Validation, Validation, Validation that certified stamp of approval to producing those desired results. The thing that makes one tick, gives something worth fighting for, and through it all makes anyone 1 % better in that continual journey of reaching his/her goals. This concept goes hand in hand with any driven life aspiration especially when it comes to being an athlete hoping to claim one's share of the world championship status.A art which has gone through many phases from self-defense stages to tough man superiority to the athletic realm we are in today becoming a BJJ World Champion is the ultimate prize every serious BJJ competitor aspires to become. Its capturing can bring wonders in a person's life ranging from fame, self-confidence boost, self worth, and future financial stability which are all extra rewards coming from that validation of achieving that ultimate goal.
A little over a year ago I wrote a blog that got mixed reviews concerning the 97 % er vs. the 3 % er . I am one to always admit my wrong and when I look back I think I was a total idiot for writing it because although I have a problem with people's personalities,when it comes to competing who am I to judge what's in a person's heart, just as who is anyone to judge what's in mine. So lets finally eliminate these bullshit percentage classes the media has segregated everyone with and open up about the real nature of this topic, and answer a question a lot of people have asked me "Why I Don't Have a Goal of Becoming World Champion "?
Before I reveal my answer I want to take a moment and talk briefly about why becoming world champion is important in this age of BJJ. As mentioned earlier this art or as we call it today sport has gone through major transitional phases since it groundbreaking introduction in 1994 by Royce Gracie. Somewhere along that trail new ideas sprung, the bar needed to be raised which reached a conclusion that BJJ needed to mature sorta speak in its vision of opening more opportunities for those partcipating in it thus producing the World Champion Title which has inspired many for the past 7 years (IBJJF Worlds came to the states in 2007). Hours in the gym perfecting skills, physical tear in the body, mental anguish, and that none hesitation of destroying another competitor's dreams, that self-preservation mentality comes with that validation of knowing you are the best at what you do not only answering the doubts in your mind but also for fellow peers to witness.
This driven motivation is no different from my open dialogue of my Battle Within blog series in regards to why I compete. So from a viewer standpoint these World Champion medal chasers are somewhat people we can relate to because it inspires us to push forward to getting what we desire in life. Nevertheless some people prefer apples while some prefer oranges which evidently creates a different mindset touching on each person's journey which brings me to Why I don't have the goal of becoming a World Champion in BJJ.
Although this was a fantasy that once lived in my head based on what I perceived as BEING GREAT, the stage that I am at in my life right now becoming a world champion does not give me fulfillment whatsoever and if it ever did happen it would be because I was just out there challenging myself. As most athlete medal chasers have their own journeys, I also have mine marked with many highs and lows which has personally affected me molding me to becoming the man I am today. Just the general aspect about meeting people both good impressions and bad, learning new things, and testing myself in competition are the main components which helps me to becoming a better individual. If anyone who knows me personally or just by what you read in the blogs I'm a pretty serious and passionate guy focused on becoming better in life taking those lessons learned through my grappling pracitices to deal with life outside the gym and showing humility to help those around me. This is what makes me tick, this is what makes putting my gi worth fighting for as I search constantly for that validation I know for a fact I'm far from reaching of just being a better man.
In addition for those that reach the World Championship status there is a major bad habit of mine of taking shit personal ( I'm working on it btw -haha-) when I perceive certain things.Looking from a viewers perspective being world champion does come with it share of many problems. You acquire your collection of haters, news critics who want to boost their credibility through your shortcomings, fans who only like you when your on top, and even fake friends/acquaintances who want to take your spot. These are things I completely despise about what hard working people have to go through and is something I don't want to have to deal with being a non-athlete/personal guy. Seeing the type of stuff once loved/famous indivudals have to go through I rather to remain in mediocrity striving toward my goal where only myself and those close to me will truly appreciate me and know my story.
Aside from another layer to understanding yours truly the biggest thing I want everyone to take away from this blog is simple concept of that journey searching for that validation. Remember it your journey and although others may criticize it, no one will understand it but you so keep pushing forward.But whatever that goal may be in your heart ...always remember whatever it is you are becoming better than you once were
1% better
-monta
No comments:
Post a Comment