Tag: jiu-jitsu

The Fourth Mat

On By mygodroomIn gratitude, obedienceLeave a comment

Today was my fourth time on the mats at One Nation Jiu-Jitsu. Tyler was teaching and it is Q&A day — which meant the room felt open, curious, and full of little moments where someone else’s question unlocked something in me. Six men, myself, and the instructor… but I never once felt out of place.

I was completely present.

When drilling time came, Tyler paired me with Isam and Sterling. Isam is a pinch shorter than me but far stronger and Sterling would be considered a heavyweight. Both were helpful and I felt no discomfort or awkwardness.

To me, jiu-jitsu feels like a sacred dance, where bodies become teachers and breath becomes instruction.

The drill was one I hadn’t seen before: someone lifts one of your legs and controls it. The instinct is to panic or freeze, but the technique teaches calm pressure. You take your hands and squeeze inward toward their elbows, arms, even their shoulders — not to hurt, but to create just enough space to recover your balance. That tiny moment of relief is where the “step” happens. You plant your other foot, rotate, and it’s almost like opening a door and then slamming it shut as you step back and pull free.

A simple movement… but full of metaphor.

Something else caught my eye: head placement matters. Watching the more experienced men drill, it was a good question for me to understand the basic rules of head placement.


If I’m holding someone’s right leg, my head should align under their right armpit. That positioning protects both partners and gives structure to the movement. I noticed the larger partner had drifted his head off to the side, so I asked Tyler about it — and he confirmed the importance of alignment.

Form matters. Intention matters. Structure matters.

I learn best by watching first. If I anchor the instructor’s form in my mind before I try it, my body follows more naturally. That was especially true today.

I drilled with Isam and Sterling and it was wonderful.

There is such kindness in the way God keeps showing me His heart on these mats. Strength that doesn’t overpower. Instruction that disciplines without shaming. Brothers who partner respectfully without hesitation. A space where I get to learn, grow, and be sharpened — and also show up fully as the woman He is forming.

I want to keep marking these days, because each one teaches me something that will find its way back into this book that isn’t done yet — this book God is still writing in real time on the mats, in my heart, and in the lives He keeps intersecting with mine.

One step, one sweep, one turn —
and doors keep opening and closing under His hand.

And one more thing…

When I left the gym and headed home, I called my husband. I needed to get ready for an appointment before going into the shop, and I just wanted to check in with him.

The first thing he said was, “You always sound so happy when you leave that place.” Then he repeated the same sentiment in different words.

His confirmation matters to me.
He is my spouse — my covenant partner, my witness, my encourager. And hearing his voice recognize the joy in mine… it touched something deep.

The Lord keeps affirming this path through so many voices — even the ones closest to home.

As an added bonus, I really dig the rapper, NF, as Tyler shared a video that had over 650k views since last night. The song is called FEAR and it moved me. I think the last rap song that moved me is more than 20 years old from Eminem. 🤣

I just looked and now there are over a million views in less than 24 hours.

God is so good Thank you, Jesus, for a glorious day!

Mat Three:Observation

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Today was such a beautiful Wednesday. I went to get my hair done and had the sweetest, most meaningful conversation with Becky—my dear friend, my hairdresser, and the pastor’s wife at our church. Every visit with her feels like a little ministry moment—two hearts sharing stories, laughter, and faith.

Today was in particularly different in that I shared my Messianic experience when I learned Becky’s sister and three of her daughters are Messianic.

I didn’t have enough time to warm up and roll at jiu-jitsu today, but I still went and observed. And honestly, it felt like a spiritual experience just to watch. I saw how intention was born on the mat—how every shift of weight, every exchange of energy carried its own story. When partners switched, the entire rhythm changed—body type, flow, and balance transforming the interaction completely.

The loving way they taught and corrected one another reminded me so much of how the Lord disciplines us—not in harshness, but in love. Gently guiding, refining, shaping us through each encounter until strength and grace meet as one.

Even without stepping on the mat, I left feeling deeply connected—part of something living and breathing, a quiet lesson unfolding before me. Sometimes the holiest thing we can do is simply observe, and let His Spirit show us what we might have missed in motion.

Thank you, Jesus! As I wore my ONJJ “Positive Energy Activates Constant Energy” purple Tshirt- I must smile and giggle a pinch as the Blonde Polish Chick I am. The tshirt spells PEACE upside down. I see what you did there. #ISWYDT. I love you.

Not Forrest Gump’s Shrimping

On By mygodroomIn gratitude, Leverage, obedience, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Today was only my second class at One Nation Jiu-Jitsu. There is much to unpack.

BJJ Technique Focus: Shrimping (Hip Escape)

The shrimp, or hip escape, is one of the first movements every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student learns.
From your back, you press one foot into the mat, lift your hips, and slide them sideways while curling onto one shoulder.

The goal is to create space between you and the pressure holding you down. It looks small—but it’s the move that keeps you from being crushed.

I just learned that shrimping is an escape method and scooting can be offensive or defensive option.

Shrimping teaches that survival doesn’t come from strength. It comes from angle, timing, and breath.
You don’t fight pressure head-on; you shift, realign, and make room to breathe.
It’s the language of escape written into the mat.

⸻

📖 Scripture

“You brought me out into a spacious place; You rescued me because You delighted in me.”
— Psalm 18 : 19

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💭 Reflection

When I shrimp, I feel it in my ribs first—breath meets resistance.
Every inch of space feels earned.
And that’s what the Spirit does inside us: He gives us room where the world tries to press us flat.

Sometimes God doesn’t lift the weight immediately.
He teaches us to move under pressure without losing peace, to shift our hips instead of panic, to create a little grace-space before the breakthrough.

The shrimp reminds me that freedom isn’t always dramatic; it’s often quiet, rhythmic, and deliberate.
Each small escape becomes worship in motion—breathing, turning, trusting.

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🕊️ Coach Jesus Says

“When life pins you down, don’t freeze.
Breathe. Turn toward Me.
I’ll show you where the space is.
It’s not running away—it’s moving wisely.”

⸻

✨ Golden Nugget

“He sets my feet in a spacious place.” — Psalm 31 : 8
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3 : 17

Shrimping is the gospel in motion—
God teaching us how to make space for grace when the weight of the world presses in.

That’s how it feels today.

Thank you, Jesus. I love you.

Seatbelts and Safety

On By mygodroomIn blessings, gratitude, Leverage, obedience, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I went to my second jiu-jitsu class today. Sadie and Sam were there, as was Mushaffa. It was helpful to hear Mushaffa’s growing process with BJJ. In fact, it was so encouraging, I went ahead and paid through December 15.

My husband fully supports me taking these classes. Added bonus- It was a stellar deal and provided me a tshirt, ONJJ Irreverent compression shirt and shorts.

This was the photo taken yesterday, maybe a minute or two after Mushaffa left.

Today’s class was four women and 11 men. While I observed them all rolling, My favorite lessons came from watching Mushaffa with Sadie and Sam with a male professor.

Truly, every person has a different style which makes sense based on body type. I love there is isn’t a “one size fits all” when it comes to “good jiu-jitsu”. What is “good” is indeed a very individual variable.

BJJ Technique Focus: Seatbelt

For things like definitions, it seems wise to use BJJ accepted definitions. To that end, I read several and this is the gist:

The seat belt is the foundation of back control.
One arm threads over the shoulder, the other under the arm. Hands clasp palm-to-palm across the chest as you press heart-to-back. Your head stays tight beside theirs; your chest follows their spine.

It’s called the seat belt because it keeps you connected through chaos.

Nudged to learn if anyone particular in BJJ made it famous and this was the response:

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the seat belt control position was popularized by Marcelo Garcia. While the grip itself may have existed in various grappling arts before, Garcia integrated it into a highly effective, modern system of attacks and transitions, making it a standard and essential part of the BJJ arsenal. 

Even if your opponent rolls, twists, or bucks, you stay attached—anchored, calm, and ready.

My life verse is Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give up.”

I see how it applies here. #ISWYDT.

Control before victory. Connection before submission.

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📖 Scripture

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
— Philippians 3 : 12

Greek katalambanō = to seize firmly, to grasp with purpose.

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💭 Reflection

When I learned the seat belt, it felt less like domination and more like devotion.
One arm over the shoulder—the arm of authority.
One arm under the heart—the arm of compassion.
Together they hold without harming, guiding without forcing.

That’s how God holds me.
He doesn’t choke me into obedience; He secures me into peace.
If I thrash, I lose connection.
If I breathe, I feel His rhythm.

The seat belt teaches me that staying connected is stronger than any submission.
Control comes through closeness, not power.

⸻

🕊️ Coach Jesus Says

“My grip on you isn’t to choke—it’s to keep you from falling.
I’m behind you in every scramble.
Breathe. Stay connected. I’ll guide you through.”

⸻

✨ Golden Nugget

“Your right hand upholds me.” — Psalm 63 : 8
“No one can snatch them out of My hand.” — John 10 : 28

His hold is holy.
The safest place on the mat—and in life—is under His seat belt of grace.

Jesús, thank you for getting me through the first two classes. Thank you for encouraging my husband to make me rest today. Getting to spend the whole afternoon with you has been beautiful.

First Mat

On By mygodroomIn blessings, gratitude, obedience1 Comment

I went to church this morning without my husband. He wasn’t feeling well, so I told him I would carry him with me in spirit. After church I came home, made us lunch, and told him I was going to attend my very first jiu-jitsu class at One Nation Jiu-Jitsu.

At first he laughed, but later—just before I left—he told me how proud he was of me. Mark knows me well. Praise God.

When I arrived, there were two young students, two others maybe in their late 20s or 30s, and two female instructors, Sam and Sadie. Sadie was wonderful—encouraging, strong, and patient. She’s 38 and told me about “Jiu-Jitsu Grandma Elaine” from Alabama who began training around 62.

I looked her up; what an inspiration!

My training partners, Mushaffa and Lindsay, were amazing. We practiced the closed-guard position, using praying hands to sweep, push to the floor, and transition into a Kimura hold. They helped me every step of the way.

After drills I watched everyone roll and spar. It was fascinating—the flow, the respect, the controlled strength.

At one moment, there were three feet clearly coming from one leg as I watched Sam and Sadie spar. All I could think was about a chord of three strands and Ecclesiastes being brought to life.

I’m sore but so full of gratitude. Thank You, Lord, for the courage to step onto the mat, for new teachers and friends, and for the joy of trying something completely new.

The funniest moment was Sadie telling me Sam had figured I had some type of gymnastics background. I confirmed I could still do cartwheels, as I did for Linda in the Hickory Falls parking lot last night. One of the younger students said she could do a cartwheel, as well. I said, “yes and that’s fantastic …but you are not 57 years old””. She might be 10-11 and said, yes I am 57! 🤣🤣🤣

I went home to rest for a half hour before visiting with my JoJo. What a blessing to listen to good music with good friends and make dinner from cheese, crackers and grapes.

Thank you, Jesus, for every little thing. I love you. I have not written about my girls night out last night—-but it’s blessing has been echoing all day. Thank you for the lovely sisters you have given me. I love you.

Elohim Found Me

On By mygodroomIn obedienceLeave a comment

Tonight, I get to take Eva Faye and Linda to see George Janko at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center — and I’m so excited! We are J214, J215 and J216. The other day, John 2:15-17 was in a devotional I am doing with a group out of Texas. #ISWYDT

As a matter of fact, I never posted the Godwink in My GodRoom. I just checked and it was sent to none other than The George Janko Show three days ago.

Driving home from the shop last night, something beautiful happened. A new song found me. I had never heard it before, yet it felt like it was being given — like Heaven whispering through melody.

It doesn’t matter that the film is dark. It’s always Him when He records iTunes and my voice at the same time.

As promised, I looked up the song based on the captured lyrics. Absolute confirmation it was another Zephaniah 3:17 vibe moment. The song is called “Elohim.”

In the last few months, He has given me Bethel and Hillsong and Jesus Culture songs. Each time, I am reminded what He told me throughout 2024.

For a long time, I wrestled with all the NAR music stuff and the noise of the world. Now, I listen to every song with Him in mind and trust the melodies He gives me.

Around 6 am, I was nudged awake with a question in my heart. Strange nudge, no doubt. I googled, “does George Janko know anything about jiu-jitsu? Turns out, he’s a white belt! I had to laugh — George Janko, jiu-jitsu, Joe Rogan — all those “ju-ju-ju” sounds weaving together in perfect rhythm.

He’s just interviewed Tim Tebow about “Wrestling with Idolatry”. #ISWYDT. I sent his June 2024 interview with Charlie Kirk to my husband to listen to today. I will be listening as I clean out my car for tonight.

I’m curious to see what the Lord does tonight. It would be a joy to ask George Janko what makes any Godversation most memorable for him. How fun it could be to get his take on the 40 BJJ mat lessons tied to scripture!

However it goes, I’m just grateful and expectant. God keeps threading moments together I could never plan. I feel the excitement bubbling over in a way only He makes me bubble over.

Father God, thank you for all the things which are clearly working together for your good purposes. I don’t know what you have planned for us tonight, but I trust you implicitly to make this evening exactly what Miss Linda and Eva need. Bless the food we will eat, our drive in my car and our experience at The George Janko “Man on Water” show. May George be quasi-blinded in the best way for the light you shine on your three daughters in J214-216 Whatever your will, may we be clear and moving in only your will. Amen. 💜✝️💜

Creekmont October 19

On By mygodroomIn gratitude, marriage, obedienceLeave a comment

Wowza. What a beautiful day. The Holy Spirit has had me up since around 4:30 am. I was “buzzing on Jesus” when my husband woke up. The childlike joy in my spirit will not be contained. Thank God, He is improving the flow.

Arriving at church, I quickly apologized to Becky for our missing the meetings yesterday. Our heart and plan was to attend – clearly it was not His Will at this time. I also met sweet Emily for the first time.

Divine humor is learning even Shad forgot about the early morning meeting.

Jesus Jiu-jitsu is noted in my Bible for today’s message. It’s uncanny how clear the communication has become. Everything working together is His Way. Yah’s Way YHWH. 💜✝️💜

Brother Randy read Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” It was not on the program, but it absolutely lit my spirit ablaze! It was one of the verses I wrote by hand in the past week. #ISWYDT. This is part of a second chapter devotional workbook from “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.

It always makes me giddy when He “gives me answers” in multiple places.

Brother Shad preached from Matthew 5:20–37, Romans 12 and 1 John 3:4.

We sang hymn #167, “He Lives.”

Thomas played a little piano riff at the beginning that sounded just like “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. I whispered to Mark, “At first I was afraid, I was petrified.” My husband heard the same thing — such a sweet Godwink! After church, Thomas said he will be playing Rich Mullins “Awesome God”next Sunday. Note: Reminder to search for Thomas Cage Mathew music from the 1980’s.

I know He lives because He lives within my heart. #YESSIR!

Becky II’s grandson, Thaddeus, collected the Children’s Ministry offering. Oh, how I adore “The Lords Army!” He reminded me of my own son at five — another little Godwink.

Brother Shad asked if we knew anyone who was angry all the time. Yeppers. We all do. My son has been carrying some anger or unhappiness lately. He didn’t tell me, but he shared with Mark that he was going to a Nashville church today with a young lady. Prayers up.

Key points that stood out:

Grudges are a loaded weapon. Shad did not say the WORD is a sharper than a two edged sword or that we are sanctified by the truth. I was just sitting there hearing Hebrews 4:12 and John 17:17 the minute Shad used the word, “grudge”.

As per His Way with me, He drew me to an innocuous word for my further edification. This is a good example of why I take notes when nudged in church.

Grudge matches are essentially defined as two intense rivals meeting. Sounds like Good vs Evil to me. For funsies, I learned about some recent jiu-jitsu grudge matches and they are defined has having “bad blood and animosity”, as well. #ISWYDT

The second key point to me flows from the grudge. When pride is involved, it’s common to see some spiritual teachers (and others) make peace with sin instead of rebuking it, with love. There is no victory over sin when you make peace with sin.

Right here. Right now. Live for the LORD.

1 Corinthians 13 — “Love is patient.” The number 13 grabbed me hard today. My life has had many seasons of impatience. Father God, please forgive me for every time I have failed to confess my impatience or the harm it caused. Help me recognize when and how to offer sincere apologies to others.

Romans 12 gut punched me in the best way! It is the very chapter we’ve been studying for the new women’s Bible study. The message on the first two verses echoed everything He’s been working through in me: living sacrifice, renewal and love in action.

Brother Shad also shared about his godly grandmother, who lost her son — Shad’s dad — at just 44. He said the memory is tattooed on his brain. I immediately felt the tattoos on my own heart. I’d love to hear him talk more about her. There’s something divinely orchestrated in our “Mamaw” stories.

Last word from Matthew 5:37 really etched itself into my sacred quadrant.

It was a rich, filling teaching for my spirit. It was like eating scrolls circa 2025. Brother Jeffrey told me how much he enjoyed my cowboy beans two weeks ago. It was such a genuinely kind comment.

As I exited the church, Mark was volunteering to help Brothers Calvin, Randy and Jeffrey, in whatever capacity needed. Again, the posture is coming forward as imperative. I love how my husband seeks to serve.

As we pulled up the street, Mark got out to help Jeffrey move some limbs downed in the storm.

As an added bonus, I was able to help my husband unload a ton of stuff at our other store. I can see much work ahead for us, but have clarity on next steps. We have never been open for business on Sunday, but the Lord sent us two customers in less than ten minutes. Praise God! Every bit helps.

Today I am stuffed on His Word — and on a lovely meal we enjoyed afterward at Firebirds. Perhaps the Lord will give me the perfect nap for a “Holy Hat Trick”. 💜💜

Jesus Jiu-Jitsu

On By mygodroomIn gratitude, obedience, WooLeave a comment

We finished watching the Joe Rogan episode with Chadd Wright this morning. It took another “three days to resurrect” the topic, as we are stupidly busy closing down one of our shops.

What a phenomenal second half of a show! I am grateful I was nudged to watch and listen with my husband. We paused the show a few times because we both had details to clarify. He now understands why I couldn’t stop picturing something holy and hilarious to me.

Jesus doing jiu-jitsu with a scarlet red belt.

Now before you laugh me off the mat, hear me out.

Despite much talk of aluminum and carbon bows, Navy Seals, two types of Land Rovers and more—-the only image of Jesus in my spirit is this one of Him preparing for jiu-jitsu.

It’s the kind of nudge that compels me to learn more about whatever topic I believe is being given by the Holy Spirit.

In jiu-jitsu, the goal isn’t to overpower your opponent with strength. In fact, the objective is to stay calm, keep your balance, use the attacker’s own momentum against him, and look for the moment to turn defense into victory.

And suddenly, I realized — that’s exactly what Jesus does with us… and for us. 💜✝️💜

The Ultimate Counter-Move

When the enemy came swinging in the wilderness (Matthew 4), Jesus didn’t meet force with force.

He met temptation with truth — quoting Scripture, redirecting every attack back toward its source until the devil had no footing left.

That’s spiritual jiu-jitsu:

The enemy lunges with pride, and Jesus answers with humility. The enemy strikes with fear, and Jesus counters with perfect love (1 John 4:18). The enemy chokes with accusation, and Jesus slips free with forgiveness (Romans 8:1).

He never panics.

He just pivots.

“Be Strong in the Lord…”

We don’t fight flesh and blood — we spar with lies, discouragement, and spiritual exhaustion. The best offense begins with a great defense. I’m not sure who said it first, but I hear it a ton from my hubby and son during football season.

The more time we spend on the mat with the Master, the more we learn His moves. The best defense is being grounded in His Word. What a precious reminder of the two-edged sword of truth.

He teaches us how to roll when life throws us down, how to breathe through the struggle, and how to come up standing again.

Turning the Enemy’s Weight

Romans 8:28 says,

That’s divine reversal — turning the enemy’s own weight into the very leverage that lifts us higher.

Every hardship, every insult, every test becomes another lesson in spiritual technique.

It’s not about aggression.

It’s about alignment — heart, spirit, and will positioned beneath His.

Training Notes from the Mat

Stay grounded — Know where your footing is (Ephesians 6:15). Breathe grace — Control your spirit before your circumstance (Proverbs 16:32). Use the Word — It’s your counter-move every single time (Matthew 4:4). Tap out pride — Strength made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Celebrate the win — Joy is the victory stance (Philippians 4:4).

Champion in Christ

I believe the best champions are those who get knocked down and keep training with their teachers or coaches.

In the Kingdom, even a takedown becomes testimony.

Every roll on the mat of faith makes us more like Him — calm under pressure, rooted in truth, quick to forgive, impossible to defeat.

I really need to sit with all the jiu-jitsu truth that the GrandMaster Jesus is beginning to teach me on new ways.

Yessir, Master of the Universe. It makes perfect sense the red belt can represent salvation and truth for many Biblical reasons. Still, it is no coincidence that only GrandMasters in jiu-jitsu wear red belts.

I see what you did there. #ISWYDT.

I utterly adore you for holding everything together, including me. Thank you for making my phone say JOY JITSU every time I was hunting jiu-jitsu factoids. You make learning , loving and EVERYTHING joyful. I love you. 💜✝️💜