i apologize if there are codes and scripts that no one understands before this post. i don’t know how to get rid of them.
I approached scott from onthemat about two months ago in response toot he mat rat blogger position. He advised me that I could write about anything and everything I wanted; to let it all flow. I got the impression that I would be my own boss. I like that. Initially, I was hoping for specific direction. You know, sometimes being told, do this, go here, tell me about this… helps focus one to know what to do. But instead I was given a free reign to write about whatever I wanted to write about. Initially, I was hesitant, I’ll admit, but I contest: I was not idle.
I have been brainstorming, contemplating, reflecting on topics, issues, and concerns that I would want to hear about, and more importantly, write about. So while planning is a major part of any endeavor, it’s the final result, culminate through the action of DOING, that anyone really cares about. So below you will find a list of topics that I have been gathering info on, jotting notes about, and designing interviews for. Please provide your feedback. I am totally open to suggestions.
In the coming months you can expect the following articles to be in print and posted for your pleasure:
-jiu jitsu and family (gf’s don’t get it, family thinks you’re an adult doing karate, spousal conflicts, kids soccer games, gi’s taking up the washer/dryer). Dissected and analyzed for your enjoyment with a touch of humor, this is a topic that most of us can relate to. As children, teens, and young adults, we take for granted the idle time and ability to engage in activities. I’ll take a look at overcoming the passivity of adulthood with a fun, hard, self-improving art and addressing the same with family and loved ones.
-finding an instructor that fits. From the start of our training, through our further exploration of the sport, our building desire to learn and grow, and finally as we begin to master and teach: how do we assess the individuals we entrust with teaching us and mentoring our growth in the sport. Not all instructors are created equal.
-the future of the sport: jiu jitsu on TV? In the Olympics? An objective look at the rules governing the sport, the institutionalization / governance of the sport (IBJJF), and a look back in history at how other grappling arts have either become mainstreamed in the majority of society (American Wrestling) or faded away to be practiced by a relatively small and segregated community (Judo). I’ll look at the dynamics of sports history and discuss why some sports have had minimal changes to be accepted by the public and media (and most important by the advertisers) and how some have chosen not to change and how they have suffered for their stubbornness. Evolution of sports have been affected by contributing forces such as outside intervention, public relations, regional differences in play, and terms of media (and the governing bodies) to make them suitable and supposedly more enjoyable for the common viewer.
-your personal goals of jiu jitsu. We know the benefits: most effective mano-a-mano unarmed self-defense system, physical endurance and strength, flexibility, confidence, ect.. But really, have you ever thought about what your goals are? I mean really think about it. Why do you train? How do you overcome challenges in training (injuries, feelings of stagnation, tournament disappointments, ect), heck, why do you overcome them.
-training preferences:
-jiu jitsu lineage. Do you know where you come from? Independent schools and affiliations. What does it mean to know your lineage, is it important, and (see next topic)
-the jiu jitsu community: floaters, training at different academies, bridges gaps, or being a traitor? Hhhmmmm….. interesting? I’ll share my views of the jiu jitsu community. The love shared between different schools in training and competition. We are all connected in someway, why not all train together? I’ve been received in foreign countries, different coasts, dozens of schools. Only once have I heard (I wasn’t there) of my training partners be told they weren’t welcome at their school (they travel for work and try to train whenever and however they can (without breaking hotel rooms). Really? C’mon. Would your school welcome a traveler freely and openly? How would they be treated? What is the role and expectations of the visitor? As I travel cross country, can I expect to get in any training?
-probably the first of the bunch:
Upcoming tournaments, promotions, and news!!