Rich Wood 8

Food is Fuel

A Journey Through Weight Gain, Weight Loss, Diabetes and Lifestyle Change

Jiu-Jitsu, and how you should never stop challenging yourself.

When I think about the way I felt and lived my life when I was 275lbs., it mainly consisted of being tired all the time and thinking of what terrible food I wanted to have at every meal.  I have trained Kenpo karate for many years.  When I got to that weight, I quit going.  I spent a lot of time falling asleep in front of the television.  The only physical activity I would get would be at work. When I lost all the weight I knew there would be new challenges that I would be capable of finally doing and interested in doing.  

As I stated previously, I have always been a huge fight fan.  I have no desire to fight, but I love learning the techniques.  I love the style of workouts that fighters do, and I love training hard.  People who know me well know that when I get an interest in something I pour myself into it a million percent.  Through my love of mixed martial arts I decided that I really wanted to learn Jiu-Jitsu.  In case you are not familiar, I have included a brief description below of what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is*.  I wanted to start studying this amazing art for myself, and to introduce my 10 year old son to a martial art.  I was familiar with Kyle Watson from the Ultimate Fighter TV show, and I would see him at local MMA fights.  I started asking around about getting my son into Jiu-Jitsu, someone who would be great with kids – and whenever I would mention Kyle’s name everyone would come back and say that Kyle is amazing.  

One evening I ran into Kyle at an event and introduced myself.  I explained to him that I was looking to start training in Jiu-Jitsu with my son.  My first impression of Kyle was how interested he was in what I had to say, and how humble he was.  We set up our first lesson and due to what a special teacher and person Kyle is, my son has smiled through every lesson since.  My son has never said to me “I don't want to go,” or “this is not fun.” That is all due to Kyle’s approach and gift.  As for me, I have become completely obsessed.  Jiu-Jitsu is an incredibly beautiful and violent art.  As I've gotten further into learning, what has impressed me the most is how eager the students at Kyle’s gym are to help you and how humble they are.  This has a tremendous amount to due with the type of person Kyle is.  From the time I started with him, he always had a positive message regarding not getting frustrated as a beginner, and how important it is not to be a bully.  He has been available to answer any questions I have at any time.  

I feel so fortunate that the different trainers and coaches that I have in my life are always so passionate about what they do.  There have been times due to my work schedule, that Kyle has met me early in the morning for a lesson.  I can see in his face that he is tired – he trains a lot of people and is very busy with his own career.  But, when it comes time for us to start, like a light switch he is able to turn on his passion for Jiu-Jitsu and it is truly genuine.  I believe it is very important for any man, woman or child to learn a martial art – not just to protect yourself, but because of the journey along the way.  You will come in contact with people who will help you learn about yourself.  I believe it is always important to remain a student of life.  I don’t know why it happens that when we reach a certain age we feel the need to stop challenging ourselves.  No matter what your age, if you have a love or passion for something – it is never too late to try it.  If it’s something you did early on, go back to it.  If there’s something you always wanted to try, there is nothing stopping you from doing it…other than yourself.  Do not worry about cost.  If you really want to do it you will find a way to make it happen.  Starting Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 46 is one of the most challenging things I have ever done.  There is no part of me that gets frustrated with where my skills are at this age, or my physical limitations.  I am motivated to improve.  I am very grateful to Kyle Watson and his students for helping me on this new challenge and journey.  I am so thankful to Kyle for being a great teacher and friend.  If I had not taken the steps to get  my health in order, I would have never tried, and shared with my son, what has become one of the greatest passions in my life.  People who practice Jiu-Jitsu understand. 

Food For Thought:  The first rule to perfect your Jiu-Jitsu is to never be deaf to other peoples knowledge – Renzo Gracie

www.watsonbjj.com

*Brazilian Jiu Jitsu  - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art based on grappling and ground fighting techniques.  The aim of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to control and subdue a larger and stronger opponent through the use of superior techniques, leverage, and body mechanics.   With an emphasis on grappling rather than striking, students are able to practice with varying levels of intensity, without the threat of serious injuries which can occur more often in martial arts focused on punching and kicking.

Traditionally, the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu student practices in a gi or kimono, a martial arts uniform similar to a judo outfit.  In recent years, many schools and academies have incorporated no-gi BJJ, commonly referred to as submission wrestling, to their teaching curriculum.  In no-gi BJJ, students typically wear t-shirts and shorts, instead of the typical gi.