Proverbs 24:15-18 NKJV
Proverbs 24:15-18 is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. These verses remind us that even the righteous may fall, but through resilience and hard work, they will rise again. This resonates with me as I continue to grow and learn in Jiu-Jitsu. I have experienced firsthand the physical and mental challenges of training and competing. There have been times when I have been thrown to the ground, submitted, and left feeling defeated. But it is through these experiences that I have learned the importance of rising again and pushing forward. One of the best compliments of this year so far is...
"Fuck man! You're a survivor!"
One instance that comes to mind was during a sparring session this morning. My Uke was a bit older in age, very strong, and had 4 stripes on his white belt. Definitely adept in his Jiujitsu and a good Uke. I was caught in a very uncomfortable position and came very close to being submitted. Uke had both hands in deep for the collar choke, but I had my chin down and focused on my breathing in the smother and I managed to escape. Uke, who is a more experienced practitioner, looked at me and said, "Fuck man! You're a survivor!" It was a small comment, but it meant a lot to me. It made me realize that even though I had been dominated almost the whole roll, I had not given up. I fought to find a better position until the end and managed to escape. This reminded me of Proverbs 24:16 "for the righteous man falls seven times and rises again."
"You saw it coming"
Another instance was when my coach gave me feedback on my performance after another roll. This morning we were drilling omoplata and some variations. We learned about momentum and how to roll into omoplata or sit on Uke should omoplata fail to put us in position for a different submission. The technique that coach was working towards was a leg triangle and he needed to bring his leg over my arms and around my neck. I was more aware, did my best to anticipate the move, and was able to successfully block it, avoiding submission. He said it was a nice block and that I saw it coming. This made me happy because my ability to be aware of and anticipate my opponent's moves was a sign of my progress and improvement. This reminded me of Proverbs 24:15 "Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling." It speaks to my own awareness of the dangers of the wicked. Though the lesson in this verse is usually referring to one's character in life, wicked or righteous, the concept of being aware that though my Uke is not wicked, he is trying to nail that wicked leg triangle. It's important to be aware of our surroundings and anticipate the moves of our opponents, just as it's important to be aware of potential dangers in life.
“Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.”
Jiu Jitsu is a beautiful art that demands dedication and commitment. It requires us to constantly work on ourselves, both physically and mentally. But the rewards are well worth the effort. It's a journey that will help you discover your true potential, and it will help you become a better person. Proverbs 24:15-18 serves as a powerful reminder that the righteous may fall, but through perseverance and determination, we can rise again. This is the spirit of Jiu Jitsu, to keep going through the fall and the challenges, and to keep pushing towards our goals.
Ricson Gracie told Jocko Willink written in the forward of "Breathe, the life in the Flow" by Rickson Gracie with Peter Maguire" Rickson told him, "you do a good job staying calm in bad positions, that's an important thing"
Breathe through the smother...
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