I never thought I'd become obsessed with Jiu-Jitsu as a 40 year old mother of two. I certainly never thought it would lead to the chain of events that followed. It all started six months ago when I was at the local salon and I got to chatting with my new hairdresser, Alexa. She had an amazing physique, confidently wearing yoga pants and a half top that exposed her ripped abs and tattooed arms.
I had just turned 40 the week before and was having somewhat of a mid-life crisis. Nothing too crazy, but physically I was feeling just blah and unmotivated. I grew up an extremely active and fit teenager, a high school gymnast and soccer player, but had been relegated to a treadmill and spinning classes as I raised my little ones. Now that Beth, 21, and Jason, 19, were in college, I had time on my hands and wanted to focus on myself, especially getting in shape.
I complimented Alexa on her body, asking her what she did to stay in shape. I was searching for tips and motivation wherever I could find it. That's when she told me about the Jiu-Jitsu gym her boyfriend owned. She said she went there daily and usually rolled with the smaller guys but she also had a women's class on Saturdays that she taught. She asked if I was interested in giving it a try. I knew from the experience of watching my son wrestle all through grade school that grappling sports were extremely demanding and burned a ton of calories. Being a little bored with life, and eager to try something new, I said yes.
At 5'3" and 110 pounds I was one of the smallest women in the room and I was very nervous. However, after the first class, I was addicted. Alexa said I was a natural. The balance, strength and quickness from being a gymnast was still inside me somewhere and I was dominating the newer women who were half my age. I even held my own with the group that had been doing it over a year and were blue or purple belts.
The next day I ordered my own gi, a two piece loose fitting martial arts outfit, and started watching videos on how to get better. I started practicing and working out in the basement during the week. Everything was going great for the next six months. I felt refreshed and more alive. I had found a hobby that I was passionate about, kept me fit, and I was happy. My husband would comment almost daily on how I looked better now than I did was I was 19. I encouraged him to give it a try, as he could stand to lose a little weight, but he always refused. His dad bod, which I had loved the last twenty years, was getting dangerously close to a beer bod but he didn't seem to care.
It was two weeks before Christmas when the unexpected happened. It was Saturday and I was dressed in my Jiu-Jitsu gi while drinking my morning coffee.
I was about to head to the class when I received a text from Alexa that the gym was closed. A water pipe had burst and there was water on the floor. A bit distraught, I went into the basement to talk to my husband John. The basement was an all purpose man cave of sorts with a couple of TVs, a small bar, and a little gym section. John was in his recliner, as he always was on Saturday mornings. He would sit there all day, doing crossword puzzles, watching football and drinking beer. A huge college football fan, Saturdays were usually his day and I tried to leave him alone.
"John, they canceled the gym, what the hell am I going to do now?"
John barely looked up from his puzzle, "Go for a run or something babe. Burn off some energy and relax."
"I'm just so mad, I had some new things I wanted to try this week. I don't want to run. Maybe you will roll around with me for a bit?"
John sighed, "Come on honey, I worked all week. You know I want to relax."
Hearing footsteps in the kitchen meant Jason was finally awake, he was home for Christmas break early. Our daughter, Beth, wouldn't be home until next weekend.
"Jason," I yelled up the steps as an idea sprung to mind.
Jason came down the steps in a t-shirt and gym shorts, still looking a little sleepy.
"What's up, Mom?"
"They canceled my class today, I need someone to roll with."
Jason laughed, "Come on, Mom. I would break you."
John spoke up from his recliner, "He's too big for you honey, you'll just get hurt. I am sure the gym will be ready next week. You can go one week without it."
I looked at my son, he was all of 6'1" and 190 pounds of muscle, he would certainly be difficult to handle. I thought about how Alexa told me she rolled with guys his size sometimes and it made her better and stronger. I wanted a challenge.
"Are you scared your little Mom will kick your ass? I remember a time when I pinned you."
Jason threw back his head and laughed, "I was like eight, Mom."
"Come on, Jason, I need to challenge myself."
Jason stared at me hard, he had an expression on his face I couldn't quite put my finger on.
Finally he said, "Ok, let's do it."
Moving to the corner of the basement on the same said of John, I started clearing the gym area of small dumbbells and Jason helped me put down the workout mats.
