to beat the guy that is beating me. slowly being able to get closer and closer to beating the guys that beat my ass the first day i came in is what keeps me going. Each one i surpass gets me more pumped for the next one in line........ Its such a long ass line though. Plus i love the anarobic work out, and i love the feeling of clean technique.
My main reason is that I enjoy it (BJJ). I love every part of the training. I also want to get in really good shape (hence the additional training I do) and would like to try for at least one pro-MMA fight eventually.
I completely agree with you. I used to go into class and get schooled by every one I rolled with. I just keep working and working eventually most of those guys stopped and I kept training, caught up to them and started schooling them, My thinking is there will always be someone better than you and I plan to get though everyone of them. Thats why I train.
I keep going because I enjoy the people I train with, I like to stay in shape, and I feel good about my improvement. I started because playing sports is more fun than working out and it's a good way to stay fit. I picked BJJ because the price is reasonable (compared to ice hockey) and my buddy convinced me it was a cool thing to learn.
Fun, fitness, comradery with other guys in class, appreciation of the art/technique. Very little of it is self defense. I haven't gotten in a real fight in decades.
I just had my first BJJ class last night (Gracie Barra Mamazinho in Seattle). It's an incredible fighting art, and a great workout. Over time, I'd be happy just to be known as a great sparring/training partner. I'm getting a little old for serious competition since I'm just starting. But I've kinda got a trainer's mentality, and would love one day to be part of the crew that helps our club's best fighters prepare for competition.
The Chinese Connection. When I was 4, and I have been training ever since, I knew then I wanted to fight it was what I was suppose to do, and I love it. From my first Karate Class to Training People these days. Soon enough you'll see me in a Ring or Cage Near you or from the comforts of a your couch watching PPV. I want to kno how good I am.
I train because I love the people I train with, and love the fun that comes with it. Plus you can only get better.
Various reasons. -To compete -To stay fit -To pwn my sparring partners and feel good about improving -To know I could handle 90% of the physical confrontations I might get into, and to make the other 10% regret it. -To pass on knowledge and techniques. I love to teach.