How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Can Help You Control Your Ego
As human beings, we all have an ego. It’s a natural part of who we are, and it can be a useful tool for achieving our goals and asserting ourselves in the world. However, when left unchecked, our ego can also be a hindrance, causing us to act impulsively and make poor decisions.
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), ego is a common issue that practitioners face. The intensity of the sport, combined with the desire to win and the pressure to perform, can all lead to an inflated sense of self-importance. However, BJJ also offers a powerful tool for controlling ego and cultivating humility.
Ways to Keep Our Egos in Check
BJJ is a humbling experience. No matter how skilled you are, there will always be someone who can defeat you. This constant reminder of your own limitations can help to keep your ego in check and cultivate a sense of humility.
BJJ is a team sport, and success often depends on the support and assistance of your training partners. This emphasis on teamwork can help to foster a sense of camaraderie and encourage you to prioritize the success of the group over your own individual success.
Emphasizing the importance of learning, BJJ is a complex and ever-evolving sport, and there is always something new to learn. This constant process of learning and growth can help to shift your focus away from ego and towards the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
In BJJ, you must be fully present in the moment in order to perform well. This focus on the present moment can help to ground you and prevent your ego from taking over. Adding meditation and breathwork to your practice can also help with this.
It also promotes a strong culture of respect and sportsmanship. Having students build each other up and encourage each other is important for the overall health of the community. Showing respect and care for your training partners builds trust and can push to higher levels of training.
This emphasis on treating others with dignity and respect can help to counteract any negative effects of ego and cultivate a sense of humility and grace.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be a powerful tool for controlling ego and cultivating humility. By embracing the lessons of the sport and prioritizing teamwork, learning, and respect, you can use BJJ to become a better, more grounded, and more humble person both on and off the mat.