Overcoming Anxiety With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Hundreds of kids, teens and adults competed yesterday at Grappling Industries, Tampa and as always, it was a day filled with highs and lows, a day that brings a team together like nothing else.
Yesterday was an extra special day for Black Boxx as our daughter Kayleigh stepped on the mat for the first time. Why was this so special? Over the past 18 months Kayleigh has dedicated herself to changing her lifestyle – losing over 50lbs, working out everyday and finally starting BJJ and sticking to it. Kayleigh has started BJJ 4 or 5 times over the years but insecurity has always stopped her doing more than a few classes. Not this time! With her new mindset, healthier lifestyle and support of her amazing team mates she has trained hard and earned 3 stripes.
But anxiety always stopped her competing. Dad/Coach knew she wanted to, but the voices in her head stopped her, so he pushed her, yes some will complain and talk crap, but he did and doesn’t regret it one bit, it’s his job in the capacity of father and Coach to push her to greatness.
Grappling Industries was selected and she was signed up. To say her anxiety was at an all time high was a severe under estimation, we had tears and tantrums and pleads to remove her from the bracket. It was heart wrenching saying no but he knew best, he knew this was exactly what she needed – TO FACE HER FEARS!!!!
Surrounded and i do mean surrounded by her team, friends, Dad/Coach and Boyfriend/Coach, she stepped on the mat visibly nervous and still hoping her opponent would no show…..no such luck!
5 minutes later the final buzzer sounded, everyone cheered and Coach Glenn & Coach Juanky could finally breathe again LOL. Kayleigh’s hand was raised. 17-0!!!!!!! She did it. She faced her fears.
Literally 2 mins later she is called again, this time in less than 2 minutes she was up 15-0 and then finishes the match with an impressive cross collar choke.
Gold This medal is a special one, it represents a young lady that stuck to her health, fitness and BJJ goals over the past 18 months and battled severe anxiety.
Kayleigh’s goal was never to compete or make it to podium, her goals were to be happy and healthier, and as we say over and over again BJJ CHANGES LIVES and yesterday’s Gold medal once again proved that.
Congratulations Kayleigh on everything you have achieved so far, it’s still just the beginning