By Jason Lynch
Before I started training in the Martial Arts I had so many questions. “Will I like it, Will I be good at it?, Is it fun?” – to name a few. But for some reason the first time I typed a search into Google I typed, “How much does Jiu-Jitsu cost in Brooklyn?” Most of the questions I had swirling in my brain were abstract and subjective.
I needed something concrete to focus myself on while researching.
So I, like so many others, chose price. I thought I needed to know that School A costs $100 per month while School B was $400. It was tangible, digestible, and real- not abstract. But the other side of that notion is that it was completely arbitrary.
It turns out that I like it, I’m good at it, and it’s fun: all of the complex questions have been answered so simply and clearly.
The internet couldn’t answer those questions for me – I had to answer them for myself by doing it. And here I am, nearly a decade removed from that original search and the idea of cost is so much more abstract than any of the other questions I had originally started with.
What I’ve learned through this process is that there is a distinct difference between value and price.
I couldn’t begin to tell you how much money I’ve actually spent on my training through the years when it comes to tuition, gas, parking (and the occasional ticket), train, books, uniforms, seminars, time, etc. But the value of the training has been nothing short of priceless.
I can’t place a dollar amount on the confidence that I’ve built that has helped me thrive as a teacher, mentor, and family man. I would have a hard time calculating how much its worth to me to be in peak physical condition – I eat well, look good, and feel great! I have plenty of energy to play with my kids, or train all day, or go for a run, or all of the above!
I don’t know how to figure out the price of the peace of mind that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has taught me to maintain. I am calmer, more thoughtful, and more generous than ever before.
In particular, Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has taught me to be a student of life.
I am now focused on improving my life in every way imaginable. I don’t talk myself out of success anymore. I don’t aim low. And I don’t sell myself short. Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been the cornerstone of years of ‘me getting better at being me.’
And the ripple affect that its had on my friends and family is innumerable. People around me are inspired to be healthier. My kids are learning habits of health, fitness, and cooperation rather than junk food, laziness, and competition.
What do I type in to Google to find out a price for that?
So you decide: how much should that all cost? It’s not so clear-cut anymore is it? It’s no longer the difference between $100 and $400 or anything in between. Instead it’s the difference between having the life you want or not.
The training that Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has offered me, and continues to offer me, is nothing short of miraculous. So how much will it cost to develop confidence, focus, discipline, happiness, health, peace of mind, and generosity for you and your loved ones?
Even Google can’t answer that for you.
I’ll see you on the mat!
To get started with the Brooklyn BJJ Introductory Program (which costs only $19.95 :)), click here.