Golden Technique

One of the worst positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is being on the receiving end of someone’s full mount. The overwhelming feeling of asphyxiation and helplessness can drive anyone to leave their first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class and never to walk back in a BJJ academy again. Life’s trials and tribulations can often times mount us, unloading its full burden, suffocating us, and leaving us feeling defeated and ready to quit.

Yet if we persevere and continue to come to class, we discover that the pain is temporary and that the struggle to breathe is not forever. Each time we’re mounted we gain experience and knowledge. We learn that the suffering is not in vain. We learn techniques that help us remain comfortable until an opening for escape presents itself. The difficult positions that we fight physically on the mats can only build strength of character that will help us against the trials and stresses of life.

This gives us hope that when we encounter difficulties, we have the knowledge and experience to face these tribulations with confidence and without fear or panic. We learn to remain calm in compromising positions and trust the techniques we have learned.

“…but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.” Romans 5:3-5

In jiu-jitsu we have a professor who has a wealth of knowledge and experience, who guides, teaches, and coaches us in our rolls. Spiritually, we also have a heavenly professor who can empathize with our struggles and temptations and is always there guiding us, teaching us, and empowering us.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4:15

Just as we put our BJJ techniques to the test in our rolls, we put our faith to the test in life. As faith is forged and refined in the fire, it becomes genuine, pure, and more precious than gold.

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7

Written by Andy Truong

About Andy Truong

Andy was born and raised in the DMV area and has a background in Exercise Science from George Mason University. In addition to BJJ and volunteering in his local church, Andy’s passions include weight training, health and fitness, nutrition, camping, hiking, music, songwriting, guitar, and experiencing new cultures and foods.