STAYING TRUE

O.K. now that the wounds have had time to heal we can discuss the devestating loss Damian Maia suffered at the hands of Nate Marquart.

Damian Maia’s jiu-jitsu operates at a level that most can only dream of.  Maia has had the chance to prove overwhelming dominance in the UFC.  His mission - to show the world the power of Jiu Jitsu.  To win fights without hurting someone.  Damian accomplished this in a way that no-one else could have, submitting all that faced him with his grappling skills.

Close the distance.  Take the fight to the ground and overwhelm / dominate and end the fight, all done within the spirit of Jiu Jitsu.  So what the *#!@ happened?!

Maia did not stay true to his mission of bringing Jiu Jitsu to the world.  Attempting a head kick, let alone two was not in the spirit of his art.  As upsetting as this loss was for me, and I am sure the BJJ community as a whole, we can take a valuable lesson from this loss.  Jiu Jitsu has a lot to offer.  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a budo, not just a means to hold someone on the ground so you can pummel them into forgetting how to do long division.

We must stay true to ourselves and the art that we love – Jiu Jitsu.  Had Maia stayed true to himself and what his mission was he would not have been caught unaware and perhaps the fight would have ended differently.  Maia still might have lost the fight but one thing is certain, the strength and efficacy of Jiu Jitsu would have been showcased in a dynamic and awe inspiring way. 

Practice your art keeping in mind the true spirit of Jiu Jitsu.  Stay true to yourself, stay true to Jiu-Jitsu and you will be a dominant force on the mats.