Jiujitsu: A Universal Language?

The most popular martial art practiced in the United States, and one of the most effective self-defense systems in the world, BJJ is a submission grappling ground-fighting martial art— somewhat like wrestling. Even though the establishment and development of BJJ in China is arguably 20-25 years behind that of the United States (there are only about 50 black belts in BJJ from mainland China), the sport is growing in popularity in China and around the world.

Determined to learn the principles of this elusive and innovative “gentle art,” in 2011 I became a loyal and determined member of the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Nanjing, now known as Frontier Asia BJJ. With participants from all around the world, the club fostered an international environment. When we got on the mat to fight, it did not matter if we were male or female, Chinese or foreign; all that mattered was using the fundamental principles and techniques of jiu-jitsu—using the least amount of strength with the greatest level of efficiency—to overcome our opponents.

The question people always ask me is: How was jiujitsu different in China? The answer is: It really wasn’t that different. Jiujitsu is a universal language. It is a language of chess, of give and take, of submission and of defense. It is a language of vulnerability and trust. It is a language of community and support. It is a gentle art that embraces flow. Like any other gym, we had to teach the white belts how to calm the spaz and embrace the gentle art of flow. (In Chinese, “jiujitsu” translates directly from the Japanese to mean “gentle art” and I had to remind the white belts of this frequently.) We are not so different as human beings when it comes down to it. Racial differences aside, we are all one.

At the same time, the culture around us felt different in a lot of striking ways, mostly when it came to gender and ethnicity. I believe that the universal language of jiujitsu teaches us that we are, at the end of the day, all the same. And at the same time, as much as we are “all the same,” cultural differences around gender and ethnicity do exist. Such differences are important to understand, especially as we keep working towards equality and human rights at home and abroad. In doing so, what is most important is keeping alive the love that will prevent violence and harm. Little by little, through every interaction we have, we can make a difference. The more we connect with our communities, and the less we drown ourselves in our phones and screens, the more we can help make people feel loved and included and cared for. Jiujitsu is one conduit for achieving these essential connections. Then the less discrimination will happen. We can change the world, one piece at a time, one day at a time, one person at a time, one smile at a time.

Your presence makes a difference. You can invoke change in the world through ripples. You touch lives every day and it’s the little things that matter. Whether it’s a smile or a nod at the gym, or a hard roll at the end of a long day, we can and will make a difference by recognizing we are all one in the universe.

I’m thankful for my jiujitsu family for teaching me the most important lesson of my life: community through sustained daily struggle and support can transcend all other divides.