A few days out of the week, I voluntarily let people try to pin me to the floor, and somehow it’s become my favorite part of the week. 

Originally, my dad forced me to do Jiu-Jitsu so I would know how to protect myself in college. I was honestly dreading it because I knew I had to wear a funny outfit called a gi, and because people would be trying to choke me.

But the first time I landed a takedown, I had the strangest rush of adrenaline that became addicting over time. Something that I thought would be embarrassing has turned into the thing I most look forward to after school. Rolling around with my friends and learning new ways to defend myself has made me a more confident person, while also making me stronger both physically and mentally.

Beyond learning how to defend myself, Jiu-Jitsu gives me a break from the constant pressure of school. When someone is trying to sweep you, or you try to pin someone down, it’s nearly impossible to be thinking about finals. 

So, I strongly encourage you to try Jiu-Jitsu, as it teaches you to grow stronger mentally and physically, alongside giving you a good break from school. Most importantly you learn how to defend yourself in an effective, yet fun way!