Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by David Thomas
As a barber, I’m always striving for excellence. My decision to take up Jiu-jitsu was initially motivated by a desire for physical fitness, but it turned out to be much more than that. This discipline is known for its strategic depth and physical demands, but it inadvertently became a cornerstone in reshaping my career and approach to life. Jiu-jitsu has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the mat and have deeply influenced my professional and personal growth. In this article, I will explain how the art of Jiu-jitsu mirrored the art of barbering in unexpected and transformative ways.
Table of Contents
Mobility – Finding Strength in Flexibility
I was initially drawn to Jiu-jitsu for the physical engagement and competitive thrill that reminded me of playing sports. However, I faced challenges with mobility, which is crucial for the fluidity and effectiveness of Jiu-jitsu techniques. This challenge taught me a valuable lesson about adjusting to my capabilities instead of being discouraged by my limitations.
This lesson translated into newfound flexibility in the barbershop, where I handled diverse client requests and adapted my techniques to suit different hair types and styles, much like adjusting Jiu-jitsu moves to fit my physical capabilities.
Also, cutting hair all day can be physically taxing. Prioritizing mobility and self-care helps me stay energized, mobile & focused behind the chair. I don’t leave the shop exhausted or in pain like I used to.
Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Jiu-jitsu forced me out of my comfort zone by exposing me to grappling in close quarters and keeping my composure under pressure during competitions. At first, it was uncomfortable, but it became bearable. I learned to breathe and realized that panicking would only make things worse. This experience radically changed my perspective on discomfort. Previously, I would have felt uneasy walking into a room or dealing with a difficult client, but now I remain calm. Jiu-jitsu’s high-pressure environment taught me to evaluate situations and make well-informed decisions rather than giving in to the initial discomfort.
Currently, I’m applying these lessons to overcome my fear of public speaking. I used to sweat profusely while reading a sentence in front of a class. I avoided it for a long time, but running away won’t solve the problem; it only reinforces my fear. I’ve learned that discomfort is a necessary part of growth. It’s okay to feel nervous and sweaty when faced with a challenge because that’s how we improve and become better versions of ourselves. We don’t grow when everything is perfect and easy.
Consistency and Confidence
Consistency is the key to progress in Jiu-jitsu. Skipping a training session can hinder skill development, which is similarly true in barbering. Developing a consistent routine and seeing the positive results of your hard work can significantly boost your confidence. For a long time, I struggled with confidence issues without fully understanding why. However, I realized that my lack of consistency and effort was causing my fears and self-doubt. I was afraid of being challenged because I wasn’t putting in the necessary work. But once I started developing a routine and being consistent in my efforts, I began to see positive changes in my life. Continuously practicing and refining Jiu-jitsu techniques has helped me to gain more confidence in myself and improved my overall perspective on life.
- “You don’t become confident by shouting affirmations in the mirror, but by having a stack of undeniable proof that you are who you say you are. Outwork your self-doubt.” – Alex Hormozi
Constant Learning – Always a Student
Every time I step onto the Jiu-jitsu mat, it presents me with an opportunity to learn something new. This mindset has rejuvenated my approach to barbering, as I now understand that learning is a continuous journey and there’s always room for improvement. This philosophy has helped me break down complex haircuts into manageable steps, deepening my understanding and skill set. It reignited my desire to explore new hair styling techniques, trends, and hair care products, just like my ever-evolving journey in Jiu-jitsu.
Jiu-jitsu’s complex system has taught me the power of directing any system. I have learned to break things down to the smallest action, allowing me to take this skill into learning new things and not giving up when something gets tough. I just have to break it down further to understand it.”
Community – The Strength of Bonds
The sense of community in Jiu-Jitsu is profound. Training alongside others who share similar goals fosters a bond that transcends the mats. This camaraderie is akin to the relationships built in the barbershop, where each client and colleague interaction is an opportunity to strengthen bonds. The support from my Jiu-Jitsu peers encouraged me, both in and out of the gym, just as the connections made in the barbering community have enriched my professional life.
I would like to thank my coach, Patrick Donabedian, for showing up every day and creating the Day Slayer community, which is a safe place to grow and improve. He is always innovating and trying to provide the best experience possible for everyone in the class. The momentum I get from training in the morning is amazing and has been essential to my growth.
Traveling to different places has taught me that cutting hair and practicing Jiu-Jitsu are two things that transfer over into every culture. You don’t have to speak the native language to get a sense of who a person is. Last year, I traveled to Japan and Mexico City, where I got to train and check out a few barbershops. Although I didn’t speak more than a few words in Japanese, I was still able to participate in class and have a great time. Same with the barbershops. Although I didn’t get a haircut, I mentioned I was a barber, and we instantly became friends. It’s all about human connection.
Ultimate Jiujitsu in Osaka, Japan
Franks Chop Shop in Kyoto, Japan
10th Planet, Mexico City
Don’t Break Your Toys – The Art of Care and Control
One of the most important things I learned from practicing Jiu-Jitsu is the value of treating my training partners with care and respect, just like we would treat any other valuable possession. I’ve applied this lesson to my profession as a barber, where I strive to treat every client with the utmost care and consideration to ensure that their experience in my shop is positive and fulfilling. This approach has created a friendly and nurturing environment where clients feel valued and their needs are attentively met. Similarly, my Jiu-Jitsu training has taught me to be a responsible and considerate partner, rather than relying solely on physical strength to win. I’ve learned to slow down, which has made me more technical and efficient in my training.
Whatever I Need When I Need It
It is often suggested that going to the gym can help release negative emotions such as frustration, anger, or being overwhelmed. However, I find that those are the days when I struggle the most. Even when I go to the gym with the intention of releasing my emotions, it doesn’t necessarily mean that things will go as planned. These are the days when it feels like everything is going wrong.
In moments of frustration and anger, we have a choice. We can either continue down that path or try something different. However, if we continue to be frustrated and angry, we’ll soon realize that these traits don’t help us at all. In fact, they only make things worse. What really helps is to show up, take a deep breath, and let go of our overwhelming thoughts that cannot be helped in the moment. We cannot fight life when we’re stuck in our heads. Being present is the key to finding peace. Jiu-jitsu helps me to be present.
It’s hard to think of something else while someone is on top of you, trying to hurt you.
Jiu-jitsu has been an incredibly versatile tool in my life. It has provided me with a physical release, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Whenever I needed to channel my frustration, find focus, get humbled, or seek joy, Jiu-jitsu has always been there for me. These benefits have even translated into my career as a barber, enabling me to show up to work as my best self, being present and giving full attention to my clients.
The journey of practicing Jiujitsu has been unexpectedly similar to my growth as a barber. It’s a journey of facing challenges, continuous learning, and building strong community bonds. The lessons I have learned from the mat have refined my skills with the scissors and shaped my approach to life. I encourage everyone to discover their own transformative journey, be it through Jiu-jitsu or any other discipline that motivates them to grow. Embrace it, for it might just be the key to unlocking your full professional and personal potential.
If you have read this far, I would like to invite you to take advantage of a free week of classes at KATA. All classes are taught by the amazing Anthony Caito, who is also a barber. I have learned so much from him in barbering, life, and Jiu-jitsu. The KATA program is excellent and beginner-friendly. For more information, please visit Katalosangeles.com or sign up for the newsletter as we may announce some free classes soon.
As always, thanks for taking the time.
Extra Resources
- Coach Patrick Donabedian https://patrickdonabedian.com/
- KATA Los Angeles https://www.katalosangeles.com/