My 6-week intro session of Brazilian jiu-jitsu wrapped up a few weeks ago … and I’m still going! I’m still a bit overwhelmed with all I’m learning, asking lots of questions, and finding myself caught in tough spots more often than I can count. Failure on my part is almost guaranteed every time I roll. When I am successful in getting a submission, at least right now, it’s because my rolling partner is coaching me through a move.
I initially signed up for BJJ with the idea of learning some basic self defense skills. But I’ve discovered a side of myself I didn’t know existed. And I’m having fun, despite all my failures. I may have finally found ‘my’ sport… it’s only taken half a lifetime to get here!
As I’ve found myself trapped in someone’s mount with no room to move, or swept off my feet repeatedly, I have thought about a book I read (and loved) several years ago… John Maxwell’s book, “Failing Forward.” While it doesn’t talk about jiu-jitsu in particular, so much of it can be applied to this sport.
“If you’re not failing, you’re probably not really moving forward.”
― John C. Maxwell
Maxwell writes in his book to be successful, failure is necessary. It’s when we fail, we can learn and grow from our mistakes, and make improvements. I have been frustrated with myself in the last few weeks during class, for not remembering a particular technique or being unable to get myself out of a tight spot. But my coach reminded me recently that in the stage I’m in, I’m experimenting; I’m still figuring things out.
What does it look like for me to ‘fail forward’ with jiu-jitsu? It’s showing up to class and not giving up. It’s becoming aware of how I am ending up in less than ideal positions, and learning from each roll. It’s maintaining a good attitude and not beating myself up when I fail.
When was the last time you failed?
CINDY DIEHL 