I’ve written about how BJJ can serve as a source of guidance in one’s life and a source of fulfillment before (and I probably will again.) With the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed at it, BJJ has helped a lot of people improve their lives – on and off the mat.
To continue that, I’d like to explore a bit more about the positive benefits BJJ can have on one’s life and how it can help develop leadership skills.
In Jiu-Jitsu, he who dares is the one who wins. It’s about seizing opportunities and going for it. Leadership is very similar, in this sense. Passivity won’t take you far in leadership. There is a definite distinction between being a tyrant and a strong leader. You must seize the day to be an effective leader. One is going to have to take chances and give it their all, otherwise as they say, just go home.
Another area BJJ shapes leadership is in forming the concept of detachment. If you’re looking to succeed in BJJ, you cannot dwell on past failures and mistakes, something that can perniciously lead to burnout. Successful students know they can’t dwell on the days they didn’t do well or felt out of it. The same is true for leadership — you can’t focus on past failures and expect to seize the opportunities in front of you. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t dwell on them and keep moving.
In conclusion, success in BJJ can really help you find success in many areas of your life. The focus and discipline it takes not only helps you to become a stronger leader, but a more focused and dedicated friend and partner, as well.
Nicholas Gerace 