Chapter 1: The Call to Compete

Nine months ago, I embarked on a journey to participate in the cherished sport of Jiu Jitsu. At the age of 40, battling a bad knee, two injured shoulders, and a heart condition, I felt compelled to step out of my comfort zone and confront new challenges. Initially, I planned to compete last October, but various factors delayed my aspirations. My goal was to compete before I turned 41, but the ongoing battle of a close friend with cancer ignited my determination. I viewed this competition as my fight, as it aimed to raise funds for cancer research.

Combatch, which translates to combat in Portuguese, embodies the essence of this endeavor. Few experiences are as daunting as engaging in a match against another competitor in front of loved ones, all for a modest medal. After eight months of grueling training, often feeling overwhelmed, I finally stood on the mat. Here’s what I discovered:

Adrenaline is a powerful force: Surprisingly, I didn’t feel overly anxious in the days or hours leading up to the event. However, the moment I stepped onto the mat, I experienced a dry mouth, a blank mind, and a racing heart—especially concerning due to my Afib condition. Despite my experience in Gi Jiu Jitsu, I found myself gripping too tightly, resulting in sore fingers the following day.

The Jiu Jitsu community is incredibly supportive: Both before and after my matches, the camaraderie was palpable. There was no animosity; rather, I felt an abundance of encouragement from everyone involved. Even in defeat, the consensus was clear: it was my first competition, and I should be proud of putting myself out there. While winning would have been fantastic, my primary goal was simply to compete.

We are not defined by our setbacks: Losing is tough; I was defeated in both of my matches via Americana submission. It’s disheartening to feel that all my preparation led to such a quick loss. Yet, the experience was about embracing challenges and the courage to compete. My family still loves me, and only a handful will recall my losses; ultimately, it’s not what matters most.

Challenging moments reveal our true selves: I grew up with a tendency to quit; I abandoned many pursuits when they became difficult. While I’ve worked hard to shed that part of me, I discovered there’s still a lingering inclination to give up. In tough situations, I tapped out when I could have fought harder. While I’m not suggesting I should have risked injury, I recognize I could have exhibited more resilience. Nevertheless, I am proud of my journey, especially for overcoming the doubts leading up to the competition.

Jiu Jitsu is demanding: The so-called gentle art is anything but; I leave training sessions feeling battered. My shoulders, fingers, neck, and occasionally my nose endure the toll. As a white belt, the techniques still feel unfamiliar to me. My coach demonstrates a move multiple times, yet I often struggle to replicate it during drills, let alone in live scenarios. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I truly know, and feeling vulnerable in another person’s control can be disheartening. However, I find hope in my proficiency at chess; I’ve heard Jiu Jitsu is akin to human chess, and I look forward to improvement.

In summary, this experience has been transformative. Initially, I intended to compete just once, but now I aspire to participate in more events. This journey has fostered significant personal growth. When I next step onto the mat, I aim to be a better version of myself—not just as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner, but as an individual. I am immensely grateful to everyone who has supported me, from my coach and training partners to the friends and family who attended. Special thanks to my wife, who endured my constant discussions about Jiu Jitsu, my self-doubt, and the laundry that accompanied my training. Lastly, I extend my gratitude to my opponents, who displayed humility and grace; it was an honor to compete against you.

Chapter 2: A New Perspective on Competition

The first video titled "Combatch! The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Card Game" captures the spirit of competition and community in Jiu Jitsu, showcasing the fun and strategic aspects of the sport.

The second video, "Combat Jiu Jitsu Highlights: It's Absolutely Crazy," features exhilarating moments from matches that highlight the intensity and excitement of Jiu Jitsu competitions.