The Power of Showing Up

In Jiu Jitsu, there’s something I always say: "You’ll feel better if you go."

And it’s true — not just in a cliché way, but in a way that settles deep into you after enough time on the mat. You never leave class thinking, "Man, I wish I hadn’t gone tonight." 

But you will sit at home and say, "Man, I wish I had gone."

The mental side of Jiu Jitsu has its hooks in me even more than the physical. It’s not just about getting stronger; it’s about resetting your brain when life gets heavy. Holy cow life always seems so heavy right? So many of us are using jiu jitsu for therapy.  Sometimes just showing up — even if you’re not feeling strong, even if you don’t roll, even if you just dress out, sit on the edge of the mats, and soak up the technique — that’s enough.

That's winning for the day. 

This week, my body was begging me for a break. But my mind? My mind needed it more.

I know even if it was temporary, even if the chaos of life would come rushing back afterward, Jiu Jitsu would buy me a little peace, a little clarity — and that was worth every ounce of effort to walk through the door. The funny thing is, the nights you almost don't go are usually the ones you need most. The ones where you're tired, sore, lazy, overwhelmed — but you push through anyway. Those nights have a way of gifting you something unexpected. Maybe you finally hit a technique that’s been frustrating you for weeks. Maybe you have a conversation that reminds you why you love this community. Maybe you just remember you're tougher than your excuses.

The longer you train, the more you realize that showing up isn't just something you do for Jiu Jitsu. It builds something inside you — something that starts showing up in every part of your life without you even noticing at first. Showing up teaches you resilience before you even realize you're learning it.

Consistency is the key.  Not just talent. Not just motivation.

The quiet, stubborn act of coming back, again and again. It’s the same muscle you’ll flex later when life hits hard. When you're faced with something that makes you want to quit, doubt yourself, or walk away — you'll already know how to stand your ground. You've practiced it a hundred times over, every night you tied your belt and walked through the door when it would've been easier not to.