Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Join our ambassador, Li Yiming, as she delves into the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, one of the many athletic experiences offered by UL. From the camaraderie on the mats, to the welcoming environment of UL’s BJJ club, she shares her experiences of growth, friendship, and personal challenges.

Experiencing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at UL has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me, especially as an international student. This marks my second semester of training with the club, and amidst all the activities I’ve explored since joining the UL clubs and societies, BJJ remains my favorite.

Something is captivating about BJJ – it’s a blend of strength and strategy that appeals to me. While having developed muscles and a fit physique may offer some advantages, success in BJJ relies more on technique and timing. The sport challenges you to choose the right technique for defense or attack, tailored to each unique situation or opponent. Regardless of body type, everyone finds their strengths in BJJ. Moreover, it’s a sport that hones your reflexes and quick thinking, adding to its allure.

What makes the UL BJJ club stand out is its accessibility. With a membership fee of just 5 euros, all you need is comfortable sportswear to roll on the mats. The club offers three sessions a week, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

But what truly sets this club apart is its welcoming atmosphere. Regardless of your experience level or language proficiency, the coaches are incredibly friendly and patient. They use simple and humorous language to guide movements, ensuring everyone understands what’s going on. They patiently repeat instructions for those less fluent in English and encourage exchanging opponents during training, making socializing less daunting. The camaraderie on the mats melts away any stress or negativity.

Moreover, the club organizes numerous social events where we bond over games, drinks, dancing, and singing. Through training, I’ve met many wonderful and empathetic friends, and we’ve shared countless memorable moments together.

BJJ is also perfect for those seeking personal challenges. UL hosts an intervarsity competition each semester, encouraging blue and white belt participants to test their skills. Participating in my first competition before Easter was a surreal experience – the energy and tension were palpable, with spectators surrounding the mats. While the adrenaline rush made the stakes higher, it also posed some risks due to heightened intensity. I learned firsthand about the physiological responses like involuntary tears or trembling limbs, triggered by the adrenaline surge during matches. These reactions are normal and simply require some time to calm down.

In conclusion, I highly recommend trying out BJJ, and the UL BJJ club is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in this sport!