Two weekends ago, I stood on the podium at the World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a gold medal around my neck. This moment was the culmination of 2 1/2 years of relentless training—twice a day most days in addition to my regular workouts—and countless hours spent honing my skills on the mat. But my journey to that medal wasn’t just about mastering jiu-jitsu; it was about embracing the power of competition and the personal growth that comes with it.
How It All Started
I didn’t grow up competing in sports. In fact, I never even tried an individual sport until my late 20s. When I started training jiu-jitsu, I was stepping into a whole new world, one where the only way to improve was to throw myself into competition after competition, learning from each experience.
The Two Keys to Success
Over time, I’ve realized that my progress in jiu-jitsu—and in life—has come down to two key factors:
First: Obsessively Studying Peak Performance
From day one, I’ve been fascinated by what it takes to perform at your best. I’ve devoured everything I could find on sports psychology, flow states, and neurobiology, trying to understand the mental and physical factors that separate good athletes from great ones. Why do we get nervous before high-pressure events? What does it take to perform better when it matters most?
The answers to these questions have not only improved my performance but have also given me insights into how to approach challenges in other areas of my life.
Second: Competing. A Lot.
There’s no substitute for experience. I’ve competed over three dozen times since I first started training jiu-jitsu.
Every time I stepped onto the mat, I was nervous, but I knew that competing was the only way to truly test myself. Each competition was a chance to apply what I’d learned, to push myself beyond my comfort zone, and to grow as both an athlete and a person.
The Value of Competition
You don’t have to love competing to reap its benefits. Personally, I can’t say that I always love the competitions themselves — mostly, I can’t wait for them to be over with. But I am passionate about pushing myself to be the best I can be. Competition forces you to confront your weaknesses, refine your strengths, and apply the lessons you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
It’s not just about winning; it’s about the growth that comes from putting everything you’ve worked for on the line.
Applying This Mindset to Your Own Life
The lessons I’ve learned from competing in jiu-jitsu apply far beyond the mat. Whether you’re an athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to achieve a personal goal, the same principles hold true.
If you want to get better at anything, start by understanding the why behind it. Study what it takes to succeed, then put that knowledge into practice. It’s through this cycle of learning and doing that real growth happens.
Embrace the Challenge
Winning gold at the World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship was a huge milestone for me, but it was just one step in a much larger journey. The real reward has been the lessons I’ve learned along the way—lessons about perseverance, mental toughness, and the value of pushing myself to my limits.
Whether you’re competing in sports or striving for success in any area of life, don’t shy away from the challenge. Embrace it. That’s where the real growth happens.