“…learning how to relax under pressure is a key step to tapping into its potential.”That’s what Josh Waitzkin writes in his book The Art of Learning.

Only three classes this month — it takes its toll. Due to two business trips this month, I couldn’t train more, and last Wednesday I really felt that something was missing. I did some burpees, push-ups, and core training in the hotel room, but it wasn’t enough.

Even though I had a two-week break, I noticed some improvement last Friday. My panic reactions when I am underneath someone are much more under control. I don’t feel the same fear I did a few months ago. I know it may appear again from time to time, but it is much better now.

I was off the mats due to a business trip. Yep — I have to make some money to afford my classes.

Two sweeps during my last four rounds of free rolling — what a great success for me.

Both my shoulders are in pain — more on the right, a little less on the left. Both my elbows hurt — more on the left, a little less on the right. My chest is sore again after a couple of months. From time to time, I feel pain in my right ankle. My left lower leg also hurts in certain positions. All my fingers are sore.

“At your age, every time you come to class, it’s a win.”That’s what a black belt said to me last Friday, after we had rolled together and he asked me about my age.

The blog I’m writing about my Jiu-Jitsu journey isn’t advice or instruction. It’s my diary — my experience as an old fart, almost 58 years old, who started Jiu-Jitsu five months ago. I want to share it with people who are thinking about starting, who have just started, or who are simply interested.

There are, as always in life, ups and downs. I’ve had several ups in recent classes, and I knew the downs would come sooner or later. Yesterday was one of those down days.

Six rounds of six minutes each. With different rolling partners. It wasn’t just good — it was very good.

“Don’t let me bully you!” — that’s what a black belt once said to me while pressing his knee into my chest. “Do something!”

The last evening session was one of those trainings after which I felt a bit more confident again. I think I did okay.