I have noticed quite a few posts on various pages and groups this week coming from people over 40 that are thinking about or have just started practicing Jiu Jitsu. In no particular order, I give you the top 5 excuses and why they are bullsh*t.
Excuse 1. I am too old.
I won’t say there are not a few prerequisites necessary to begin practicing Jiu Jitsu. But none of them involve getting carded to make sure you don’t exceed the age limit. Yes, there is a level of physical ability required, but if you can walk, sit, stand, and generally function normally, you pass the entrance exam. Even if you have some limiting factors like mobility, weight, or bad breath, you will find Jiu Jitsu can significantly improve these over time. Age is not stopping you. Ego is stopping you. Ego is an identification of ‘self’ that most people will fight to preserve at any cost. And when you put yourself in a position that challenges ego, you will come up every excuse necessary to stop the assault. You’re not too old.
Excuse 2. I am too fat. I am too skinny.
Nobody cares how big or small you are on the mat. I mean, hopefully you’ll find a teammate similar to your build, but if you don’t, who cares. I have personally witnessed men and women, all shapes and sizes, walk onto the mat and get the same welcome. The only person that will make your size an issue is you. If you weigh 300 pounds, don’t rely on just laying on top of your smaller teammates and call it a win. Because if you don’t play nice, you’ll find yourself holding the ball with nobody to play with. The same way that smaller people like myself shouldn’t duck larger teammates just because they pose a challenge. It is an opportunity to learn. We have some big dudes on my team. And they’re really good about using their size properly when we roll, the same way I’m good about taking their back and choking them out. That’s right. I’m calling you out!
Excuse 3. I don’t want to get hurt.
Don’t get me started on this one. You’re doing yourself more harm by sitting in that La-Z-Boy recliner than you likely ever will practicing Jiu Jitsu. What will get you into trouble is your ego. But we have this thing called ‘tapping’ whereby you say please stop torturing me. Tap early and often, you won’t get hurt. You may catch an elbow to the eye and have to explain to your co-workers that indeed, yes, you feel safe at home. This isn’t the UFC though. Those times are rare. If you’re smart and your ego is in check, you know when you’re stuck or about to go out. Tap. Easy. No harm done. And you get to live to fight another day. And if your ego is not in check, pain has a way of fixing that. Just tap.
Excuse 4. I don’t have time.
This myth persists across all forms of commitment to physical health. And time and again it has been proven to be certified bullsh*t. You’ll make time for what you prioritize as important. If you can only make the regular practice two days a week, then make it two days. If it is a priority, you will find that third day now and again. Opportunity to make an open mat session will present itself. It will all work out. It is not an all or nothing proposition. There is no ‘end’ to Jiu Jitsu. I think it is an unnecessary pressure we put on ourselves. Guilty as charged right here. But don’t make it your excuse not to begin. And don’t make it your your excuse not to continue.
Excuse 5. I’m not good enough.
Well no sh*t. You haven’t started. Or you’ve just started and you’re getting your face smashed way too often. We’ve all been there. Welcome to getting outside of your comfort zone. You’ve all probably heard this before and rolled your eyes. Get ready to hear it again. A black belt is simply a white belt that never quit. Persistence and consistency. No special sauce required. And guess what, even when you do become a black belt, there will always be somebody out there that will smash your face like the day your first started. Get over it. You’re not the 15 year old Instagram Jiu Jitsu savant out there beating world champions. That ship has sailed my friend. You’re good enough when you show up.
Until next time…
Ted