Starting anything new can always be challenging. Especially when it involves physical fitness. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can not only be challenging but also intimidating. Speaking from 8 years of experience in BJJ, I can attest to this. March 2015, I started my Jiu Jitsu journey. I had zero grappling experience and had only trained in striking arts. My first class I remember feeling lost, having no idea what I was doing. I was being pushed physically and mentally like I haven’t experienced since going through Marine Corps boot camp in 2005. I loved it and I signed up that day. I had great teammates and coaches who helped me acclimate to BJJ. The first few months were such a struggle, I didn’t feel like I was getting any better. I was getting smashed on the mats. To add to the struggles, I was driving 45 minutes one way to the nearest BJJ gym 3 times a week just to get tapped out over and over. I was speaking to blue and purple belts about struggling and not feeling like I was getting better. I’ll never forget being told that what I was experiencing was normal and if I would just keep coming and giving it my all, it would pay off. I was told to write down in a journal the areas I was struggling with and to watch BJJ videos about those positions . On the drive home I had plenty of time to think about the advice I was given. Remembering my training from the Marine Corps about adapting and overcoming, I was determined to get better and stick with it. I got home and started finding videos on YouTube. One was a documentary with 8-time BJJ world champion Robson Moura. Professor Moura spoke about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for everybody. Young, old, male, female it didn’t matter as long as you showed up and left your ego at the door. I was brainstorming that night and thinking about my teammates and coaches. Everyone on the mats had different backgrounds and came from different walks of life. I knew if they could do it, I could do it. I didn’t get better right away but I remembered what Professor Moura said “Jiu Jitsu is for everybody”. A few months went by, and I was getting better. I worked on the positions I struggled with and showed up to every open mat I could attend and pressure tested everything I was learning. It paid off and felt like it was for me. My journey through blue and purple belt were filled with trials and tribulations. Each new rank presented new challenges. But, the reward of sticking with it and pushing through felt so much better and made the struggles worth it. I grew spiritually, learning to apply what I learned on the mats to everyday life. Realizing if I can overcome the physical and mental difficulties of BJJ, I can overcome anything. The confidence gained through perseverance on the mats were all worth it. 8 years later I am now a 2 stripe brown belt with my own BJJ gym. Being a coach I can see some of the similar struggles with my students that I saw in myself and with many people I have watch come and go on the mats. I’ve seen people with so much potential quit because of difficulties on the mats and in life. I write this so that people thinking about training BJJ or are just starting their journey can see that it’s going to be challenging. It’s going to push you mentally and physically. There are going to be days where you question why you are doing this, why are you paying monthly dues to get smashed on the mats after work. I write this so when those times do come up and they will, you can see it get so much better. Pushing through those difficulties has so many rewards that will make it all worth it. You will not only have learned self-defense, you will also learn to overcome the many difficulties life may throw at you. And, in my opinion, the best reward is the relationships and bonds you will form with your teammates over the years. The comradery is something special. Most importantly you will see that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for everybody.