Is there any other sport out there that seems like more of a solo effort than fighting? I mean, when you are out on the mats or inside the cage, there is no one else except for you and your opponent. However, outward appearances alone can be quite deceiving. Personally, I can’t think of any other sport so reliant on others than MMA and BJJ, and this is coming from someone who grew up playing team sports. But without my teammates constantly pushing me and challenging me in practice, I would not be able to reach the elite levels I am pursuing. In fact, I would be doing both myself and this sport a disservice if I tried to do everything on my own. I simply would not be able to ascertain high levels of achievements in competition if I did not have the team that I do. Everyone wants to hashtag their “squad” or post “gang gang” on everything, but the truth of the matter is that when it boils down to it, we are family, and I am who I am today because of the awesome coaches and teammates I have watching my back.
I hear so many stories of people lacking that type of camaraderie in their gyms; many feel isolated or excluded, and in extreme circumstances, even unwelcome or discriminated against. At Schell Shock BJJ, all are welcome. We diversify stereotypes with gender, race, age, political affiliation etc. When we are on the mats we are a family, plain and simple. We do not bicker or ruffle feathers, we are there strictly to train (okay, and maybe socialize a wee bit) and it doesn’t matter about our opinions off the mats, but how we treat each other within those walls. Now, suffice to say, that doesn’t mean our Professor would ever tolerate pure hateful behavior outside the gym, because what we do elsewhere can be considered a direct reflection on the culture we exemplify. I think it says a lot about our Professor and the instructors that we have that we seem to attract such an upstanding group of people, both on and off the mats.
There are times we do get frustrated with each other while training. Either we aren’t happy with our performance, or there are instances where we may perceive someone using too much force or going too hard, whether unintentional or not. But any family has the occasional disagreement, and it’s good to know that no one is above their ego here. Attitudes get checked at the door and the level of respect that is shown to each and every student, and especially to those in charge, is truly humbling. Our Professor has worked ridiculously hard to build the type of environment he deems respectable, and it shows. It is truly an honor to represent Schell Shock BJJ and Team Rubao Carioca in fights and in competition and I will continue to portray those brands with pride.
The men, women, teenagers, and children that train at our gym make me proud to call them family. We laugh, we joke, we push each other, we test each other, we challenge ourselves, and we fight to be better. My coaches have each inspired me to be a better person, training partner, fighter, and competitor, but most importantly. my teammates have too. I have seen such an incredible amount of growth in all of them. From newly acquired skill, to confidence levels, to weight losses and goals achieved. At our last team tournament, I watched one of our newly promoted female blue belts win her first match since earning her new rank after struggling to come to terms with this promotional level and I almost cried seeing the pride on her face. I watched a brand new white belt lose his first match, and instead of quitting, listened thoroughly to our Professor for his next match and work his way to finishing a submission against a much more experienced opponent. I was matside as another member accidentally injured his opponent and it absolutely crushed him to know he caused someone pain. I saw a father and son compete in their first competition and cheer each other on with such exuberance as they both won their respective matches. And I witnessed one of our guys who went from losing every match in his first tournament come back and train ridiculously hard, drop an incredible amount of weight, and win every single match this time around. I am so proud of all of them.
This past weekend, we had 4 out of 5 instructors compete in Toro Cup. Unfortunately, not one of us walked away with the win. There are so many things I wanted to pick apart from my performance despite the accolades from my coaches and teammates. I am always honored to compete for Toro Cup and raise money for charity, but I am hungry and almost blood thirsty for that win. But the amazing thing about this was how many members from our team came out to support us. It was a long day of many ups and downs, but knowing that we had so many people ready to give up a Saturday and support us meant the world. I truly wish that everyone who trains at a BJJ gym is privileged enough to be surrounded by such an amazing support system like we are. I love this family more than they probably know because let’s be honest, I’m a sarcastic little butthole and often tease them mercilessly but I promise it is almost always from a place of adoration and affection. And I swear the first person at the gym later to refer to me as an affectionate butthole is getting choked the eff out.
This was a deviation from my other blog posts, but I felt it was time to express my love for this acquired family. The gi burns, mat scratches, bruises, black eyes, sore limbs, and smashed ears you guys have given me have made it all worth it. We train like freaking animals and because of this, my cardio never fails me. Thank you to my coaches for pushing me past my limits and all my teammates for consistently beating me up. Because of you guys, I will be champion. Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you a family. There is no other team I want supporting me and watching my back than the Schell Shock familia. If you are reading this, and ever want to come down and train (or my words annoy you and you just want to come in to kick my ass) please feel free to swing on by any time. We love having and learning from visitors. From white to black, we are always excited to have a fresh face. Nem toda a familia e sangue.
