It occurs to me I've been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) now for about 2.5 years and, in that time, I've learned a lot. But, one of the things I've learned more than anything else is I'm a very, VERY tense person. I never realized it prior to BJJ training. I've always been very flexible, so I just assumed I was relaxed. But, I'm not. I'm tense. Like, bridge cable tense.
Whereas other BJJ students learn early on to relax and basically roll on the mats like cats fighting, every muscle in my body is rigid as hell, so my movements are jerky and unsmooth, and I telegraph my intent about 20 seconds before I attempt a technique.
Thing is, I've noticed it's not limited to BJJ classes. I'm tense as hell even in the workplace. My shoulders are always way more rigid than necessary and it always seems like I'm about to spring from my chair at any given moment.
And I have to wonder: when did this start, because I wasn't always so tense and rigid. I wonder if it has to do with being in an office environment, or whether it's just something that develops over time as I took on more responsibility.
Point is, it's something I've decided to try and alleviate, if I can, through breathing exercises and just plain trying to relax more. I don't know how successful I'll be, but it can't hurt to try.
Posted by Ryan at December 20, 2007 11:55 AM | TrackBack
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