Hi, my name is Aiden, I am 23 years old and I train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
When I first started I just saw it as another sport and was doing it just for fun but slowly that changed and it became more of a lifestyle than just a simple hobby.
Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has played a key role in transforming me from a 16 year old boy with very low confidence into a young man who is very comfortable and happy with who I am.
It has taught me that discipline and hard work is crucial for success and it has also taught me how to have clear and calm mind while being under pressure. Skills that are paramount in both sport and life in general.
It is also a very humbling experience to find out that size or age is irrelevant when compared to skill. A lady who weighs 50kg or a man 3 times my age could very well whoop my ass.
The best part however, is that every single time I train I have fun! I get to hang out with my friends and I get to learn something new.
Whether you are 16 or 60 you can excel in this martial art, whether you view it as a hobby, a sport or a lifestyle – it’s always going to be fun and that’s just one of the wonderful things this art has to offer.
Written & submitted by Aiden Dempsey.
