I previously wrote about how boring Netflix is, but offered no remedies to this stagnant habit. So, I've decided to go on a mission.

The Mission

The objective is simple. Every week until graduation, which is in about six weeks, I will shove myself out of my comfort zone and try something that is completely new to me. Soon, my life will (hopefully) be filled with the fast-paced mumbo jumbo of Adulthood, but while I have few obligations and on-campus housing, I can take advantage of trying new hobbies that will hopefully stick.

First up: jiu-jitsu.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a form of martial arts that is heavily technical, mentally stimulating and, when executed correctly, one hell of a workout. I had watched my boyfriend compete in several competitions and was impressed, but unable to distinguish different "holds" and "submissions" of which the other competitors spoke of.

So, I decided to try it.

The Breakdown

I walked into a room with mats and little else. The minimalism was a bit daunting, because not picking up a ball or weights to work out was unbeknownst to me.

First, we "flow rolled" which basically meant rolling around and trying not to get my arms caught at a weird angle under somebody else. It was a huge throwback to those innocent days when I would wrestle with my guy friends, before we figured out that our bodies had differences.

Next, the instructor showed us a series of leg locks with cool, yet intimidating names like "the Reaper" and "topside ashi" that involved a lot of pressure placed on my calves and shins. Suddenly, my left and right were open to interpretation. Cardinal directions ceased to exist. I was awful at it, but it was also a ton of fun to roll around on the floor in a semi-constructive fashion.

Lastly we "grappled," which is what happens in actual competitions. Since I was the only girl there that day (oof) I got to go against dudes that had fifty pounds and ten years of experience over me. I got tossed around like a limp rag doll, but they broke down the movements for me and let me try all sorts of techniques that I immediately forgot.

I also used a ton of profanity and got elbowed in the face, but that's fine. It was my first day.

The Verdict

I walked out of the gym covered in other people's sweat and not caring one bit. My body hurt in weird places, like the back of my neck and my shins, but I also can't stop telling people about how therapeutic and awesome the experience was.

There's an entire community advocating for this art, and it promotes a totally unique and spiritual well-being that stems from devotion to the craft. I definitely understand the appeal, and bonus: they have some sick apparel.

Jiu-jitsu is definitely worth looking into. I plan on going back as soon as possible.

Special thanks to the SIMS Martial Arts Academy and the lunchtime 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu class for letting me be a flailing amateur for a day, and beyond.

http://www.10thplanetjj.com/