Choked Out by a 15 year old: Being Humble in Life and Business

I remember the first time I stepped into Infinite Mixed Martial Arts Academy in late 2007. I had spent the past decade weight training and the last four years training under another martial arts system. The Ultimate Fighting Championship has been on the rise and I took a liking to the sport of MMA through the growth and popularity of the UFC. My family and I recently moved to Loveland, and I remembered driving by the Infinite MMA Academy on my way to weight train at the local Gold’s Gym.

I went to the gym one day and tried a free kickboxing session. That was pretty entertaining, though whenever I walked into the gym to see what was going on, I kept noticing these people rolling around wrestling on the ground in what appeared to be Karate Gis, tossing and turning, arm locking each other, choking each other, and many times I saw one of the two people competing against each other (also known in the Jiu Jitsu World as “Rolling”) tap out. Tapping out means submitting, or calling it quits, and informs your opponent that you are no longer rolling. Tap to escape being choked out or having an arm, leg, or joint fractured or wounded as a result of an arm, leg, or joint lock.

From the perspective of someone who has never participated in the sport, this may appear brutal and insane. It all boils down to two people getting on the mats, exerting their will on one other, and going until one of them gives up.

So here was the first lesson I learned and what made me fall in love with the sport. I will share this story and lesson this week and then share more stories and the rest of my lessons next week.

The first Jiu Jitsu class I stepped into, I remember very clearly. I brought in my gym bag and placed it under the bleachers in the front of the gym. I took a drink of water and stretched before I walked onto the mats. The beginning of class was lead by a warm up, some stretching and then learning some basic techniques. At the end of the hour long class, we would partner up and “roll” or grapple with each other. AS class was nearing the end, our instructor informed us it was time to partner up to roll.

I was 215 pounds and quite strong at the time. I spent most of my time in the gym lifting weights, which proved handy when I got onto the Jiu Jitsu mats. My instructor invited me to go roll over the mats with a young, extremely little, and modest appearing youngster. “Are you sure?” I inquired. I calculated that I outweighed him by at least 60 pounds, and he had to be around 15 years old. This was not going to be a fair match. I didn’t know much about Jiu Jitsu, but I could tell something was wrong. I strolled across the mats quietly and locked up with this small kid. I charged forward, thinking I’d knock this kid out in about 10 seconds.

About 30 seconds later, I thought I was going to cry. I was thrown to my back, spun every which way this kid wanted me to spin, then eventually choked and arm locked multiple times. Each time I tapped, I became more upset, frustrated and just plain couldn’t believe what was happening. I was tapped out by a 15 year old. His technique, skill, and leverage beat the bigger opponent. He used my force and momentum against me. He imposed his will until I gave up, and he was left standing. I was left in the fetal position on the mats.

I learned a very important lesson that day. In life, and in business, never judge a book by its cover. Technique, skill, and leverage will beat brut force, muscle, and false confidence. To become a master of life and business, we must learn the proper skills and techniques and apply the right leverage to master and control a situation. Be careful charging forward into a situation where your force may be used against you. And remember that imposing all of your will, focus, energy and determination into a situation combined with the correct skills and techniques will allow you to win.

Over the coming three weeks, I will share more of my lessons learned as I have continued my journey through Jiu Jitsu, business and life.

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