5 Takeaways from my First Jiu Jitsu Competition
My first Jiu Jitsu competition was a complete whirlwind of an experience. I’ve spent a lot of my time competing in sports and being tested, but this was a whole new level, and in such a short space of time. There’s something surreal about competitions and races and what it can bring out in you. When you’re challenged and when you’re surrounded by people all going after greatness, magic happens.
Over the weekend I experienced so many different things, highs and lows, nerves and excitement. I want to share my takeaways and lessons because a lot of the feelings, emotions, and roadblocks I encountered can be experienced in everyday life. When I learn to handle a high pressure situation, it provides me with more tools to overcome challenges and builds resilience.
1. You’re never too old to try something new
I haven’t ever really let age stop me from doing anything. It’s no secret we’re all aging, we can’t defy it, but we can work through it and with it. It’s never too late to start and try something new.
I learnt how to ski at 28, I learnt to wakeboard and wakesurf at 30, and now I’m learning Jiu Jitsu. I lead with the mindset that if I try I’ll know if I like it, if I have the potential to be good at it, and most importantly if I am willing to invest time in it.
In a class, as we were getting into competition mode, one of my Jiu Jitsu training partners said to me: “I’m too old for this.” I asked him how old he was and he replied… 34. I told him: I don’t think it’s an age thing, I think it’s just you’re not fit enough (with a smile). I’m 33 - you’re only as old as you feel.
As the Chinese proverb stipulates, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”
Don’t let your body, age, or ability define what you can do. There’s so many incredibly inspiring people out there doing things that some of us will not try ‘because we’re getting old,’. Instead, think about your potential. If you don’t get curious or try you will never know.
Age is just a number. You get to choose what you show up for.
2. Courage comes before confidence
At no point can you expect confidence to just magically show up. It’s like waiting to feel motivated just lying in your bed.
I had to step into the arena to gain courage. How did I do it? I was following simple steps that kept on nudging me forwards. The first step was to book flights and a hotel, and actually sign up to the competition. I invested money and wasn’t going to waste it, so I had to do it. It’s all about the mindset.
So once I signed up I continued my training practice and began to increase my training hours, and intensity. The more I did, the more confident I grew in my skills and knowledge.
3. Just go for it
When it came to signing up to the competition, I did not hesitate. The timeframe gave me a bit of time to get better, but also, I knew I just had to go for it. As a beginner you have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
When you adopt a beginners mindset you can bring this perspective:
Take the pressure off by having fun with it, learn as much as you can, get curious and ask questions
If at first you don’t succeed try and try again
Failure, and not getting it right first time, is a lesson. If you can, watch videos back, and write a debrief, what you learnt, what you will apply in future training,
Winning is a lesson, don’t let your ego take you for a ride. Celebrate and then get back to work :)
I also like to use the tool of an alter ego. When you’re in that competition space full of nerves, use this method. Think of someone you look up to, whether it’s a friend, a celebrity or a coach. When you’re in a moment of overwhelm or feeling stuck, ask out loud or in your head ‘What would they do?’ This instantly separates you from your own thoughts and you can lead instead with someone you are inspired by, who would take action in a certain way.
4. Failure is part of the journey
The competition was a reminder that it doesn’t matter how much you prepare for anything, you’ll always make mistakes, there’s going to be errors especially on the competition floor, especially at the beginning, and to be honest at any point. Those who are seemingly more successful than others are the ones that know failing, not living up to expectations, and making mistakes is all part of the journey!
I won two golds in my first fights and then the following day I lost a fight. My head said you can’t win them all, my ego said that’s just crap. But I know that losing wasn’t a failure because I went out there and gave it my best. My best wasn’t enough and that’s ok. I watched a recording of the fight I lost and realised I gave it my all. Failure or not winning does not mean you give up. You keep going. You keep moving forwards. Take the lessons with you. Feel the emotions, let them out, understand them, and come back stronger.
5. A lot can happen in four months
You just don’t know what you can achieve unless you just go for it. In four months I went from never having fought before to learning a whole new skill, seeing a different side of myself, exploring new coaching methods, and understanding what it takes to get to competition.
If you hold on to too many ‘what ifs’ you won’t even get started. If you take one step forwards into the unknown and keep taking steps no matter how small, you will keep pushing that needle closer to where you want to take it. If you don’t, then you stay exactly where you are. Progress isn’t linear, it can be a whole rollercoaster of emotions. But that’s where you grow. If you keep going the opportunities are endless.
These are just some of the learnings I will take with me into everyday life. Competition forces you into a position where you see your gaps, flaws, and weaknesses, but also your strengths and successes and helps you identify a plan of action to move forwards. Grab life by the balls, tune into your wants and needs and stay present. This is one life you have and you can make change at any given moment.
JUST F*CKING DO IT - JFDI!
You’ll never regret trying something, but you’ll always regret not giving it a go!
