Hi my name is Justin, here is my journey so far in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu :

Jiu Jitsu or BJJ is a martial art that has gained popularity over the years due to its effectiveness in real-life situations. As a white belt, I have just begun my journey in this art, and I find it both challenging and rewarding.

 My journey started unofficially with neighborhood friends in a makeshift gym in my parents' house back in the Philippines. Later on, I trained in a gym under the guidance of experienced coaches, earning my stripes as a white belt. While on vacation in Townsville, Australia, I stayed with my older sibling, and the urge to train made me look for nearby gyms. It was there that I found Gracie Barra Townsville, and I introduced my older brother to the sport. He, too, fell in love with the sport and continued his training even when I left to go back to the Philippines. Then the pandemic struck and the team parted ways, and the gym closed its doors. Proximity to a gym became an issue, especially with my time constraints juggling work and childcare responsibilities. Meanwhile, my older sibling continued his journey in Jiu Jitsu and is now a bluebelt. He even got his son on his own path in Jiu Jitsu.

Despite these setbacks, I continued to train whenever I could, even if it meant training on my own at home. Recently, I joined a promising gym called Leap Jiujitsu, where egos are left at the door, and the vibe is all about the love of the sport and the drive to learn. Joining a team that strives to build a positive community is essential when starting the journey.

Training Jiu Jitsu has been physically and mentally challenging, pushing me to my limits. It has taught me how to deal with body pain, such as minor injuries in my fingers, wrist, back, and shoulders, which are all part of the sport. But it is all worth it at the end of the day.

 As a white belt, I am still at the beginning of my journey, learning the basics, and building a solid foundation for future growth. The journey requires hard work, patience, and dedication. However, the lessons that I have learned from Jiu Jitsu have helped me in my personal and professional life as well.

In conclusion, being a white belt in Jiu Jitsu has been a challenging yet rewarding experience that teaches discipline, respect, and humility. The lessons learned in Jiu Jitsu are invaluable, and the benefits extend far beyond the mat.