Nice little extract from Zen Jiu Jitsu over 40:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zen-Jiu-Jits...=Zen+jiu+jitsu
Let's go back to that important question then: So why bother?
The answer is 'it doesn't matter'. What matters is the Why...there must be a Why in it for you that is so strong it pulls you to each class like a tractor beam. That is what Keeps You Going!
Now I have a ton of Why's answered for myself:
⁃ Stress Relief
⁃ Camaraderie
⁃ Socializing
⁃ Fitness
⁃ Mental Sanity and Mental Workout
⁃ Just makes me Feel Alive
These are just a few. And none of them contain competition or self defense. Though I do think my confidence levels have changed dramatically since I became more proficient in BJJ. There are very few social situations that I walk into and feel intimidated, regardless of how physically aggressive things become.
A side effect of BJJ that I think is priceless at this age is that I look great (I know arrogance is a poor quality, but at my age I'll take what I can). When I compare today how my body has shaped with jiu jitsu as opposed to just working out I have to say that stood beside my counterparts I look good for my age. Okay, bit of a cauliflower ear and my fingers look a little tricky but outside of that - looking pretty good over here.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zen-Jiu-Jits...=Zen+jiu+jitsu
Let's go back to that important question then: So why bother?
The answer is 'it doesn't matter'. What matters is the Why...there must be a Why in it for you that is so strong it pulls you to each class like a tractor beam. That is what Keeps You Going!
Now I have a ton of Why's answered for myself:
⁃ Stress Relief
⁃ Camaraderie
⁃ Socializing
⁃ Fitness
⁃ Mental Sanity and Mental Workout
⁃ Just makes me Feel Alive
These are just a few. And none of them contain competition or self defense. Though I do think my confidence levels have changed dramatically since I became more proficient in BJJ. There are very few social situations that I walk into and feel intimidated, regardless of how physically aggressive things become.
A side effect of BJJ that I think is priceless at this age is that I look great (I know arrogance is a poor quality, but at my age I'll take what I can). When I compare today how my body has shaped with jiu jitsu as opposed to just working out I have to say that stood beside my counterparts I look good for my age. Okay, bit of a cauliflower ear and my fingers look a little tricky but outside of that - looking pretty good over here.