For a very long time I didn’t know what was wrong. I went to all kind of doctors, had all kind of treatments, as probably lot of you can speak about. I had years of agony, depression, and awful thoughts. There was a 3 month period at one time, I had to call an ambulance at least once a week. I was working, but my employer had a hard time understanding me. I have been called a hypochondriac, and all sorts of awful things.Finally after 6 years of struggle I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.
I am receiving a treatment, I feel good, and can live a full life, and I am extremely grateful to be able to do almost anything I like, since I know most of the people with AS don’t have that luxury. So how does this grueling sport fit into the picture?
I was always very sports focused. Since I was 14, I was always doing something. Usually extreme sports. I was doing skateboarding, parkour, MMA, all that type of stuff. I loved all of them, but not enough to stick with them for a long time. But I found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and I am absolutely obsessed.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and combat sport system that focuses on grappling with particular emphasis on ground fighting. BJJ is founded on the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent. This is done by using technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground, and then applying joint locks and choke-holds to defeat the opponent. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling tournaments and in self-defense situations. Sparring (commonly referred to as “rolling” within the BJJ community) and live drilling play a major role in training and the practitioner’s development. BJJ is considered a martial art, a sport, a method for promoting physical fitness and building character, and a way of life. I used to do MMA when I was younger and more able, so ground fighting wasn’t unknown for me, in fact, that’s the part of MMA I like the most.
After my diagnosis, I decided that I will sign up, and do this. Many would ask why. Out of spite. Out of resisting the truth. But I found relief in this sport. I actually have less stiffness the morning after a hard training session. I have consulted with my doctor about it. His opinion is, as long as I feel good doing it, do it. That’s what I wanted to hear.
I started training in September. Only once a week, since I didn’t know what my body could withstand with this awful condition. Only missed a session once, due to a flare, but training never caused me more pain. After the Christmas holidays, I started training consistently. Very consistently. 5-6 times a week. That’s obsession at this point. But, I also do a lot of yoga, stretching, all kinds of exercises, that I could find, and the NASS website has been a huge help for me, and I owe a lot to this organisation for this.
I recently signed up for a competition. I never wanted to compete, but my coach convinced me to do it. I haven’t really competed in my life, ever. Those nerves though, that adrenaline, and the excitement. It was a single elimination tournament. I fought two guys, unfortunately I lost the first bout on points, and in the second one, I got strangled and lost via submission. Doesn’t matter to be honest. It was the first time, great experience, and more motivation for next time. I am sure that I will win championships. But that’s not my end goal, though a good incentive. I just want to do this sport as much as I can, as long as I can. My true goal is getting my black belt, and opening my own academy. If I achieve that, I will be the happiest person alive.
Stay happy, and kick ASs!
Dave is a 26 years old and have been suffering from back pain since he was 19. If you would like to follow his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, you can do it on instagram and his blog.
