In the heart of the neon-lit desert oasis, where dice roll and dreams soar, a different kind of battle is set to unfold this September. As the Jiu-Jitsu world anticipates the grand spectacle of the 2023 IBJJF World Masters in Las Vegas, grapplers from around the globe are bracing themselves for a challenge that transcends physicality—a journey of discipline, sacrifice, and unyielding determination.
The Road Less Traveled: A Journey of Training and Discipline
For every competitor stepping onto the mats of the IBJJF World Masters, the path to this prestigious event is paved with unrelenting training and steadfast discipline. It's a journey that begins long before the first takedown and often involves sacrificing indulgences. The allure of that podium finish has led many to put down the drink or recalibrate their diets, trading fleeting pleasures for the prospect of victory. Training regimes transform into sacred rituals as athletes fine-tune their bodies and minds. Hours spent drilling techniques, rolling tirelessly, and testing limits become the norm. The competition training, meticulously designed and executed, takes them through the highs and lows of the sport, shaping them into warriors ready to take on the world.
Sacrifices Beyond the Mat: Standing Apart from the Rest
Yet, the sacrifices made by these warriors extend far beyond the confines of the gym. Every competitor, driven by an unwavering desire to stand atop the podium, willingly parts with cherished moments spent with family and the activities they hold dear. The late-night movie marathons are replaced by early morning drilling sessions, while weekend getaways become opportunities to perfect a submission chain. The commitment is relentless, the determination fierce. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena." This is the realm of the older grappler, the embodiment of experience and perseverance. The pursuit of victory is not merely a physical challenge; it's a testament to the resilience that comes with age, a testament that defies limitations and propels them forward.
Old Man Strength: A Pillar of Support
As the IBJJF World Masters approaches, each athlete carries more than just their own hopes and aspirations. They carry the support of a community that understands the journey—the sacrifices, the dedication, and the hunger for triumph. At Old Man Strength we stand as a pillar of support for these warriors, unwavering in its commitment to empower and uplift. Every training session, every drop of sweat, and every sacrifice is acknowledged and respected. The team at Old Man Strength recognises the significance of this journey and the determination of these fighters, and it stands shoulder to shoulder with them as they step onto the mats.
The Man in the Arena: A Quote of Empowerment
In the words of Theodore Roosevelt,
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
As the IBJJF World Masters beckons, the arena awaits—the battleground where dreams are realised and mettle is tested. The older grapplers, driven by the ethos of what Old Man Strength is about and an unquenchable spirit, step into the arena with a resounding battle cry, ready to embrace the challenges, savour the triumphs, and etch their names into the annals of Jiu-Jitsu history.
In the heart of Las Vegas, a showdown of resilience is about to unfold. The competitors, with their sacrifices, discipline, and unwavering determination, are primed to leave an indelible mark on the mat and in the hearts of all who witness their journey. The IBJJF World Masters 2023 will be a testament to the power of the human spirit—the embodiment of Theodore Roosevelt's words, a tribute to the warriors who dared greatly.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena..."
Good luck and stay strong.