It's one of the reasons I want to train in an MA. I remember it gave me confidence as a kid. I work alone all day at home so I'm becoming a bit of a hermit so I really want to give myself a reason / commitment to get me out of the house and mixing with people in the evenings. Over winter I suffer with a mild depression so my aim is to be nicely settled in by then with goals outside of my business life. I used to climb a lot but found it wasn't good for my state of mind and often made my anxiety worse. Being stubborn I kept trying to beat it so I didn't feel like a quitter and it took counselling to convince me that sometimes it's good to move on.
Did my first BJJ class tonight and, wow, what have I been missing! That was awesome! Harder work than I was expecting. I'm pretty fit and physically capable so I thought I'd be fine but I definitely felt it. I guess it's different energy systems to what I'm used to with mountain bike racing and bouldering. Brilliant, just what I wanted. Got partnered up with experienced folk and everyone was super-helpful. Even got involved in some sparring with higher belts. As is always the case I don't know what I was worried about! Hooked now! Can't wait for the next class! Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Really appreciated.
I have really bad anxiety problems sometimes, glad you just went through with it. I sort of feel like I have to babysit myself and be like "Shut up brain, you want to do this, it'll be fine." You're right, always feels better after you do it once.
I was like that tonight, all the way there I kept saying to myself "Just go in!". I'd had a busy day programming which kept my mind occupied so it was a good opportunity to get over my first day nerves.