When I walked into a Jiu-Jitsu academy for the first time, I felt scared. The mats were full of experienced practitioners.
Some looked like experienced warriors, while others looked like wiry tacticians. They were all moving in a way that I could not understand.
As a beginner, I did not feel like I belonged. I felt like I should stick with people who were on the same level as me so I would not embarrass myself.
Then I saw the words written on the wall: “If you want to be a lion, you must train with lions.”
It stuck with me. The lion does not hunt by himself, and he does not avoid challenges.
They get stronger by running with pride and competing with people who push them to their limits.
I could not stay away from the stronger, more experienced practitioners if I wanted to get better.
Leaving my comfort zone became a habit for me.
The blue belts who rolled with me got past my guard like it was not there.
Purple belts taught me moves that made me submit when I did not expect them to.
And when I felt ready, I asked the black belts for help after every roll.
It wasn’t easy. I lost—constantly. But I also learned something. Every mistake taught me something, and each tap brought me one step closer to getting better.
The lions around me did not just show me where I was weak; they also showed me what was possible.
When I got off the mats, I saw that this lesson was also true in real life.
Getting close to people who pushed me, inspired me, and set higher goals than I thought I could reach was important for my growth.
It was not about beating them; it was about following their lead and getting better.
Over time, I began to notice changes. Passing my guard was harder. My sweeps became more effective. I was no longer just getting by against the lions; I was holding my own.
Carlos Gracie Sr. was right: “If you want to be a lion, you must train with lions.”
Comfort and mediocrity do not help you grow. It comes from putting yourself to the test against people who push you to go further, work harder, and do better than you thought you could.
Now, in every part of my life—on the mats, at work, and with friends and family—I look for the lions. You need more than strength to train with lions. You need courage, resilience, and the drive to be better than you were yesterday.
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