Photo by Kaya Florczak (BJJ Photography)
There are a few things in life that get me going: a good cup of coffee, watermelon-shaped sour candy, a blank Microsoft Word document, and fighting.
Here are 8 reasons why fighting makes me happy.
1. It’s not easy, and that’s why it’s worth it.
I have yet to encounter another activity that is so difficult in so many different ways.
Being an effective fighter requires physical conditioning and technical training, a solid understanding of tactics, strategies, patterns, and systems, and a firm control over your own ego and emotions.
But after the struggles of training and competition comes the sweet contrast of tranquility.
The calm after the storm is something to appreciate, but one that I believe is often overlooked.
2. Fighting allows me to reach a flow state.
A concept from positive psychology coined by Russian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow state is a state of heightened focus, immersion, and enjoyment, with individuals often referred to as being in the zone.
My sense of time disappears and I become lost in the task in front of me. I improvise and move in ways I didn’t know I was capable of, chunking sequences in live training I had only ever seen in videos.
Being in a flow state is when I’m at my happiest, and martial arts gives me the best chance of getting into that state on as regular of a basis as possible.
3. Being a martial artist gives me purpose.
Constantly looking to learn, grow, and develop as a martial artist guides my day-to-day living.
So many of my lifestyle decisions are made with my next training session or competition in mind. Motivation to eat right, stay in shape, and take care of my body becomes easy when such an important part of my life is influencing my behavior.
However, improving as a martial artist means more than just getting better at fighting.
Martial arts changes how I approach work, school, family, and social interactions. I want to be a better person because I understand the effect it will have on my life as a martial artist, and vice versa.
4. Fighting is like human chess.
Now, I’m not good at chess – that I will admit right away. But I can appreciate how intellectually stimulating the game can be.
There are many comparisons drawn between chess and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as the two activities share many similarities regarding strategy and tactics in a 1 vs 1 battle.
Fighting is the most intellectually stimulating activity I have ever participated in – and that’s on top of already being the most physically and emotionally difficult activity as well.
Trying to solve the puzzle of human limbs, movement, pressure, force and angles is engaging, frustrating, and satisfying all at the same time. It gets me excited, confused, discouraged, and hopeful – and that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back for more.
5. Fighting is a battle between you and yourself, not between you and your opponent.
Will you give up when things become difficult? When plan A doesn’t work out right away, do you switch to plan B, or do you panic, throw the plans out, and let your emotions get the best of you?
The opponent in front of you is merely a tool to test your own personal and martial arts development.
The battle is your own, and more often than not you are fighting to overcome the dark corners of your mind more than you are fighting to overcome your opponent.
One of my favorite parts of fighting is the ongoing grappling match I’m having with my own fears, insecurities, and doubts. I don’t measure success by wins and losses anymore, but instead by how I manage my thoughts in times of pressure and stress.
6. Fighting is a team sport – not an individual one.
It’s true, in most cases you can’t bring your team into the ring to help you win a fight if you’re losing (and if you do you will most likely get in a lot of trouble).
But just because you are matched up 1 vs 1 does not mean that martial arts should be considered an individual sport.
The comradery and community I have been lucky enough to experience through fighting is second to none. Who would think that a group of people learning controlled violence would be so welcoming, friendly, and caring?
The relationships I have developed from martial arts are lasting, authentic, genuine ones. I owe so much of my progress and development to those around me who took the time to share their knowledge and answer my questions.
7. Teaching others to fight is an incredible privilege.
I attribute nearly all of my growth and success as a martial artist to the teachers and students who so patiently taught me to fight.
Teaching and learning martial arts are very intimate experiences. More than other physical activities and sports, learning how to fight creates unique bonds between teachers and their students.
Teaching people how to fight is more than just passing on techniques and strategies – it’s about passing on lessons that can be applied in life outside of the dojo.
After years of studying under great teachers (not that I’m finished learning, of course, I will always be a student), I now have the amazing opportunity to pass on techniques and strategies, experience, and life lessons to the next generation of martial artists.
I have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life the same way someone else made a difference in mine. For that, I’m very grateful.
8. Being a martial artist is part of my identity.
There is no place I feel more comfortable than on the mats training, learning, or teaching.
Personal expression is an important part of happiness. I can say that I am the truest version of myself when I am in a gi, breathing heavily, wiping sweat from my face.
I can’t dance (at all), but martial arts movement is how I express myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually (?). Being a martial artist is the most meaningful part of my identity, and having this solid foundation gives me a sense of calm confidence I was looking for my entire life.
In Closing…
I don’t get into fights, I’m not an aggressive person, and I’d rather avoid most conflicts with passive-aggression and selective memory (or lack thereof).
But being a martial artist, and fighting, make me extremely happy. And I know that this happiness comes from doing what I love.
Success has different definitions depending on who you ask.
I consider myself successful because I look forward to waking up in the morning and spending another day trying to improve as a martial artist.
Fighting makes me happy – what makes you happy?
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