Choke
2018
Had a relaxed day - started with BJJ - fun class, we worked on defense when someone has your back. I need lots of improvement. Still hard to swing my hips from below to come up on top… Got really good coaching today from @andredenson and a few upper belts.
Came home and had a free day so assembled furniture which my wife bought for the boys. I played the documentary “Choke” on YouTube while i screwed and hammered it all together.
I’ve watched it a few times and get something out of it each viewing. This time enjoyed the WimHof like moments around 35:00 and his description of how to breathe. But most of all is his “why” - he is so clear as to why he fights and what it means. It is not simply sport or self defense. In the documentary it mentions that Rickson is well received in Japan (even though BJJ is a departure from traditional Japanese martial arts). I think this is do because there is a clarity to his vision; he understands what he needs to do and sees all things though this syncretic lens. This spirit seems true to the original.
Reminded me of a passage in Musashi’s “5 rings” where he talks about the ‘way’:
“The Way of the warrior does not include other Ways, such as Confucianism,
Buddhism, certain traditions, artistic accomplishments and dancing. But
even though these are not part of the Way, if you know the Way broadly you
will see it in everything. Men must polish their particular Way.”
I feel so “partitioned” - different roles in different contexts. BJJ has helped me question why I do some things.
There are lessons from BJJ that extend to life in general. If you have confusion about your motives you are lost, fragmented. Rolling in BJJ involves trying something and if it doesn’t work, adapt and try something else. In the center of it all stay calm. I am nowhere near this yet but I can see it in others.