One of my favorite pastimes is hiking with my family. The fresh air and stillness of the forest are rejuvenating. Hiking is all about the experience in it’s entirety – each footstep, every sound, all the colors, from trail head to the mountain top, all add up to total emersion in nature. As with most things, it’s not about the destination, but rather the whole proverbial enchilada. That being said, the destination holds a special status.
The view from the top of a mountain is breath-taking. It is absolutely awe-inspiring to be able to see out over all else in every direction. The higher the mountain, the better the view. Of course, that also means much more time and effort is required to get to the top. Interestingly, this only adds to the enjoyment. There’s some intrinsic reward in great accomplishments that require maximum effort; in knowing that you were able to do it.
“The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there.” – Vince Lombardi, Jr.
When it comes to martial art training, Brazilian jiu jitsu is the Mount Everest of them all. It is extremely challenging. It takes a large amount of time and effort. There are ups and downs, peaks and valleys. There are days, as we say, when you feel like the hammer, and others when you’re sure you were the nail.
Ask anybody who trains, however, and each will tell you the same thing: it is worth every drop of blood, sweat, and tears. You will get in amazing shape. You will become tough. You will acquire effective skills. You will be challenged, and have a blast doing it. You will become part of an amazing, positive, focused, hard-working and supportive family, all striving to be their best, and helping you become yours.
Ask anybody who trains and they will tell you, “the view is amazing.”
See you on the mat!