Reflecting On Combat Jiu-Jitsu

What I learned from getting slapped by giant men.

CJJ Middleweight Worlds—Tucson, AZ

Mike Tyson once said, "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."

As someone who got smacked in the face really hard the other day, I think that for the first time in my combat sports career, I sort of know what he meant. You think a bit differently after you’ve gotten smacked really hard. It’s an “experience” — to put it lightly.

Your ears ring. Your face hurts. I even felt my jaw move. When this happens, your plan changes. You don’t rely on mere “tactics” anymore.

You rely on instinct.

4 days ago, I competed in my last match of the year at the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds in Tucson, Arizona.

This was a completely new experience for me.

It was my first time competing in an event where strikes were legal. It was my first time getting smacked in the face for public enjoyment. It was fun, weird, challenging, and something I won’t forget.

Here’s how I prepared for CJJ, how it went down, and what I learned.