Camaraderie: a bond that represents or acts as a brotherhood. Palpable; an atmosphere so strong or intense that it can be felt. Community, a sense of belonging. I can recall experiencing these three things occurring in my life two times.
The first time was during my deployment to Iraq. Being deployed had a strange way of combining absurd amounts of fear with unwavering freedom. I mean, through the seconds that pass your not thinking about how scared you or your teammates are because you can't afford to lose focus. When the dust settles. Then you realize how terrifying a situation really was. You also don't have time ponder on it, because it's time to eat, rest, and do it all again in a few hours. This in turn creates a paradox; you’re stuck in between shivering fear and complete freedom. Free from choice, free from options, even free from control….among other things. These freedoms creates a reliance on your brothers, which in turn creates a bond stronger than family. Words can't describe it.
The second time I felt those three words I previously talked about has been these last two and a half years or so. Showing up and participating in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu has led to some of the best friendships I have had my entire life. Free from judgement, worries of creed, or backgrounds. These freedoms are brought about through sharing a common passion. There is no better sense of freedom in my life than when I am fighting a rear naked choke and I can feel my circle of sight closing; getting darker and darker with every whisp of air leaving my lungs. Finally, I peel that top hand from behind my head and get my shoulders to the mat, smile while I gasp for air and the light fills my eyes. Nothing is more liberating.
I would recommend this touch of freedom to everybody, just to continue to build this palpable sense of community that we call Jiu Jitsu. The thing that keeps bringing most of us back - Camaraderie.
These are my blue belt blues.