Close
Limited Time & Availability
10:00
ACCESS OUR SCHEDULE &
EXCLUSIVE WEB SPECIAL

Secure your spot and get started today with our EXCLUSIVE offer!

By opting into the web form above you are providing consent for Lake Effect Martial Arts to send you periodic text messages. Standard rates may apply. You can reply HELP at anytime to learn more. You may opt-out anytime by replying STOP.
Hugo Hur
via Google

Dropped in for a No-Gi class while in Buffalo where I’ll be traveling now for work. Facility, staff, and instructors were great. They made me feel welcomed and got some good rounds in. Look forward to coming back next time I’m in town.
-Traveling Brown Belt from Philly

Daniel Ayd
via Google

I was in town for work and Michael welcomed me to join any session that worked for my 42 year old white belt self which happened to be a 6:30am intro session on a cold November morning. Gym was very clean, spacious and well appointed with timers, cubbies, seating and changing space. I love their appreciation for foot hygiene! Great location with lots of windows and a big parking lot--super easy to find and convenient to Buffalo. Greg was the instructor for this session and he spent a lot of time with a thorough warm-up and individualized attention during reps. He even got involved in the gauntlet-style positional grappling which I seldom see black belts risk their noses and lips with us white belts! I hope to come back in the future... thanks again for the hospitality!
Like

Chris Kwilas
via Google

I participated and competed in various martial arts in my life. Everything from Tae Kwon Do, Kempo, and Karate in my younger years and even trained in Muay Thai for two years in my late 20s. I was always a heavier set build and I thought I have experienced what I could out of martial arts regarding weight loss while pushing my body and confidence to the limits. That is, until, I took my first class of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Lake Effect Martial Arts (LEMA).
When I joined the LEMA family, I was the heaviest I been in my life and pushing an obese weight of 290lbs at the height of 6’0. I was extremely intimidated and embarrassed to start training in a martial art once again knowing how heavy I was, let alone a martial art I have absolutely no familiarity! However, due to the amazing culture and leadership of the academy, I felt right as if I was training on the mats there for months. Everyone is extremely helpful, friendly and always willing to assist (Professors and students); does not matter if your tall, short, heavy, skinny, everyone is training together on their jiu-jitsu journey. You’re not alone at LEMA or just “another number” at a gym, and the inviting family-like culture demonstrates the second-to-none leadership from the professors.
In only 5 ½ months I have shed 50lbs and counting! Along with the weight loss, I am the most flexible and mobile I have been in my life and this is including my earlier martial arts years. Jiu-Jitsu is very challenging and will push your mind and body to the limits, but, you’re not on this journey alone.
Regardless of what someone’s goals are: lose weight, get in better shape, compete or learn self-defense with arguably the most efficient martial arts in the world, there is no other place to train other than Lake Effect. I am grateful for taking the leap into the world of Jiu-Jitsu and looking forward to conquering more goals with the Lake Effect team!

Request information today to learn more about our programs!
Lake Effect Martial Arts
Lake Effect Martial Arts and Fitness for All Ages!
Lake Effect Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Life: Finding Harmony in the Struggle

September 5, 2023

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Life: Finding Harmony in the Struggle

 

Introduction

 

Life is an unpredictable journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and setbacks. Similarly, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that embodies the essence of life through its rigorous training, dynamic experiences, and valuable life lessons. In this blog, we will explore the remarkable similarities between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and life and how embracing these connections can lead to personal growth and resilience.

 

Embrace the Art of Adaptation

In both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and life, adaptability is key to survival and success. On the mats, practitioners must learn to adjust their techniques on the fly, responding to their opponent’s movements and changing circumstances. Similarly, life throws unexpected challenges our way, and our ability to adapt and evolve determines how well we navigate through difficult times.

 

Patience Yields Progress

In BJJ, progress never comes overnight. Students must devote countless hours to perfecting techniques and mastering complex moves. Life, too, requires patience as we work towards our goals and dreams. Success is not always immediate, but perseverance and consistent effort can lead to remarkable achievements.

 

Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone

In both BJJ and life, failure is an inevitable part of the journey. Losing a match or facing setbacks in life can be discouraging, but it is through these failures that we learn valuable lessons. In BJJ, every tapout serves as a learning experience, just as every failure in life teaches us resilience and the importance of getting back up.

 

The Power of Mindfulness and Focus

BJJ demands present-moment awareness and complete focus on the task at hand. A wandering mind on the mats can lead to defeat. Similarly, in life, staying present and focused on our goals helps us make better decisions and cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment.

 

Building Trust and Connection

BJJ is an art that requires training with partners and building a strong sense of trust. This reliance on others fosters a strong sense of community and connection. Likewise, life is enriched through meaningful relationships, and we learn the value of trust and collaboration in achieving common goals.

 

Balancing Offense and Defense

BJJ is a delicate balance of offense and defense. Sometimes, we need to take the initiative and seize opportunities, while at other times, we must be patient and defend against attacks. Life mirrors this balance, as we must know when to assert ourselves and when to step back and protect what we’ve built.

 

Humility and Continuous Learning

No matter how experienced a BJJ practitioner becomes, there is always more to learn. The same applies to life, where humility opens the door to constant growth. Embracing the mindset of a perpetual student in both BJJ and life allows us to expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of the world.

 

Conclusion

 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and life are inherently intertwined, as both demand perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. By recognizing these similarities, practitioners of BJJ can enrich their journey on and off the mats. The life lessons learned from BJJ extend beyond the confines of the dojo, helping individuals become more resilient, compassionate, and capable of facing whatever challenges life throws their way. So, whether you’re an avid BJJ enthusiast or someone seeking inspiration in life, remember that the principles of BJJ can be powerful guiding lights throughout your journey.

 

 

By Coach Cole Racho

 

SCHEDULE
Web Special
Skip to content