Quenching That Competitive Fire
More and more, “Regular Joes” are stepping back into competitive sports. This shift has led to an increase of “regular people” who both train and care for their bodies more like professional athletes.
“Casual athlete”.
It’s a weird term - but that’s the best way to describe this seemingly societal shift…
But in recent years - there has been a noticeable rise in the number of "casual athletes" - regular people who are starting to play more sports competitively.
From pickleball, to Crossfit, to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu…
The sports are as diverse as the people that do them.
It may be the fact that winning events gives you clout on social media…
Or it may have something to do with the fact that even the SMALL events can put some money in competitors’ pockets?
Of course, you can’t discount the increasing popularity of fitness and health, the availability of information and technology, and the changing attitudes towards sports and exercise either.
All of this new awareness of the benefits of regular exercise is creating an environment where people are more likely to take up sports and other physical activities.
Couple ALL of that with how the internet and social media give people easy access to information about exercise, nutrition, and sports training - and it’s created the perfect storm for the rise of the casual athlete.
Either way, more and more, “Regular Joes” are taking care of their bodies like professional athletes.
Why "Regular Joes" Are Stepping Back Into Competitive Sports
Essentially, being a “casual athlete” means taking sports and exercise seriously - but without the pressure of competition or performance being your JOB.
Casual athletes may compete…
But they do it for the enjoyment and the health benefits that the training provides - rather than just to win medals or set records.
Many of us are former serious athletes…
Either in high school, the collegiate level or even beyond.
These are the people that were raised on competition…
On the little little league field, on the high school football field or on the college basketball court..
And that competitive fire is a HARD flame to put out.
So, many of these people find other sports that they can compete in so they can scratch that particular itch…
But because it’s just “for fun” - odds are - they don’t feel that same performance anxiety that many athletes get before a game or match.
And that’s one of the benefits of being a casual athlete - it allows you to enjoy the social and physical benefits of sports and exercise - without the stress and pressure of it being your whole identity or your only source of income.
Now, don’t get me wrong…
Casual athletes still challenge themselves and set goals - some as high as becoming a world champion - but they do it in a way that is more sustainable and less demanding than professional athletes.
Confessions Of A Casual Athlete
For the past 17 years - I have been an active practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Before that - I spent 15 years on the professional wrestling scene - almost making it to the big show…
The WWE.
Before THAT I played college football for the University of Central Florida…
So, I’ve been living as close as you can to being a professional athlete as you can without BEING one.
But for the past almost 2 decades - it’s been BJJ.
It’s not my job - though I do get paid to teach classes…
But the competitive aspect of the sport is nothing more than a test for my skills.
I try not to put pressure on myself to win gold medals…
My focus whenever I enter a competition is just to do the best of my abilities - and see how they stack up against people of my rank, weight and age.
It’s the ultimate litmus test of growth.
But it would be a lie to say that I don’t want to win.
Before I earned my black belt - I won EVERY single competition that I entered…
Even winning a world championship.
From white belt to brown belt - if I entered a competition - I won and that was both a blessing and a curse.
Once I received my black belt - I thought that the sailing would be just as smooth as it had been the previous 7 years…
Man… was I wrong.
My first competition as a black belt was another crack at the World Championship.
In my head, I thought if I could win it at brown belt - I could win it at black…
So, I walked into that Las Vegas convention center believing that I’d be walking out of the building with another gold medal.
Mind you - this was the first testing of the black belt waters…
I didn’t try to do any smaller competitions - I just walked into the World Championships like I expected them to hand me my gold medal.
There wasn't any stress - I was relaxed…
I was ready…
Even when I stepped onto the mat with my first opponent who had been a black belt longer than I had been practicing bjj…
We smacked hands, bumped fists…
And less than 3 mins later - I had my first loss…
Tapped out to a choke - and feeling like the world’s BIGGEST chump.
I learned a valuable lesson that day…
Stay humble.
The good news is…
I didn’t let it keep me down.
Never Stop Stopping
As I was standing on the mat - watching my opponent get his hand raised in victory - the only thing that was going through my mind was how badly I wanted to get home and get back to training.
Since then…
I’ve had a better time on the competition mats.
A lot of golds, some silvers and some bronze’s.
My first two world championship attempts were the ONLY competitions I didn’t make the podium in…
The past few years - I’ve gotten bronze at the world championships - but I haven’t been tapped out but ONCE since.
In case you were wondering - it was to former UFC Heavyweight title contender - Gabriel Gonzaga…
And NOT to make excuses, but… I tore my hamstring 30 seconds into the match.
If I don’t win…
I tend to lose by a small point margin - or worse - a referee’s decision.
But I ain’t stopping.
I’m going to keep competing - and keep shooting for that black belt world championship.
Will I ever get it?
Who knows, right?
I just know I’ll keep trying…
And keep training as if that’s going to happen.
That means extra cardio sessions…
Extra lifting sessions…
Making sure my nutrition is on point…
Making sure my supplementation is on point…
It all matters.
To me…
And to those of us that are considered “casual athletes”.
I wear that label like a badge of honor…
As I believe that the rise of the casual athlete is a positive trend that reflects changing attitudes towards sports and exercise.
As more and more people embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle, - I fully expect to see this trend continue to grow.
That fighting spirit will keep you young…
As long as you have a reason to get out of bed in the morning - you’ll continue to do so.
And that’s the goal, right?
To live a fulfilled life for as long as possible?
Or did I get the wrong memo?
Until next time, nuggets…
“I'm just one step away from my dream…” - Gabriel Gonzaga
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