Day One at the Gym (Evening): First Steps on the Jiu Jitsu Mats

A New Beginning

After the morning boxing session, I came back to the gym in the evening for Jiu Jitsu. This wasn’t a random choice, but rather a deliberate decision grounded in my aspirations to become a more well-rounded fighter. Back in Tunisia, my coach had told me clearly: “If you want to grow as a fighter, you need to embrace Jiu Jitsu as part of your training repertoire.” This resonated with me deeply, and I took his words to heart as I embarked on this journey.

He knew my strengths all too well. I have stamina that can last for hours, I possess a gritty determination, and I have an unwavering refusal to quit. However, when it comes to technical skills, particularly takedowns and fighting on the ground, I find myself profoundly lacking. I’m aware that this is a crucial aspect of combat sports. And that’s precisely why I’m here today. To confront my weaknesses head-on, and to construct something new from the ground up.

The Training Session

The warm-up hit me hard, right from the outset. For twenty-five grueling minutes, we ran, crawled, rolled, and pushed our bodies in every conceivable direction. By the end of that session, I was dripping with sweat and feeling like I had already completed a full workout. Much to my surprise, however, this was just the beginning of what was set to be an intense and enlightening experience.

The coach divided us into two distinct groups, advanced and beginners. Almost half of the participants were brand new to Jiu Jitsu, just like me. Many had joined the class due to a favorable National Day deal that made a year-long membership an opportunity that was simply too good to let slip away. The room was a vibrant sea of white belts, and among them, a few decorated with stripes, one blue belt, and our coach, who stood as a calm but commanding presence — a black belt whose very demeanor was a source of inspiration.

The advanced group dedicated their time to drilling intricate leg sweeps and sharp takedowns, pushing their limits with every practice. Meanwhile, we beginners focused on something slightly more accessible: the basic technique of grabbing a leg, pulling it between our own, and then shifting our weight strategically to bring the opponent down. I didn’t catch the specific terminology for this maneuver, but I instinctively understood its importance in our training.

The Struggle

Jiu Jitsu is, at its core, a mental storm. Every single move is layered with myriad details; foot placement, grip, timing, and balance all play critical roles. My body wasn’t accustomed to this level of complexity. At times, I felt clumsy, overwhelmed, and slow to react to the rapid pace of instruction.

But this is exactly why I came to the gym. I know that I possess endurance that can carry me through challenges. I know that I can take hits and keep moving forward. However, what I currently lack is mastery over the nuances of ground fighting. Standing on those mats, struggling to absorb the lessons being thrown at me, I realized that fixing this weakness would require dedication and time; two things I am more than willing to invest.

Nevertheless, my coach was remarkably patient with all of us. He consistently reminded me to get my gi for training, so I could participate properly in the drills. He guided us thoughtfully through the fundamentals, breaking each concept down step by step. It wasn’t easy, but I remained committed to the process, kept moving, kept striving, all while reminding myself of the reasons that had brought me here.

The Lesson

Strength and grit can prove to be advantageous in many situations, but without the corresponding skill set, they can only take you so far. My experiences during class tonight served as a stark reminder that true growth often requires you to be willing to start from ground zero, even when the journey feels uncomfortable and challenging.

Looking Ahead

The class ultimately concluded with an additional twenty-five minutes dedicated to observing the advanced students roll one on one. Their movements appeared fluid, precise, and remarkably controlled. Watching them was akin to witnessing a different language being spoken; one that remains foreign to me at this stage, but one that I’m resolutely determined to learn over time.

Tomorrow, I’ll make my way back to the gym. Boxing in the morning followed by Jiu Jitsu in the evening. My journey unfolds one day at a time, diligently building the fighter I aspire to become.

Day One Lesson

The evening session imparted a crucial lesson: confronting your weaknesses is often more challenging than simply relying on your inherent strengths. Yet, paradoxically, that’s precisely where the seeds of growth are sown and nurtured.

Day One complete, but the road ahead continues to stretch out before me, filled with countless opportunities for growth and transformation.

👉 What’s one weakness you’ve faced head-on, and how did it change you on this journey of your own?