I did a post on a few sites about my progress in martial arts, which got a lot of engagement, thought I would post that here to maybe inspire someone who might be in the same boat. 🙂 What I did not mention on another reddit community, was my father also passed in Jan 2025 and we only started speaking again after 10 years when my little brother died in Oct 2023.
He was diagnosed with Liver Cancer in 2024, and as much as I had promised myself to never speak to him again, accepting his apology and putting a smile on a dying man was worth it, and I'm glad I did. The below isn't just for BJJ, but any active sport, however the community matters and so do having the right people around you!
Just wanted to share this as a bit of inspiration for any of the guys out there thinking about starting BJJ, or maybe feeling a bit burnt out.
I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2021. I’m not sure why, but I had no desire to go back to the gym—it just felt boring. I wanted to do some form of martial art, but without getting hit in the head (thanks to migraines). After months of researching BJJ, joining groups, watching videos, scrolling Reddit, and trying to psych myself up, I finally walked into a class in August 2021.
Since then, I’ve slowly been getting healthier, and consistency has been key. Some of the personal benefits I've experienced might help if you're on the fence:
-I’ve lost 30kg since 2021.
-I was taken off beta blockers after 1.5 years.
-Migraines now come with aura only—maybe once every 2–3 months, and no painful headaches.
-I’ve made lifelong friends in a country I wasn’t originally from.
BJJ helped me cope with the loss of my little brother in 2023.
-My quality of life, mood, and motivation have increased tenfold.
-I've probably added years to my life with my kids—yes, at the expense of shoulder issues, knee issues, and GI fingers… but that’s a win I’ll take any day.
More smiles, more laughs.
by RotoTom85