Four Years

Four years. It took four years before I had enough skill in Jiu Jitsu to handle myself against a new, strong young man with some high school wrestling.

Four years. It took four years before I was confident enough to not let panic set in while someone came at me hard.

Four years. It took four years to finally be able to play my own game, despite rough, new hands taking hold of me. 

Four years. It took four years to fall completely in love with a sport that I initially rejected. 

Four years. It took four years of commitment, struggle, joy, frustration, disappointment, and growth before I KNEW that I could handle myself on the ground if someone got ahold of me in a self defense situation. 

Four years. That’s a long time. That’s a lot of dedication. That’s a lot of hours, drilling, rolling, and classes. That’s a lot of time on the mats learning a skillset that could not be obtained through any other means. That’s a lot of sweat, tears, and emotions. That’s a lot of learning about myself and who I am and what I am capable of doing. That’s a lot of learning how to learn. A lot of challenging my ego. A lot of fears faced. A lot of discomfort overcome. 

Five years. I’m at five years now. I have more to learn. More ways to grow. And more mountains to climb. But I am capable, determined, and fully in love with the process that Jiu Jitsu brings.