What do I want out of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

First, I need to be physically fit (to age well, e.g.).
Exercises at some gyms, including mine, can
be grueling. My skin is very thick these days and
I don't feel ashamed falling behind. At the same
time, I couldn't help but improving by watching
and trying to do what others do. If I keep going,
I might end up like Helio Graice and be able to
train in my last years on earth (he did and died
at 94), a much better outlook than a prolonged
death plagued with diseases, affluent or
otherwise. As for the cost, it's peanuts compared 
to insurance.

Second, BJJ is a great self-defense tool. The
first UFCs and the Gracie challenge fights showed
the world how effective the art was. If one wants
to improve his knowledge in that area beyond
the intellectual, BJJ is a great start.

Third, a martial art usually has a philosophical
aspect. I like BJJ's principle of not opposing
force with force. Given its history, I believe
this idea is from the Tao. There are numerous
translations of the book, but it seems to me that
the mass of the West have really started to learn
about the Tao through martial arts, beginning with
Bruce Lee's "be like water." （上善若水）

So far, I haven't sparred. When the time comes,
training will be more educational because one has
to struggle to control muscles, emotion, breathing,
and body positions. Winning or losing matters but
what matters more is the improvement of inner
focus. As a UFC commentator observed: some
fighters lose the fight but not the composure. I
look forward to experiencing Zen through Jiu-Jitsu.

And, as they say, there are more, and I'll be
blogging about them.