The Privilege of Training 1

Photograph by Kelly Moore

This global pandemic has left me missing several aspects of my daily life, one of the most prominent among them being jiu-jitsu. Something that has become such a large part of my weekly routine, has left a big hole in the wake of its absence. Jiu-jitsu is not only one of my preferred methods of exercise, but it’s a social outlet and a community that I identify with. All the mandated time at home has me reflecting on the days I would contemplate going to the gym, not knowing that option would be stripped away from me one day. 

It truly is a privilege to be able to get into the car, drive to the gym, and spend hours training. The simplest pleasures, such as shaking hands with my training partners or rolling until I am drenched in sweat, are the things I miss the most. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities and take things for granted. I find myself regretting every class I ever skipped or every “rest day” I allowed myself. 

Embarking into this unprecedented territory, I strive to focus on the positive. If there is one thing this time has allowed me to reflect upon, it’s that being able to train is a privilege. Being in good health and having the resources to train is something that I will not take for granted when this is all over.

One thing I have learned in my years of jiu-jitsu is patience. As any one who trains understands, it takes months if not years to progress in jiu-jitsu; it’s a hobby that is not for those eager for quick promotion. Jiu-jitsu has taught me to be patient through the learning process, with my body, through injuries, and much more. I am drawing upon that same patience right now. Because this, too, shall pass. Another thing I have learned from jiu-jitsu is that it will always be there. This martial art that is decades old will not be eradicated by a pandemic. I am confident that the resilience of the jiu-jitsu community will shine through this dark time. 

When this is over, we will reunite as a community stronger than before. I am confident that I will embrace the privilege that it is to be able to train. I am using this mandated break to set goals, stay active at home, and visualize that which I want to accomplish when this is all over. I miss jiu-jitsu, like many, but I know it is not going anywhere, and, if nothing else, this is making me truly appreciate being a part of the jiu-jitsu community.

Author:

Victoria D’Anthony

Guest writer

Victoria is a blue belt and has been training jiu-jitsu for almost four years. She is a student, and enjoys traveling, writing and training whenever she can. When she’s not on the mats or at the beach Victoria enjoys spending time with close friends and is always looking for exciting new experiences.