A Taste of Training in Louisiana
Written by Jeri Melancon
Photography by Jeri Melancon
It catches your eye and then sits in the back of your head until one day you finally pull in. At least that's how it was for my family. My husband and I discussed self defense for our only boy, the poor middle child between two sisters. He needed something to give him courage and confidence. Clueless, we walked up those stairs, taking that first step 5 years ago, our world was about to change.
There are a lot of different reasons for someone to step into a Jiu Jitsu school. Self defense, Health, Discipline, Purpose...but I can promise it will evolve into another reason why you stay: Family. Little do you know that when your foot hits the mat for the first time you are entering a huge family. Others are there to welcome you, ready to help and give guidance. The initial anxiety gives way to a sense of peace as you become more comfortable being uncomfortable. This is the culture in our schools. It's not just people learning a skill or exercising together, it's a family coming together making each others lives more valuable. Everyone has something to offer, from the newest student to the salty veteran.
I sat on the sidelines and watched my little boy learn these skills that were foreign to me. I was just a mom of 3, who has never had interest nor desire to train any type of martial arts. As I sat there and talked with other parents, the interest sparked. It took about a year, but our coach lured us in through a women's self defense class. None of us that started in this small women's class have looked back. We, with our children and husbands, see Jiu Jitsu as part of who we are now. Jiu Jitsu has made changes in my life that I didn't realize I wanted to change. One of the best parts of me making this decision to train, are the friendships made. I am now surrounded by my best friends training, holding each other accountable, laughing, crying....a support system of strong uniquely different families with a common interest: Jiu Jitsu.
I'm sure schools all over the world are like this, but what is it that makes it special in the south? Our family goes beyond the mat. After training we go have dinner together, on weekends kids play together, adults relax... To think it all started with each of us, one at a time, stepping barefoot on a Jiu Jitsu mat.
Spring is a time to get out in the yard, throw a ball with the kids, go run in the park...but it is also a special time here in Louisiana. It is the beginning of Crawfish season...our favorite season all year (unless you count football season in the fall). So of course our Jiu Jitsu family gets together for crawfish boils and swimming! Everyone grabs something for the boil and heads over straight from the mats. It's just a good time to relax and reflect on our week. The conversation always turns to Jiu Jitsu. What we want out of our training, our future and growth for the next generation. This is what life is all about. Finding something positive that you're passionate about. Never in a million years would I have guessed walking up those stairs was going to change my life and family so much.
Happy Spring Yall!
Jeri Melancon is a professional photographer and proud mother. You can find more of her work at www.platinumportraitsbyjeri.com
