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@ Zenpai
2025-01-03 18:30:04Encountering Ego
If you’ve ever stepped onto the mats of a Jiu Jitsu gym, you’ve likely heard the mantra, “Leave your ego at the door.” When I first started this martial art, this notion puzzled me. I embarked on this journey with the intentions to toughen up, to win, and to prove myself — all driven by ego. Perhaps you, too, entered this realm with similar aspirations: to get fit, to learn self-defense, or to compete — all motivated by ego. Whatever your reason for starting, there’s one certainty: you will confront your ego before, during, and after your journey.
Your ego manifests in various forms — the exhilaration when you secure your first submission, the satisfaction of dominating an opponent in a roll, the complacency of rushing through techniques, or the inclination to stick to a familiar style. Conversely, it’s the voice that whispers doubts, telling you that you’re not good enough, that your opponent is inherently superior. It’s the pang of shame and helplessness when you’re effortlessly subdued. Your ego lurks whenever you feel either superior or inferior to another — it is your true opponent.
The opponent is you.
It’s never your adversary that defeats you; rather, it’s your reactions to what they reveal within you. Each encounter exposes facets of yourself — testing your patience, highlighting deficiencies in technique, inflating your ego, or humbling you. Ultimately, your opponent imparts valuable lessons, and it’s your responsibility to internalize them. Winning or losing becomes secondary; the crux lies in acknowledging your missteps and pride. Detaching personal emotions and scrutinizing your performance pave the path to growth. True progress emerges from accepting your imperfections and vulnerabilities, relinquishing your ego, and venturing into uncharted territory.
You’ll come to realize that what you thought you knew merely scratches the surface. In the depths of Jiu Jitsu, the fundamentals are anything but basic. So, heed the wisdom of the ages — leave your ego at the door, and witness how much further you can evolve.