Focus vs Potential

After decades immersed in the world of jiu-jitsu, I’ve come to a resounding realization: potential is abundant in all of us. Even those who may seem unbalanced, unathletic, out of shape, or weak possess the potential to excel in jiu-jitsu—not just to be good, but to be truly great. It’s a phenomenon I’ve witnessed time and time again. When you encounter someone truly exceptional at jiu-jitsu, you’re witnessing the culmination of focused time, discipline, and effort. It’s mind-boggling to contemplate: anyone, including you, can achieve greatness in jiu-jitsu. The only obstacle that stands in the way for many is a lack of focus, which can either impede progress or, at the very least, slow it down.

Personally, I’ve always had a multitude of hobbies. Perhaps it was due to my attention deficit or simply because I relished in the diversity of activities. At 28, when I first ventured into jiu-jitsu, my schedule was a whirlwind. I surfed several times a week, played beach volleyball once a week, trained jiu-jitsu twice a week, engaged in racquetball sporadically, all while balancing family life with a young son, a wife, church volunteer work, and a demanding full-time consulting career. It seemed chaotic, yet oddly normal to me.

However, as I increased my jiu-jitsu training from two sessions to four per week, I began to comprehend the intricacies of the sport more deeply. My cardio improved, and I felt a tangible difference in my performance during matches. When I committed to competition, I upped my training to six sessions per week. Sacrifices were inevitable—I had to bid farewell to volleyball due to a shoulder injury, and racquetball became a rare indulgence. Surfing remained a cherished morning ritual, but I learned to prioritize my time to align with my goals.

Weekends were dedicated to family time, while weekday mornings were reserved for breakfast with my loved ones. I also introduced my son to jiu-jitsu and encouraged my wife to pursue her fitness goals while I trained. Achieving a balance between work, life, and jiu-jitsu was key, and as I honed this equilibrium, I began to unlock my potential. I realized that at this pace, my progression in jiu-jitsu was accelerating significantly.

The same principle applies to everyone. Had I been single when I started jiu-jitsu, I would have needed to reprioritize my time spent on surfing, socializing, and various other hobbies. And if I had embarked on this journey at 51, my current age, the process would have been simpler, with fewer competing interests vying for my attention. Regardless of one’s circumstances, the fundamental truth remains: focus breeds growth in jiu-jitsu.

So, I urge you to contemplate how you can focus your efforts in jiu-jitsu without jeopardizing your life balance entirely. It’s about finding that delicate equilibrium where dedication to the sport enhances rather than detracts from your overall well-being.