BJJ and the plant medicine experience
They are intertwined like a leg lock
“The plant finds you when you are ready.”
My Shaman may have said that but my life is a tornado where I hold on for dear life to an invisible barn door. Either way, it is true. You’ll know when you are ready for mushrooms or ayahuasca.
The same goes for Brazilian/Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
I have practiced plant medicine for many years, and jiu jitsu for almost two. The situations evolved similarly.
For plant medicine, I started with breath work, then cold exposure, then the sacred vines.
For BJJ, it was joining the military, working out and spending time learning self-defense from military and police officers, then saying hey I should train this!
Plant medicine is, as Rickson Gracie says about surfing, “Dancing on the razor’s edge.” (or something close to that). There is a BUZZ when you walk in a room, look around, and realize there is no going back. The experience is completely up for grabs - will you touch the heavenly plain, or puke purple scorpions?
Touching your opponent and rolling is similar. There are differences - I can tap in BJJ; if Ayahuasca breaks bad, it’s like being on the Speed bus:
NEVERTHELESS, you are trapped and the only way out is through. You have to let yourself realize there may be no coming back. Will I speak with something that turns out to be a demon? Am I opening up a portal to something I will regret? Will I leave my family to start a crypto exchange run by my harem of Gremlin women? BJJ is a bit different, but what if I do not tap on time? What if I get hurt, hooked on pills, and end up homeless in San Francisco identifying as a ‘man with trans experience’ to get free money?
BJJ has coaches that double as spiritual and life guides. A few of my coaches even come to class smelling like Snoop Dogg. You get mantras during BJJ. Unfortunately I usually forget them as they are told to me after I was choked out and brain oxygen is low.
Similar circumstances surround spiritual sayings during ceremony. I am usually nervous and nauseous prior to taking the medicine. Hard to focus when the vines are about to flow through your veins. Breath work helps, but it’s not like I have a journal next to me. “Dear diary, remember Mother Ayahuasca will return to me by placing my hands on my heart, calling out to her, and breathing deeply.”
OK I actually remembered that, sweet. Probably should try that soon too, she’s awesome.
Breath work is key to both experiences
Look at the above picture - the person on the bottom is having a bad time. Actually if he can get a hip under his opponent and make an adjustment it could be a better time. I think. Anyhow, breath is key to surviving and thriving in BJJ. Finding small ways to get air when being smushed is key to getting through #whitebelt life. I still end up on the bottom more than I prefer, so finding the small spaces to breathe has been the difference between a tap and buying time to escape.
Breath and plant medicine are intertwined like vines on Wrigley Field. When you are having a block during the experience, go back to breath. When you are nervous, go to breath. Breath is a cure all for most problems in life. There’s a separate universe on that; needless to say, it works here too.
How do I get started?
Practice breathwork. Let the divine take over one deep breath at a time. Let the mat and the plant find their way to you.
Or DM BowTiedKakashi, he’s a purple belt who I discuss BJJ with.
Feel free to DM me for plant medicine talk.
The journey is the way.
Namaste,
KONG