The fluorescent lights of the SUNY Cortland gymnasium hummed, a stark contrast to the focused intensity on the mats. Here, amidst the sweat and the shuffle bodies flying around, I brought my friend Will Khouri, a Junior who just a semester ago, was as unfamiliar with jiu jitsu as I once was. Khouri joined the club on a whim, seeking a new challenge stemming from a rising passion, and a way to stay active. Now, with his first semester under his belt, we spoke on his journey so far.
“The thing that motivated me to join the jiu jitsu club was mainly friends in it, and a need to try something new and challenging. This along with my love for combat sports drove me to the jiu jitsu club,” said Khouri.
Personally, I was one of those friends mentioned by Khouri that was in the club prior to him joining. When he finally made the decision to commit to joining and showing up, I instantly knew how much he would enjoy it, and in the long run that this would be one of the best things he could’ve done for himself. However, as with many things in life, there comes beginner struggles and a slight learning curve.
“A particularly challenging experience in my first semester was 1, showing up there alone without a friend, and 2, getting held down and not being able to get up,” said Khouri. “As a beginner, showing up alone can be nerve wracking as you’re not really sure what to expect, but after a few practices I personally felt very comfortable in the environment and looked forward to spending time with the people there.”
As for the part about Khouri being held down and not able to get up, I can attest to the fact that he has gotten much better at defending not just off his back, but in other areas too as the semester comes to a close. It’s one of those things that you just get better at as time goes on, and techniques get repetitions, that’s the magic.
Beyond the physical challenges, Khouri noted a significant improvement in his mental well-being.
“Learning jiu jitsu has done nothing but benefit my mental and physical well-being. It gives you a certain confidence along with pride in yourself for doing that hard thing 3 times a week.”
I couldn’t agree more with Khouri’s input on the mental aspect of jiu jitsu. It forces you to be present, to focus on the moment. It’s like a moving meditation. I’ve noticed I’m less stressed and more confident in other areas of my life too since starting.
As our conversation drew to a close, I reflected on Khouri’s experience. It’s easy to see jiu jitsu as just a sport, or a form of self-defense. But Khouri’s input highlights something more profound: the power of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits, the unexpected benefits of embracing vulnerability, and the transformative potential of finding a community in the most unlikely of places.
For anyone considering joining the jiu jitsu club next semester, Khouri offers this advice: “The only piece of advice I have is to simply do it. Once you go even one time, you really see how nice everyone is and how fun it is. There’s truly unlimited potential in this sport and you’re always gonna be learning new things. The hardest part is just getting up and going.”