Study: Discovery & Artistry

I use a mountain metaphor to describe ‘the art’ of Jiu-Jitsu, with sportive aspects of Jiu-Jitsu such as the ADCC, Metamoris, and IBJJF events representing very specific routes up this mountain carved out by their respective rules and regulations. The mountain itself though is massive, with opportunities for exploration unlimited in scope.

If we aren’t conscious of the above distinction(s), they’ll shape our understanding and sense of possibility within Jiu-Jitsu, because man I think some one who gets every morning and moves around and does some solo-drilling who otherwise wouldn’t WITHOUT Jiu-Jitsu is kick ass!

To me this ‘is’ the art because of what it does for that person. Will this translate to hanging with a gym rat who trains 6-7 days a week? No, but that’s not the goal, nor does it have to be…

So, yeah, there’s seeking understanding of Jiu-Jitsu as an art, but just as important is discovering ourselves within the art, i.e. what are our individual needs, and how can we mold Jiu-Jitsu as we know it to serve us?

This is somewhat a more difficult path than it would appear as most Jiu-Jitsu schools are personality driven, plus it requires a sense of individuality and introspection on the part of the practitioner.

The key is an open mind with regard to ‘art’ and thinking in terms of function, fit, and need.