How many people do you know that train Jiu-Jitsu casually? Nope, not those that claim they just train casually, but those that are really taking BJJ lightly? Yeah, there aren’t many of those around .and that is all down to the fact that Jiu-Jitsu is a highly addictive thing and people get completely obsessed with it. That said, if there is one thing in this world that is good to be addicted to, it has to be Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, are you one of those that are already completely obsessed with BJJ, or are you still not totally immersed in the best thing that is going to happen to you in this lifetime?
Oftentimes, people that do not train wonder how everything we do can be about JIu-Jitsu. That goes on until you actually take them to class and get them to give BJJ a try. Once they spend a week or two training, they’ll suddenly start understanding why you’re so obsessed with BJJ. Then, the cycle continues with people that they know, and so on, and so forth. If only this cycle could spread as fast as the Corona virus, we’d all be in a much happier world, with everyone training Jiu-Jitsu. However, until such an utopia materializes, check out if you’re really obsessed with BJJ, or just highly enthusiastic.
The Addictive Nature Of Brazilian JIu-Jitsu
I have been training martial arts for the better part of my life. My dad took me to Judo training when I was six, and I haven’t looked back since. Of course, I went through just about any martial art I could’ve in the 28 years that followed, and managed to settle down into BJJ. How come nothing else I ever did, from Karate, through Krav Maga to kickboxing could hold my attention as Brazilian JIu-JItsu does?
I really spent a lot of time thinking about this and the one thing I can conclude is that it is the endlessly mysterious nature of Jiu-Jitsu that really keeps me coming back for more. No matter how much I uncover and understand a certain aspect of Jiu-Jitsu, another mystery, even greater than the first inevitably follows. Every time. As a person that gets bored with things quickly, I’m still baffled that almost a decade down the road I’m actually more obsessed with BJJ now, than when I started.
When you come to think of it, the addictive nature of Jiu-Jitsu makes sense. You get to go in a padded room and wrestle around with other like-minded people. First and foremost, it satisfies a primal need to close human contact, something that’s a rarity in the modern way of life. Second, it allows us to play, also something that’s lost nowadays, even among children. But that’s not all.
On top of it all, we get to “fight” with people in a way that ‘s as realistic as possible, without actually hurting anyone. Not tome nation that everything we do can be personalized and customized. Moreover, there’s engaging our brain to solve the puzzles of grappling while under extreme stress. No wonder everyone’s going crazy about Jiu-JItsu.
How To Know That You Are Obsessed With BJJ?
Let me make it clear – whether or not you’re obsessed with BJJ, as long as you’re training, you’ll see progress. Being obsessed doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get better fast. It just means you’ll enjoy every second of it a bit more.
That said, there are certain tell-tale signs that clearly confirm you’re one of those lucky ones that are obsessed by BJJ and will likely devote their lives to it. If you’re unsure where you stand, answer the questions below and you’ll know for sure!
1. How Do You Get Out Of Bed?
It may sound crazy, but try and notice how you get out of bed every morning. Do you do a hip heist do maneuver into position? Or perhaps you’re more of a technical stand up kind of guy or girl. Whatever it is, you can count yourself obsessed with BJJ if you’re getting out of bed with Jiu-Jitsu movements. Noticing that your pillow is deformed form attempting rear-naked chokes is one more strong sign of your obsession.
2. What Dominates Your Social Media Feed?
What kind of posts are all over your social media feeds? From Facebook to Instagram and even Youtube, all your new, recommendations and friends have something to do with Jiu-Jitsu. Of course, you are obsessed when there’s hardly anything appearing in your notifications apart from technique videos, new Gi suggestions, and tournament dates.
3. How Many Of Your Closest friends Also Train?
Check your circle of friends. How many of your friends and family also train Jiu-Jitsu? IF the answer is most of them, you’re most definitely obsessed with BJJ. So much so, in fact, that you’ve surrounded yourself with like-minded people crazy about pyjama grappling. Good for you!
4. Wardrobe Selection
Next on the test is a trip to your closet. Take a look at what is inside. I’d wager most (if not all ) T-shirts are BJJ related. The same holds true for hats and hoodies as well. Even your jeans might have grappling embroidery on them. Your backpacks and bags are most certainly BJJ specific. Even your jackets have BJJ badges or similar accessories hanging at a spot or two. And, if your pajamas are BJJ related as well, you’re most certainly neck-deep in The Gentle Art.
5. Check the Browser History On Your Work Computer
Yeah, we already know what you’ll find at your home computer and phone. However, a quick look at the history of your work computer’s browser will paint the true picture of your obsession with BJJ. Even though it may not be Youtube due to company policies, there will undoubtedly be countless articles and gear searches in there. Yet another clear sign of your healthy addiction.
6. Laundry Statistics
Next time you do laundry, take a look at what constitutes most of it. If you have Gis and rashguards in every laundry load, there’s no doubt that you’re one of those infamous BJJ geeks. Doing laundry is no easy thing when you have to organize all your rashies and Gis, but looking forward to doing that really sets you apart, even from fellow grapplers. That is dedication right there.
7. Dreaming And Daydreaming
We all do this but to different degrees. Of course, what happens during most of our day impacts what we dream in most cases. So, if you’re dreaming about Jiu-Jitsu at night, that clearly shows what you’ve been doing / thinking throughout the day. Daydreaming about grappling moves and concepts is nothing anew, but it also is a clear sign you’re obsessed with BJJ
8. What Does Your Significant Other Think?
This is not about what they thin, as much has it is about what they experience. If you’re spending most of your time together with your significant other trying out moves on her/him, there’s no need to look for more confirmation. You’re officially among us BJJ nuts.
9. How Do You Wave At People?
Another huge one, and one I’m becoming more and more conscious of doing way too much. Any time a hand gesture is required, from waving to saying Ok and anything in between, the Shaka inevitably forms before I even think about what I’m doing. I guess my pinky permanently stuck in the Shaka position which is yet another proof that I’m obsessed with BJJ.
10. Vocabulary
It is not about using BJJ phrases in your everyday life. That is something everyone involved in BJJ does. it is when you start saying “Zhuzhitsu” instead of Jiu-Jitsu that your obsession becomes clear. Moreover, switching “Rs” with “Hs” when you talk won’t help your case there.
Final Thoughts
No matter what the outcome of the test is, you can expect that you will certainly become obsessed with BJJ at one point. For the most part, this obsession will remain with you for the rest of your life. This, however, a very positive obsession. In fact, as far as addictions go, there’s no healthier one out there than being addicted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
