Last weekend, I had a national inter-training for Jujitsu in Sydney. Over the course of 2 days, I participated in a number of activities that helped me with my jujitsu techniques, form, focus, and power.
Saturday 26th March, 2022
The day consisted of mostly the black belt candidate grading, where several brown belts and a couple of black belts graded to their next belt.
While they were getting assessed on all their skills, I, along with 2 orange belts and a yellow belt, were dusting up our skills on some jujitsu techniques and the kempo sequences (from 1 to 5).
We ended the day with a demonstration of the entire syllabus, which was recorded and is going to be sent to Japan. The demonstration was incredible and absolutely mesmerising. Watching the applications of techniques and the focus, purpose and power behind all of the moves was incredible to watch, and it showed me the standards and intensity that I will have to one day build as well.
Sunday 27th March, 2022
On Sunday, we did a lot of general training altogether, and mainly focused on our breathing and the purpose behind each move. I think through these exercises, I started to find my centre of focus, and learn how to use my breath as a source of power, purpose and intensity.
Unfortunately, while doing one of the exercises, I ended up getting punched in the face by a black belt which was not fun. He was demonstrating a technique, and pulled a short, but solid punch to my face, while I was getting up, and ending up hitting my left eyebrow. Needless to say, I have a small scar there now.
I’m very sore and exhausted now, but I’m really happy with how the weekend went. I learnt a lot, and I’m really excited for the day that I also get my black belt. I also realised that jujitsu is one of – or if not, the only – place I allow myself to make mistakes and not beat myself up over it. I would really like to carry this mentality and attitude into other areas of my life in the future.
Overall, I had an amazing time and I’m excited to keep training and getting better in the years to come!