I was leery. Totally clueless. Now I’m just semi clueless. But sparring was a big question mark. Considered what I thought sparring was. I had a total misconception. I was never into wrestling and when you watch BJJ it was often confusing. I figured that I had to trust the people I sparred with. Because they already knew I knew nothing. They were very encouraging and gave me very good advice. 

Coming from a martial arts background I had always heard of BJJ. And with my 200 plus body type, and 50 plus age. I felt BJJ is more condusive to choking someone than doing a flying side kick. One other thing was that I yearned to train. And my prior art faded away in my life. Some friends of mine kept telling me to go to ROL. I did right after COVID. And I never looked back.  

I have a very rough time with turtle either way.

Know when you step on the mat is how you want to step off the mat. And that it is not about winning its about learning. But the most important thing are the relationships with the Instructors and students. And having fun and have some laughs...

A sense of purpose, kindness, and check your ego in at the door.