I have always loved the discipline and structure that come with sports. As a kid I played nearly every sport available, constantly looking for ways to challenge myself. Later, that passion carried me all the way to Division I football in college. Competing at that level taught me focus, resilience, and teamwork. But when graduation came, I suddenly felt a strange emptiness. The intense competition and structured training that had been part of my life for years were suddenly gone.
I tried to fill that gap in different ways. I signed up for a marathon, experimented with group workout classes, and even joined adult football leagues. Each activity kept me active, but none of them gave me the same feeling of challenge and excitement that I experienced during my college sports days.
Discovering Jiu Jitsu for the First Time
Everything changed about a year ago when I met a woman at a bachelorette party who trained in jiu jitsu. Until that moment, I had always thought of jiu jitsu as a male-dominated sport. Hearing her talk about it immediately sparked my curiosity because it sounded so different from anything I had tried before.
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A few weeks later I decided to attend my first class. To be honest, it felt very unusual at first. I had never trained in martial arts or self-defence, so stepping onto the mat made me feel completely out of place. The idea of grappling with someone felt strange, and many of the techniques initially looked awkward.
Despite that, the workout was incredibly intense. Jiu jitsu challenges your heart, muscles, coordination, and flexibility at the same time. It quickly became one of the most physically demanding activities I had ever tried.
Learning the Basics and Finding Confidence
My coach, who everyone respectfully calls “Professor,” was extremely patient. He guided me through the basic movements and drills step by step. During practice he paired me with experienced women who knew how to train safely with beginners. They answered my questions, encouraged me, and helped me improve without feeling overwhelmed.
Every class pushed me further than I expected. Even though I wasn’t winning any rounds as a beginner, I loved the challenge of learning how my body could move and react in completely new ways. After only a few classes, I realized I was hooked.
How Jiu Jitsu Transformed My Fitness
Today jiu jitsu has become a regular part of my routine. I usually train two to three times each week. Each session begins with about 45 minutes of drilling techniques, followed by 15 minutes of rolling. Rolling is when two athletes practise techniques by sparring in a controlled, full-contact environment.
The sport trains the entire body. Your grip strength becomes essential because you constantly control your opponent’s movements. Pulling techniques help bring a standing match to the ground intentionally. Submissions such as chokeholds require precision and control. Your legs generate power for sweeps that move you from a defensive position to a dominant one. Meanwhile your core and obliques work continuously to keep your body stable and balanced during every exchange.
Rolling sessions also test mental toughness. When the pace increases and your muscles begin to fatigue, you must stay focused, calm, and strategic.
Strength Training That Supports My Performance
Alongside jiu jitsu, I also strength train three times each week. My routine usually includes two lower-body days and one full-body workout. Since I spent years lifting weights during my football career, I prefer designing my own workouts and focusing on heavy lifts with proper form.
Many of my exercises mimic the movement patterns used in jiu jitsu. Bench presses, hip thrusts, dumbbell rows, and deadlifts are some of my most common lifts. Recently I have also been prioritizing mobility and flexibility because they play a huge role in how well you perform on the mat.
Fitness Products That Support My Training
A few products have also become staples in my routine. I recently began taking Momentous creatine, which helps support strength, power, and mental focus. Since adding it to my routine I have noticed improved energy during training sessions.
When I need quick nutrition, I also use Momentous vegan protein powder. Although I prefer getting most of my nutrients from whole foods, mixing a scoop of plant protein into water or a smoothie is a convenient option after intense workouts.
Another item I rely on is the Lululemon Energy Bra. It provides the support, comfort, and coverage I need during demanding training sessions.
Three Lessons Jiu Jitsu Taught Me
1. Finding a Community Again
One of the things I missed most after leaving college football was the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team. Jiu jitsu unexpectedly gave that feeling back to me.
Although technically an individual sport, the people you train with become your teammates. Everyone encourages each other to improve, shares advice, and celebrates progress together. The women I train with especially make every session memorable. One moment we are laughing together, and the next we are pushing each other to our limits on the mat.
2. Learning to Accept Failure
Starting a new sport as an adult can be humbling. In jiu jitsu I went from being confident and experienced in athletics to being a complete beginner again. Losing rounds, forgetting techniques, and feeling a step behind my opponent were all part of the process.
Over time I learned that those moments are not failures but opportunities to grow. Instead of thinking, “I’m bad at this,” I began telling myself, “This attempt didn’t work, but now I know what to improve next.”
3. Letting Go of Embarrassment
Trying something new later in life can feel intimidating. Walking into my first few jiu jitsu classes, I knew almost nothing about what I was doing. Instead of letting that embarrass me, I reminded myself that every expert was once a beginner.
Now, after a full year of training, the sport is still challenging, and that is exactly what I love about it. My skills, reaction time, and confidence have improved significantly.
Like many martial arts, jiu jitsu uses a belt system that ranges from white belt to black belt to represent an athlete’s experience and skill level. Each belt also includes four stripes that mark progress along the way.
I am still a white belt, but recently I earned my third stripe. My goal now is to continue improving and hopefully earn my blue belt, the next level in the system, by August.
