In the last few months I became a Christian after a conversion experience in April. Having faith has helped me in every area of my life and especially in my Jiu Jitsu. But how can believing in God help you with BJJ?

Being slow to anger, having a mouth that tries to hold back expletives, a renewed sense of calmness are a few ways. Also not smoking pot anymore has likely benefited my training (I am probably less complacent and lazy in my technique). I do this with His help. Being closer to God helps your life get better and that will translate into your training. When I let Him take control, I stopped thinking about what I was trying to achieve personally and I allowed a more organic process to begin to unfold. I commit everything I do to Him. All of a sudden my Jiu Jitsu has opened up. I'm not training with the same outlook as I was before April. I have realized it's God's will what I am to achieve.

BJJ had the highest priority in my life. Working and making rent was obviously THE most important thing but what took top spot for me was Jiu jitsu. And that can become unhealthy and can actually prevent your character from developing. I created a false idol in Jiu Jitsu. Its easy to put all your focus into it when it becomes so much apart of your lifestyle. Constantly thinking about it. Training 'with' expectations. Trying to please my Professor. Being too worried about getting stripes or promoted. Almost training for the wrong reasons.

BJJ should not be everything you think about. It's something fun, that offers you many benefits. Friends, relationships, health, companionship, challenge and obviously alot more. It's a great part of any day and should always be enjoyed, even when you have a tough night. But life outside of the mat demands alot of a person. That's a great chance to put some of the teachings about the mental discipline of any martial art into practice. Combined that with faith - it's a great combination.

I still have goals in Jiu Jitsu obviously. To set up my own academy when I get my black belt, to win more competitions, to continue to grow and to simply keep learning this amazing art. But it is not the thing that I am obsessed with anymore; even though I still train just as much. Outside of training my mind is more focused on reading scripture and developing my relationship with both God and my new girlfriend (who I introduced to BJJ and is now training also).

God willing - I will still achieve all my dreams.