Kent – Recently, Jack Edwards from Martial Arts Ohio competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Masters competition in Orlando, Florida. Edwards explained that despite many setbacks that could have easily derailed his plans, he persevered, and it made all the difference.
He came to jiu-jitsu as an adult, setting aside the fear of trying something new or different. “I want my students to see that whether I win or not, I’m still out there trying,” he explained. “Competition is what made me fall in love with martial arts,” Edwards gushed. “Being surrounded by top competitors, it blew my mind just how awesome these people are, working together to be the best.”
That’s one of the reasons that during a particularly unsettling year, Edwards chose to compete at the World Masters competition. Unfortunately, 2020 seemed to have other plans, and dished out adversity to Edwards before he even made it out of Ohio.
Five weeks prior to the event, Edwards sustained an injury when he separated three ribs from his sternum. Instead of pushing ahead with a rigorous training schedule, he was forced to ease up, giving his body time to heal. As his ribs healed and just one week prior to the competition, he faced another setback, as a bout with diverticulitis tested his resolve. After dealing with illness, injury, and the inability to train as he had planned, Edwards, who was to weigh in at 208 pounds in his gear, weighed himself just a few days prior to departure. With less than a week prior to competition, Edwards was able to drop the excess pounds, weighing in at 202 at the competition, including his gear, well below the 208-pound limit for his division. “Everything was in my way, but I wasn’t going to let anything stop me,” Edwards exclaimed.
As he warmed up in the bullpen prior to his matches and prepared to take on competitors from the US, Brazil, the UK, and Australia, Edwards remained focused on his goal. During each match, as he faced off with competitors, his focus didn’t waiver. In the end, his determination paid off, and he was awarded second place in his division, despite the setbacks he encountered along the way.
“Jiu-jitsu has taught me so much,” Edwards shared. “On the whole, jiu-jitsu is about finding your way out of whatever difficulties you have, one step at a time,” he continued. This is the core message he hopes to convey to his students at Martial Arts Ohio. “You can’t just quit or act like it’s the end of the world. You’ve got to keep going.”
Facing adversity, but continuing to push ahead is a lesson we can all benefit from as we move forward from an especially trying year into whatever the New Year will bring. So no matter what 2021 throws in your way, follow Edwards example, and “get out there and compete!”
If you’re interested in finding out more about Martial Arts Ohio, visit them on Facebook page to find out about classes, competitions, and other opportunities or give them a call at (330) 389-0304.
