12 September 2012

Talking Shop

I've done a lot of sports in my time. Some of them I've even played at a competitive level. Over the years, something I noticed about other ladies who played the sports I played is that they never wanted to talk shop. They played the game but didn't seem to be fans of the game. Maybe its the niche nature of BJJ, but by and large, BJJers from the whitest white belt to the most threadbare black belts all seem to love to talk shop. And that's awesome.
I love having a conversation with someone in love with BJJ regardless of their skill level. Often, I get to ask questions and absorb information and perspectives like a sponge. Occasionally, I get asked for my opinion which forces me to put my knowledge and perspectives into words. Sometimes I get to hear great stories about the skillful practitioners, masters and crazy people who came before me. 
I hope the BJJ community never becomes mainstream enough that there are people out there who aren't interested in it as a lifestyle (arguably, of course, there are already people training who hold this mentality, but still) but merely a hobby or fitness activity. Talking shop helps me fall deeper in love with jiu jitsu every day, and I don't want to have to stop.