When I first started jiu-jitsu over a decade ago, I thought my fitness and strength would give me an edge. But I quickly learned that jiu-jitsu had a humbling lesson in store for me. In this martial art, sometimes you're the hammer, and sometimes you're the nail.
Despite my initial confidence, I soon realised that being fit and strong didn't matter much when training with a skilled opponent, even if they were smaller than me. I would get dominated, controlled, and submitted five times every round. The harder I tried, the more I struggled, and the easier it became for my opponents to throw, sweep, choke, or trap me.
I became intimately acquainted with the feeling of being the nail.
Then I would roll with a newbie or fellow white belt and survive or even dominate. I would pull off a sloppy armbar here, a crank-like choke there, or a series of passes that somehow worked in the chaos. It was enough positive to give me a false sense of confidence. "I know jiu-jitsu. Am I the hammer?"
But the next day, someone would come along and destroy my confidence, reminding me there was still much to learn.
Then I would roll with a newbie or fellow white belt and survive or even dominate. I would pull off a sloppy armbar here, a crank-like choke there, or a series of passes that somehow worked in the chaos. It was enough positive to give me a false sense of confidence. "I know jiu-jitsu. Am I the hammer?"
But the next day, someone would come along and destroy my confidence, reminding me there was still much to learn.
In Jiu Jitsu, being the hammer or the nail is not a fixed state but a continuous ebb and flow. It's a dynamic dance between the two. Embracing both roles is crucial to success as they offer unique learning opportunities.
Even at the brown belt level, I find myself returning to the nail position, reminding me of the areas I need to improve and what I need to focus on to grow.
Adversity in jiu-jitsu reveals our weaknesses and exposes gaps in our technique and strategy. Each defeat is not a failure. Every tap is a lesson, presenting a chance to learn, adapt, and refine our skills.
Adversity in jiu-jitsu reveals our weaknesses and exposes gaps in our technique and strategy. Each defeat is not a failure. Every tap is a lesson, presenting a chance to learn, adapt, and refine our skills.
In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, being the hammer and the nail is a reminder that the journey is what matters most. Embrace the challenges, victories, and defeats as they contribute to your growth as a martial artist and as an individual. My Jiu-Jitsu journey has taught me humility, resilience, and the importance of embracing all the challenges of growth. Whether you're the hammer or the nail, remember that it's all part of the incredible and crazy journey of Jiu-Jitsu.
Jennifer