from diverse backgrounds. Even robots love Jiu Jitsu!
Mario Lopez (@mariolopez) - Rank: Purple Belt
Actor, TV host, and fitness enthusiast Mario Lopez's engagement in BJJ has introduced his massive fan base to the art's physical demands and mental rewards. His posts and discussions have undoubtedly piqued the interest of those seeking a dynamic and challenging fitness regimen. We have even seen pictures of Mario training with former Saved By The Bell cast member Mark-Paul Gosselaar (@mpgosselaar).
Jocko Willink (@jockowillink) - Rank: Black Belt
Renowned for his leadership and motivational content, former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink's frequent discussions about Jiu Jitsu have sparked curiosity among his followers. His emphasis on discipline and mental fortitude resonates with individuals seeking personal growth. We know anyone interested in that type of growth will love Jiu Jitsu.
Keanu Reeves (@keanu__reeves) - Rank: White Belt
Actor Keanu Reeves' understated mentions of his Jiu Jitsu practice have intrigued his followers and been touted by his famed instructor Master Jean Jacques Machado. His dedication to discipline, perseverance, and humility has encouraged others to consider Jiu Jitsu as a path to personal growth and self-improvement. His skills can often be seen in action on the big screen with his successful movie franchise John Wick.
Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk) - Rank: Brown Belt
Actor and entrepreneur Ashton Kutcher's occasional mentions of his Jiu Jitsu training but don't let this fool you, he has been doing BJJ since 2012. Born in Iowa Kutcher has a background in wrestling helping him to grasp the art quickly and earn his purple belt in a very quick time frame after just 2 years, then a long gap until 2023 for his brown belt.
Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) - Rank: Purple Belt
Singer and actress Demi Lovato's occasional posts about her Jiu Jitsu training and recent promotion to purple belt. Her messages of empowerment, mental resilience, and self-discovery certainly align with Jiu Jitsu as a transformative journey.
In the dynamic landscape of Jiu Jitsu, these nine influential individuals are not only contributing to the sport's growth but are also igniting curiosity among new students. From podcasts and interviews to social media and art, they're sharing the multifaceted appeal of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, inspiring countless individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth through the gentle art.
]]>Embarking on a journey into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a thrilling decision that can lead to profound personal growth and a lifelong passion. The addiction becomes real and the mat becomes therapy. However, choosing the right Jiu Jitsu school is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. For newcomers to the art of BJJ, finding a school that resonates with their goals, values, and preferences is the first step towards becoming a part of this empowering martial arts community. Let's explore the essential factors to consider when picking the perfect Jiu Jitsu school for you.
Finding the right Jiu Jitsu school is a pivotal step towards embracing the art and discipline of BJJ. Take the time to research and visit different schools, as each one offers a distinct experience. Trust your instincts and select a school where you feel comfortable, motivated, and eager to learn. Remember, the journey of learning Jiu Jitsu is a transformative one, and the right school will play an integral role in shaping your path to success in this incredible martial art.
]]>Chapter 3 of our Nine Lives Spotify playlists we bring you some breezy indie rock selections crafted to complement the intensity and energy of your training. Each track is chosen to create a seamless fusion of rhythm and technique, allowing you to flow effortlessly on the mats. As you engage in those ground battles, the captivating melodies and lively beats will keep your spirits high, helping you conquer every challenge that comes your way.
From the soulful sounds of The Black Keys to the psychedelic melodies of The Flaming Lips, and the catchy tunes of Spoon, we've handpicked songs that resonate with the soul of Jiu Jitsu. The indie rock genre's independent spirit aligns perfectly with the essence of this martial art, encouraging you to explore your own unique style and expression.
For some of our other BJJ focused playlist click here to follow the Nine Lives Spotify account.
]]>Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a dynamic martial art with a lot of close quarters interaction. This requires practitioners to have a clean gi for optimal hygiene. While washing a gi after every training session may seem straightforward, there are specific techniques you can employ to ensure that your gi remains in good condition without experiencing unwanted shrinkage. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to wash your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi effectively, highlighting essential tips to avoid shrinkage.
Before diving into the washing process, it is important to separate your gi from other laundry items. Gis tend to be heavier and can cause friction when mixed with other garments, leading to potential damage. By washing your gi separately, you minimize the risk of any adverse effects during the washing process.
One key aspect of preventing shrinkage is to use the correct water temperature. It is recommended to wash your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi in cold water. Hot water can cause the cotton fibers to shrink, altering the fit and size of your gi. Cold water, on the other hand, helps maintain the integrity of the fabric and reduces the likelihood of shrinkage.
Opting for a gentle detergent is crucial when washing your gi. Harsh detergents contain chemicals that can damage the cotton fibers, leading to shrinkage or premature wear. Look for detergents that are specifically designed for delicate fabrics or consider using mild, eco-friendly options to protect the longevity of your kimono.
When washing your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi, turn it inside out to minimize the contact of the outer fabric with the detergent. This helps preserve the vibrant color and prevents fading.
To prevent shrinkage, it is recommended to air dry your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi. Avoid using a dryer as the high heat can cause the cotton fibers to contract and result in shrinkage. Hang your gi on a clothesline or a hanger, ensuring proper airflow. Nine Lives gis come with a wooden hanger just for this purpose. Make sure to spread out the fabric evenly to allow for faster drying.
Washing your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi is an essential part of maintaining hygiene and extending its lifespan. By following these guidelines and incorporating proper care techniques, you can effectively clean your gi after every time on the mat while experiencing minimal shrinkage. Keep in mind that even pre-shrunk cotton will still experience some minor shrinking in the wash process, so make sure the fit is right on a new gi before training in or washing it.
If your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi is too big and needs a better fit, you can shrink it on purpose. The key here is to work in small windows to not overdo any shrinking.
For maximum shrinkage: Wash the gi in hot water with detergent and a cup of distilled white vinegar to help break down any remaining sizing. Use a high heat machine dryer in spurts of 10 min checking the fit along the way.
For a little shrinkage: Wash the gi in warm water and use a machine dryer with as needed in spurts of 10 min checking the fit along the way.
Just barely shrink your gi: Wash the gi in warm water and air dry.
Note that intentionally shrinking a gi may alter its appearance and it will not be reversible. If you're unsure about shrinking it yourself you might want to wash cold let it air dry and then take it to tailor or dry cleaner for alterations.
Keep in mind that once you find your perfect fit you will want to be diligent about washing in cold water and hang drying from then on. Any warm water or machine drying down the road will cause shrinkage. Make sure you trust those living with you to follow the steps you outline or tell them to leave your Jiu Jitsu pajamas alone!
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For some of our other BJJ focused playlist click here to follow the Nine Lives Spotify account.
Are you looking to understand the roots of your sport? Or maybe you are looking to dive into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a new hobby? Or maybe you are ready to enhance your existing martial arts skills and pushing yourself to the next level. No matter the answer you are in the right place because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. So let's further understand the origins of this art.
In this blog we will reference "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" (BJJ) which we will see is an adaptation of Jiu-Jitsu from the 1700s in Japan. BJJ came to having "Brazilian" added to the name based on those who practiced and enhanced the art in Brazil under the instruction of Mitsuyo Maeda, an iconic Japanese Judoka (and wrestling champion) who trained with legendary figures such as Kano Jigoro. The discipline has evolved over centuries into what it is today: one of the most effective forms of grappling and self-defense.
In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into its origin – from reclaiming a culture largely forgotten during colonization until modern martial artists made waves on the UFC stage.
We'll also discuss why this art form has become increasingly popular in the last decade and explore how anyone can begin learning jiu-jitsu today.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport focusing on grappling and ground fighting. It was developed in the early 20th century by the Gracie family in Brazil, drawing heavily upon the instruction of Maeda and his learnings from the Kodokan Judo school and incorporating techniques from other martial arts. The main goal of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to gain a dominant position, usually by taking your opponent to the ground and controlling them with various pins, holds and submissions. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu often refers to the Gracie family's adaptations of the ancient art. Sometimes even called Gracie Jiu Jitsu. It is becoming more common to drop the "Brazilian" and refer to the modern adaptation of the art as just "Jiu-Jitsu."
Jiu-Jitsu is an incredibly effective martial art and self-defense system, as evidenced by its long history of success in combat sports worldwide. The origins of Jiu-Jitsu can be traced back to the ancient Japanese samurai warriors, who developed a form of unarmed combat that utilized throws and joint locks to defeat their opponents.
This martial art was further developed in Brazil during the early 20th century and has since become one of the most popular martial arts practiced today. Jiu-Jitsu is highly effective for self-defense as it relies on using an opponent's force and momentum against them rather than brute strength alone.
In addition to its effectiveness in real-world self-defense scenarios, Jiu-Jitsu is also highly effective in competition. It has become one of the most popular martial arts for mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes, and most top professional fighters have to have some base level of Jiu-Jitsu techniques.
Jiu Jitsu continues to evolve as a martial art, with schools and gyms worldwide offering classes in classical, self defense focused and modern "sport" variations. No matter your style, Jiu-Jitsu is an incredibly effective martial art that can provide a great workout and improve your self-defense skills.
The popularity of BJJ has grown significantly in recent years, with many competitions and tournaments held worldwide. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's effectiveness makes it a great option whether you are looking for self-defense or want an intense workout. The effectiveness of BJJ for smaller participants has given rise to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu becoming very popular for kids. Kids and adults can practice BJJ with almost full resistance from their opponent, building their confidence of how they can protect themselves and others in a true self defense situation.
The roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be traced back to the early 1700s in Japan. During this period, Jiu-Jitsu was a widespread martial art and was highly respected. Jiu-Jitsu techniques were developed and refined in various schools across Japan, blending Chinese, Indian, and Japanese martial arts styles.
The most influential teacher of the time was Jigoro Kano. He founded the Kodokan School in 1882 to teach his style of Jiu-Jitsu, which he called Judo. His teachings focused on the principle of maximum efficiency with minimum effort. Judo was often referred to as "Kano jiu-jitsu" or, even more generically, simply as jiu-jitsu which can be confusing.
The Kodokan School was extremely successful, and Jiu-Jitsu soon spread to other countries. Unfortunately, Japan banned Jiu-Jitsu during World War II, and many instructors were killed or imprisoned. This period marked the decline of Jiu-Jitsu in Japan.
Fortunately, Japanese immigrants brought the art to Brazil, where it was rediscovered and developed further during the 20th century.
It was during this period that what we know as modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emerged, blending together traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with elements from other martial arts styles.
This style of Jiu-Jitsu was heavily influenced by the legendary Gracie family gaining their knowledge and instruction from Mitsuyo Maeda. The Gracies founded their school in Rio de Janeiro and began to popularize Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide.
Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the world's most popular martial arts styles, with many practitioners competing in tournaments and demonstrating its effectiveness in mixed martial arts competitions.
Art continues to evolve, with new techniques and strategies constantly being developed. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a living tradition that has stood the test of time.
The origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can be traced back to the Gracie family of Brazil. The Gracie family developed their version of Japanese Judo, then known as "jiu-jitsu" or "gentle art." They adapted this martial art to create BJJ, which uses leverage and technique to overcome bigger opponents.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is based on the principle that a smaller, weaker person can subdue a bigger and stronger opponent by utilizing proper technique and leveraging their body weight in strategic positions.
This is done by applying joint locks and chokeholds to defeat your opponent. BJJ also includes ground fighting, where practitioners use various grappling positions such as guard, half-guard, and mount to control and attack their opponent.
The Gracies are credited with popularizing BJJ in the early 1990s when they introduced it to the mainstream audience through a series of mixed martial arts fights. Their influence on martial art has continued to this day, and the Gracie family is still considered one of the leading authorities in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an offshoot of the Japanese martial art of Judo. It began in Brazil in the early 1900s when a group of students trained under one of the original Kodokan judoka, Mitsuyo Maeda (1878-1941).
The group was led by Carlos and Helio Gracie, who learned and developed their martial art style by experimenting with different techniques. This style focused more on ground fighting and grappling, which has become the foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu today.
The Gracie family spread their style throughout Brazil, eventually leading to the rise of modern-day BJJ schools.
Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is practiced worldwide, with practitioners from all walks of life participating in the style's continuing evolution.
As you start or continue your journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you can look back on its history for inspiration and guidance. The lineage of the style is still alive today and can be seen in the way its practitioners have embraced it as a way of life.
You can continue to shape and evolve the style with practice, dedication, and an open mind to the possibilities that come with this martial art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mentally and physically helps you reach your goals whether you are just starting or have been training for years.
Jiu Jitsu is believed to have originated in Japan as early as 1530 but was really developed from the warrior class around the 17th century. During this time, Jiu-Jitsu was mainly practiced by samurai warriors who used it as a form of self-defense and combat during battle.
These samurai warriors developed various techniques, including throws, locks, pins, and chokes, which are still practiced today in modern Jiu-Jitsu. This art of Jiu-Jitsu was passed from master to student and eventually spread to the world.
that the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu dates back hundreds of years. It is believed that a form of Jiu-jitsu was practiced by Buddhist monks in India around 2,000 B.C. From there, it spread to Japan and eventually to Brazil, where the Gracie family continued to perfect the martial art.
Jiu-Jitsu may date back to early monks in India but really gained all traction in Japan where it is rooted in the martial art of Kodokan Judo. The modern style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was developed in the early 20th century by a group of Judo and traditional Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in Brazil.
They sought to enhance existing techniques to create a more effective martial art system. The Gracie family, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu share, led by Carlos and Helio Gracie, became some of the most influential figures in the development of what we know as modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The three most important figures associated with the history of Jiu-Jitsu are Mitsuyo Maeda, a Judo master from Japan; Carlos Gracie, one of the founders of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu style; and Helio Gracie, Carlos' brother, and co-founder.
Other important figures in the development of Jiu-Jitsu were Gastão Gracie, another brother of Carlos and Helio; Jorge Pereira, a Judo master and one of the first practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; and Rorion Gracie, the father of modern MMA.
Yes, the medieval and early-modern Japan were known to practice Jiu-Jitsu.
Although Jiu-Jitsu was not the primary martial art used by the Samurai, it was certainly an important part of their military training when they did not have their weapons or were on foot.
The primary difference between modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo is the emphasis on ground fighting. Judo emphasizes takedowns and throws, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses more on submissions and ground control.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also heavily emphasizes self-defense, while Judo of the modern age is more tournament oriented. Additionally, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes using leverage and technique to defeat larger opponents, while Judo emphasizes using proper body mechanics and timing to take an opponent to the ground.
Some of the most popular Jiu-Jitsu tournaments include the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) World Championship, IBJJF Pan American Championship, IBJJF American Nationals, European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championship, Sport Jiu-Jitsu International Federation events, Jiu Jitsu World League events and Fight 2 Win (F2W) events just to name a few.
Additionally, several more local and regional Jiu-Jitsu tournaments are held worldwide each year.
I hope this article helped to provide a brief overview of the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As you have seen, it has come a long way from its roots in Japan to becoming an internationally recognized martial art.
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What should our next playlist be? Shoot us a message with your music preferences and any suggestions for a good genre to do for Chapter 2.
]]>What should our next playlist be? Shoot us a message with your music preferences and any suggestions for a good genre to do for Chapter 2.
]]>This is the most basic of knots but important nonetheless.
This knot should be very snug but not so tight that it is cutting into your skin - if it feels uncomfortable when tied, loosen it up slightly. Watch the video below to see this in action.
Make sure you are dialed in from day one and know how to tie your BJJ belt. This is the most basic knot for your Jiu Jitsu belt:
This knot should be very snug so it does not come undone while training. A few more times practicing and you will be able to do this in your sleep. Watch the video below for all you visual learners.
This is the advanced class for those promoting students to a new belt rank or folks teaching kiddos that need to help those miniature jujuterros.
Don't for get to give the student a bow, handshake and big hug they earned it. This is a big moment in all of our journeys to Black Belt so make sure they don't have a wonky looking belt. Watch the video below to ensure you are dialed in for their big day.
This blog post is not about Nine Lives though, this was written to celebrate some of the amazing brands that DO align with our vibe. Yes, we are supporting our competitors and potentially driving you to buy their product. From our perspective, these are the best gi brands of 2023.
Buying a gi comes down to finding a brand that aligns with your needs, wants and budget:
This blog post will be focused entirely on number 2 and 4 from above, price, fit and quality do not weigh in for our system of picking. I have decided to not re-feature brands previously ranked in my 2016 “9 (plus one) of Our Favorite Jiu Jitsu Gi Brands” blog post. Rest assured all of these brands I still hold with highest regard. It was actually hard to not go back and feature some of these that are still at the top of their games.
So without further ado, here is our list in no particular order.
I am keeping the list short, even though there are many other brands out there I have either covered them already in my previous post, or I don’t yet see them rising to the ranks of branding greatness…yet. This list also, by design, focuses on more boutique or artisan designers and creatives.
Again, this post features competitors of mine but I do not shy away from sending you to their sites. You will have a checklist when buying a gi and this industry is big enough for all of us to thrive, so even as a small one man operation I will always support each individual finding the best fit for their budget, style, fit requirements and any other needs they may have. With that in mind we hope you seek out and find a list of companies who offer gis that perfectly fit your vibe!
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Our Chapter 12 Gi features a koi fish which is a Japanese symbol love and friendship. Even though cats and fish do not typically mix well, our Maneki-neko logo is often known as the money cat, welcoming cat or lucky cat holds similar symbolism from its Japanese roots. Nine Lives is built on the fact that everyone needs a little money, friendship, luck and good fortune in their life, so with that spirit in mind, we feel these two go hand in hand...or paw in fin. If you are looking for some Zen on the mat, the Koi is your go to gi.
Click here for sizing chart or shop now here.
The Geo Gi champions a geometric pattern that ties design elements from both ancient times and nature. The rhythm found in this patterned design is much like the flow that one can get into on the mat when drilling or training. Enjoy the beauty of repetition represented in our 11th chapter.
Click here for sizing chart.
Like a jungle cat hiding in the grass, we embrace the art of disguise and deception whatever the season. Our custom Nine Lives Snow Tree Camo honors that time when the trees are bare but the snow makes up for the beauty where the leaves once were.
Shop the collection now.
The Gato gi celebrates the cat and its many juxtaposing traits being playful yet mysterious, while remaining a symbol strength all the while. This gi has a balance of graphics and a color palate that are both dark yet cheerfully bright at the same time. A gi for any mood, look good, feel good and roll good in the Gato.
Graphic elements for this gi were designed by @thomasetattoos an amazing tattoo artist and BJJ brown belt.
Click here for sizing chart.
GiReviews.net recently completed their second review of the Chapter Nine: Kitsune gi as a follow up to the Seven Seas gi review to see if the quality they saw in their first review would carry over to another one. Here is the link to the full review on their site so you can see what they thought of our most recent release.
]]>Nine is a special number for this brand so the 9th chapter needed to be something different and unique. In Japanese 'Kitsune' means fox and these animals are common in Japanese folklore. While sometimes the foxes trick others in the folktales where kitsune appear, many times the foxes are seen as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives. The legends say that the more tails the kitsune has the more powerful it is. Nine tails being the most a fox may posses though. If this gi has supernatural powers then it certainly has the maximum level that a nine tailed fox would have. Hopefully you feel like you have a few extra tricks up your sleeve when you break this gi out on the mat.
The design comes from artist @ashton.alexandr who specializes in a neo traditional and Japanese tattoo style. There are no words or even our brand name on this kimono, only Japanese symbols including the number nine on the chest and the symbol for 'kitsune' on the pants.
Click here for sizing chart.
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A figure eight ends right where you started, but if there is no ending then you just continue on a similar path. The second time around though you are armed with the knowledge of what to expect from blazing trail the first go around. Nine Lives is built on new life, taking risks and getting second chances. As we approach the 9th Chapter in our story this is the perfect way to reflect on where we have been, take our learning lessons and get better. In Jiu Jitsu we follow a similar path and find ourselves at a similar starting place with each belt progression. The difference being that with each reset to a beginning point we have many new tools in our belt to navigate a similar path in a more efficient manner. This gi pulls in many of our favorite design elements from the past 7 chapters with a classic muted black and white color palette.
Click here for sizing chart.
In The Five Love Languages book, Dr. Chapman explains how each person in a relationship shares and processes love differently based on which of the five languages they most align with. These are not relevant only in romantic relationships but really any connection with another person in your life. As I digested these five different styles I realized that Jiu Jitsu in one way or another has something to offer everyone, no matter what their love language.
In order to better understand, below I will delve into all of the love languages and how each drives our allure to Jiu Jitsu.
This language is all about positive verbal feedback. This one can be very much dependent on your training partners and coaches but often times as you train or drill you are getting live feedback from your coach and or drilling partner. The need for a training partner in Jiu Jitsu forces discussion and feedback. If you crave words of affirmation you will be satisfied, but it will likely be from specific training partners and coaches.
For our second language the focus is on undivided attention, for which Jiu Jitsu has in spades. The nature of training is such that you and your rolling partner can do nothing but focus on one another until the match is over. Just try to think about something else during that time and you will be brought back to reality when you need to tap out. If you crave living in the moment and interactions that focus on full concentration, Jiu Jitsu certainly has you covered.
Dr. Chapman says in his book that some people need small, tangible gifts to feel loved. This need for appreciation is probably the language that Jiu Jitsu has least alignment with. That said I think these individuals will still be satisfied through the belt promotions. Although they are earned and not gifted belts can feel like one of the best gifts you have ever received. Despite the fact that there is little relevance to a belt, it is still a symbol of your time investment, growth and commitment. Due to the fact that the timing of a belt promotion is at the sole discretion of your professor, receiving a belt promotion is usually a surprise and feels like a gift from the heavens.
If this is your love language then actions speak louder than words to you. People who speak the language of service want people in their life to recognize that their life is rough and help them out in any way possible. Lending a helping hand shows you really care. If you're not willing to show your appreciation by doing these people a favor, you're saying you don't value them. On the mat you will be rewarded by the upper belts who stay after class to answer your questions or give you an impromptu free private instruction just because they want to share the art.
To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate touch. That doesn't mean only in the bedroom — everyday physical connections, hugging, a pat on the back, or any type of re-affirming physical contact is greatly appreciated. A person who speaks the language of physical touch isn't necessarily an over-the-top PDA'er, but making that physical connection does make them feel safe and loved. This is an interesting one because touch in Jiu Jitsu is with intent to harm, yet at its core this connection is playfully animalistic. In the animal world this play is common and so entertaining to those that catch a glimpse of play at its truest from.
Jiu Jitsu truly does change lives and I think partly through how it caters to all five ways we as humans crave positive connection. If you have a hole in your life and feel a lack of fulfillment, Jiu Jitsu has the ingredients to fill that void. You must be an active participant in the process, but by doing so will connect you to something that feels like you cannot live without.
Our connection to Jiu Jitsu all comes back to interaction with the other practitioners, so really what we are addicted to is our new found friends. The mat forces the hand of those around us to fulfill us in a way that we crave. It is important to recognize that it is the people’s actions around us that make us love Jiu Jitsu.
In addition to being an extremely fulfilling way to connect with our peers, the way we learn Jiu Jitsu has something for every style of learning. When your coach teaches a new move you can visually watch the move being done, you can listen to the steps if you are an auditory learner, and then for the kinesthetic learners you get to physically go through the steps.
So why is Jiu Jitsu so addictive? In short because it welcomes and nurtures every different combination of how people love and learn. As students of Jiu Jitsu that understand these connections we are now tasked to nurture those around us and students under our tutelage. I encourage you to make an effort to understand which of these languages your go to training partners resonate with and find ways to connect that aligns with their love language. The more fuel we add to this fire the more the art of Jiu Jitsu and its addictive nature will spread.
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