Beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Asheville: Member Q&A With Bea
For this month’s blog, I wanted to take a different approach. Instead of speaking from my side of the desk, I invited one of our Jiu Jitsu members to share her experience in her own words. Bea has been training with us for just under a year, and she was kind enough to answer ten questions about her journey so far. Keep reading to hear her insight.
What do you wish you had known before you started Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. As someone who doesn't like to half-ass things, it's sometimes been frustrating not getting techniques right away. But, I've learned that it just comes with the territory; resilience and humility are key if you want to progress.
What surprised you the most once you actually began training?
Jiu-Jitsu is as much mental as it is physical. It's a combat sport, but with strategic thinking; you're always debating what the next best move is, what's open, and adapting.
What’s been your favorite part of training so far?
Getting .05% better every time (even if it doesn't always feel like it.) It's very satisfying to successfully use a new technique while rolling, or utilize quick thinking successfully to your advantage.
What’s been the biggest change in your life outside the gym since starting Jiu-Jitsu?
Finding random bruises on my body everyday! But on a more serious note, I think I'm able to push through difficult situations, where it be mental or physical, with more confidence.
What was your biggest fear or hesitation before joining — and how did that change?
My biggest hesitation around starting jiu-jitsu was joining a gym where the culture was very "bro-ey/gym bro/toxic." Coming into this, I already knew that martial arts in general was male-dominated, so a big factor for me was finding a gym where I would feel supported and comfortable as a woman.
What keeps you coming back on the days you’re tired, stressed, or unmotivated?
Working out has always been a huge outlet for me, so even when I'm feeling mentally exhausted from work or don't want to get up early for a morning class, I just remind myself that 99% of the time I'm going to be happy that I went by the end of it. The only way I'm going to get better at the sport is if I actually show up.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about starting, what would it be?
This isn't necessarily advice, but I would say that there are people from all walks of life training jiu-jitsu; no matter your age or fitness level, this is a sport that you're able to do as well as you want to in, if you put in the time and effort.
What’s one challenge you’re proud you overcame on the mats?
(Not granby rolls lol.) One challenge I'm proud of overcoming was the unfamiliarity of combat sports in general; putting my body through jiu-jutsu is another level of soreness, calluses and mental blocks.
How would you describe the culture or energy of Underdog to someone who’s never been here?
Inviting, empowering and inclusive; Underdog is like it's own "tribe" in a sense. Not in a cliquey sort of way, but in a familial sense where the coaches and people around you care about how you're doing and make the effort to help you through techniques, answer questions, and ask you how your day has been.
And there you have it. Hearing directly from our members keeps us grounded and helps us continue building Asheville’s most welcoming martial arts communities.
If you’re curious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Self-Defense training, or fitness classes in Asheville, we invite you to stop in and try a free class at Underdog Martial Arts.
-Coach Brian