Kristin Dizon
Just try it.
Cliché - but it keeps me challenged and motivated. How do these cliches apply to me in sport? My sport is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and it applies in everything I doFirst off, what is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? It’s a martial art with a primary focus on grappling techniques which allow you to control your opponent and even force them to give up, or if they’re stubborn then get them to take a quick nap. I hated to sweat and be in close contact with people, especially strangers. I hated knowing that there is a possibility I will lose and scared that I will hurt myself.
Nevertheless, these things all come with the territory when you train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I discovered and started training this martial art towards the end of 2016 when I felt myself at my lowest.
I just wanted to be strong and have control again. I stumbled on one of my acquaintance’s Facebook page with their post on this sport. I don’t know if I want to play sports with strangers especially rolling around with men.
If I didn’t try it at that time, then I wouldn’t be here today, absolutely enjoying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the lifestyle that comes with it. I have met different people with different backgrounds through this sport, I have competed and fought for the first time ever on local and international platforms through this sport; I have fought people tougher and bigger than me, including men, through this sport. I guess best of all, I met my other half through this sport.
I have also become close friends with and been coached by a blind man who is a 2019 World medallist in this sport, if you don’t believe me then look up @blindgrappler.
This sport, whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor, pushes you to your physical and mental limits that you thought you never had before. It is terrifying to know you will fight someone that has more experience, yet the outcome of giving it a shot is much more worth it than not trying.
I still to this day have my ugh days, so this is where my clichés help me kick myself out of bed and get myself on the mats to train. I have experienced a lot of support in this sport, and win or lose, your training partners are always on the mats with open arms willing to help you work on the mistakes you made, or help you take your mind off from a bad day at work.
So next time you are feeling down, just not confident in doing something, or scared -
Just try it.
Instagram: @kristindizjj – I would love to hear if you are wanting to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but not sure where/what/how to start, happy to have a chat! If you already are training in this sport, let’s link up- love meeting new women in this sport.