Jay Gaulard

Over the years, I’ve trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu full-time at three schools and have visited several others as a guest. Each academy had its own rhythm, its own way of doing things, and through that variety, I began noticing what resonated with me the most. Some instructors focused heavily on detail, others on pace, and a few managed to strike a balance between the two. Looking back, I realize that each experience shaped not only how I train, but also how I view the art as a whole.

As complicated as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may sometimes appear, there really aren’t that many moving parts that lead to becoming proficient. There’s the fitness component, where the student grows stronger and develops a healthier appearance. Then there’s the technical side, where skills sharpen and the student learns what’s required of becoming eventually and effectively lethal. And, of course, there’s the fun. This is what keeps people hooked and coming back for more. Beyond that, there’s also the social side, though this is something in which the instructor plays a small part. Building friendships and connections is left almost entirely to the student. Some prefer to simply show up, train, and head home. Others make it a lifestyle, weaving the culture of BJJ into their daily lives. Either path is perfectly fine.

The only time I’ve ever taken a deliberate break from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was when Laura and I moved from Connecticut to Florida. At that point, I couldn’t train because I hadn’t found a new gym yet. If I remember correctly, it took me about three weeks to settle on a place, but from then on, while we lived in Florida, I was back to training three times a week.

When we later moved from Florida to Maine, it was a similar story, though that transition only set me back about a week. Aside from illness or minor injuries, I’ve only ever missed a few scattered weeks of training since I began in 2008. I’ve never taken a true hiatus. But here we are in the year 2025, and my mind is tired, so I’m finally taking some time off.