Jiu Jitsu in Kraków, Poland
Getting myself out of my comfort zone
When I was unpacking my suitcase at the Qubus Hotel, excited and happy to be at Steem Fest III, I realized how addicted I am to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when I took my gear out which in total was around 4 pounds of weight between rash guards, my gi (kimono), belt and finger tapes.
I mean, you could probably be thinking: ”Who in his all senses would go to the other side of the planet for a few days for a crypto conference and meetup with his martial arts gear to train there?” Only a jiu jitsu person would understand me.
When you are into sports or fitness, you know how good it feels those chemicals your body releases called endorphins, that natural high that feels so good. Well, it could be so addicting that if you spend several days without training, it could change your mood besides feeling bad about yourself.
I was not going to spend a complete week without rolling around with other opponents (sparring or training), although I was hesitating because visiting a new country and stepping in as a foreign visitor in an academy, can be a bit challenging.
From a jiu jitsu perspective, the way the sport is lived, regardless if you compete for a living or you are a regular person that love the sport and just want to train and learn, it makes you feel like we are all united for the same reason: to enjoy the sport! But, when you visit a new academy, you will always be challenged by almost everyone, especially the ones that are in your same rank or 1 level before you, because they want to test their technique against yours.
After a little bit of research I found an academy very near by to where we were staying like a 20 minutes walking distance: Akademia Fenix
I knew I was going to be alone there, without understanding Polish at all, but all these aspects combines were only going to do 1 positive thing on me: to keep building my selfconfidence.
This is why I named this post: Getting myself out of my comfort zone.
After I arrived at the academy, out of respect I waited in the line for the professor to invite me on the mat and talk to me.
The class was going to start in 30 minutes, and it was going to be NoGi class, which means no kimono on, just rash guards.
Gi and No Gi are the 2 forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gi Jiu Jitsu is grappling with the use of a traditional Gi, which allows you to grab the clothing of your opponent. No Gi is grappling without the traditional uniform, instead you wear shorts and a rash guard. In no gi you cannot grab your opponent’s clothing.
Professor told me the class was going to be for beginners. I was disappointed at first, I wanted to train in the advanced class, but then I thought why not sweating a bit with the debutants, after all I was one once, and I always happy when higher belts helped me in my moves and “traino”.
The class was full, and not understanding any word of what the professor was saying in his polish, still I was able to see and comprehend the moves in the techniques.
I started to feel comfortable after a few minutes, and acknowledge the acceptance of my presence from the rest of the students. It was fun and I was happy I learned 2 new arm locks.
We spent around 20 minutes sparring between each other, which was good. I was a bit afraid I was going to get injured, you see I am latin and europeans usually have a bigger contexture, and when you roll with white belts you have to be EXTRA careful, they rely on their strength because of the lack of technique, and rolling with white belts is when you could get hurt the most. But it was all good.
The class was done. The professor was so kind to invite me again, but the following days there was no time for me to go since Steem Fest had a busy agenda. Luckily for me it was a good experience, people were welcoming and we all learned from each other, this is what Jiu Jitsu is about, although you will always find that person with a strong ego that needs to prove something, and as a visitor, you just have to play it safe.
If you ever visit Krakow and want to visit this academy, it will be easy to locate it using google maps: Akademy Fenix, Kraków Poland.
In conclusion:
I believe that one of the best ways to improve in whatever you like to do as a hobby, sports or even professionally, although I enjoy to take examples from Jiu Jitsu experiences, is to put yourself in a situation you don't feel comfortable with, or a situation you know you will be challenged to perform better.
For the majority of the people is hard, usually the majority prefer the easy way and not be tested, but if you don't, how can you get better from a mindset point of view? It only makes you stronger and it helps to build your confidence.
Do you have a similar story? What do you or would you do to challenge yourself and get better in what you do?
Thank you!
Info Source:
Hahaa.. I thought was the only one crazy and of course I understand you. The same happened to me but as you said I thought about having an Injurie in there, an mess all the trip could be a mistake just for get some punchs... so decided to stay calm!
I saw this banner when taking pictures and said let's go...
I don't practice Jiu-Jitsu, too much contact for me, I only practice Kickboxing since 2014 3 times a week and that adrenaline shot and move your body with that special swing is like something necessary if you don't do that for more than 3 days!
Well done man, you have balls :)
Oh wow, cool thing you practice martial arts as well. Yeah I know, BJJ is a lot of contact but once you understand the art it is very addicting.
Thanks for passing by bro!
¡Cuídate Charrúa!
Agree at 100% that BJJ is an art...
Abrazo queridoooo!
That sounds like such a cool thing to do. I thought I might try and find a gym/swimming pool while I was out there, but never felt like I had the time. Well done for making the time :-)
Cg
thanks my friend, it was a good experience.
Be comfortable in uncomfortable :) The only question here is where was Eve and why isn't she on the pics?
Ahaha soo that's what Latinos think of Europeans? No technique, just strength? :D
no bro lol I clearly said "white belts" regardless of nationality. Professor was black belt, saw a few purple as well but I did not know I went for beginners class, it was good.
@evecab was in the lobby for welcoming drinks waiting for you and @phortun, I arrived after, plus she did not brought her gear, to much weight with all the coffee gifts =)
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Hah I knoow, I'm just catching u by words :D Altho I believe there might be some people who once see brazilian or in general south or middle American, they go harder. Ohhh shit, now you're making me feel bad that she couldn't train cuz of me :D
ahahah well, I'm european and whitebelt :D I bet you'de be praying to all gods to avoid injury before rolling with me :D
That is excellent!
The portion of your life you spend outside of your comfort zone is the area you are improving the most. Once you visit a strange academy, you will see it is almost the same everywhere and it is such a great thing to do to enhance a trip anywhere.
Congrats on stepping out and doing something completely different.
OSS!
thanks bro, you are right!
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