Jiu-jitsu, a martial art born from judo with the aim of promoting the development of the physique and character, thanks to its teachings allows those who are smaller and weaker to successfully defend themselves from a larger and stronger attacker, leading them to the ground and using chokes, locks and joint keys. Accompanying us in the discovery of this discipline are the black belts of the academy KoiFit Bitonto.
«For us it has become a philosophy of life – he begins Mimmo Dress – when you are on the tatami the way you see things changes. It is a very technical sport that takes place mainly on the ground, which has become famous throughout the world because it is fundamental for MMA, mixed martial arts. Jiu-jitsu teaches you a lesson: when you are fighting, especially in very uncomfortable positions, you understand that there is always a way out of every position, you must never give up. And you learn to fight under stress, if you like it you live from jiu-jitsu. Here respect for your opponent is very important, you never know who you are facing and, unlike other sports, if you are better than your opponent you always try to teach him something”.
What is surprising is the total absence of shots. «Being a sport – continues Dress – the regulation prohibits shots. However, fighting on the ground, in addition to making the movements difficult, is so effective that it is not necessary. I have been practicing the discipline since 2009, fifteen intense years with daily training, seminars and trips abroad in which I was confronted with other ways of thinking. On the tatami I have always found a lot of respect and martiality, and I have always met opponents who pushed me to improve”.
Our adventure continues with the testimony of Giancarlo Lavenire: «I have been practicing jiu-jitsu for ten years. I started at thirty-eight but the beauty of it is precisely this: this sport gives those who want to compete competitively the opportunity to continue, at any age. And it is complete thanks to the movements that activate the whole body. The path is very long and complex, but right here is the secret of its effectiveness: just to turn a person over there are several details. In the discipline we find the classic martial values, such as respect for the master and for the hierarchy of the belts which we try not to make weigh too much, permission is asked to get on and off the tatami, you fix your kimono with your back turned to Don’t show it to others. There is this type of education and I have seen many kids improve and grow: here there are no bullies, there is no possibility of being one. You feel it. Jiu-jitsu also has a zen side: on the tatami you focus only on the fight, ignoring the problems.”
«Consistency in jiu-jitsu is fundamental – points out Nicola Lomangino – this is demonstrated by the belt hierarchy, which requires at least two years to transition from a white belt to a blue one. I recommend martial art to everyone, men and women of all ages, especially children. It educates you, teaches you to defend yourself and allows you to become someone in a sport. It’s good for your head, it’s very claustrophobic, putting you in contact with anxieties and fears. Everyone should think big: I got my podiums and I will try to get more, getting there in first place is a great feeling and when you get high in the important races you feel at the pinnacle, it’s beautiful. We all started late, me after thirty. You think you’re finished but jiu-jitsu proves you otherwise. If you look out, you will understand. But it’s important to stick to the rules.”
Thursday 9 May 2024
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