Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a form of martial arts that centres on ground fighting, submission holds and gaining a dominant position over the opponent.
Training at Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre in Echuca, Mr Walker has been working towards his blue belt for two-and-a-half years.
Being a combat sport, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is seen as primarily physical.
However, Mr Walker said critical thinking was just as big a part of it.
“I have to combine my brain and my body to think in real time about what my opponent is trying to do and what I’m doing to them,” he said.
This deep concentration required for the sport also serves as a form of meditation for Mr Walker, proving to be a plus for managing his mental health.
“When you’re on the mat, you’re trying to learn a technique or apply it and not get strangled by someone. So, the only thing you think of is jiu-jitsu and nothing else.
“I see it as meditation so everything that’s going on in my life just goes away and I just focus on that moment.
“It’s a safe sport where you can spar every time and there’s no danger of concussions and we also get to put our skills to the test in a real way every time we train.”
Thanks to Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre and owner Matthew Wickham, Mr Walker is able to practice jui-jitsu at all levels and work towards his black belt.
“We’re very fortunate to have a coach like Matt in a small community like Echuca-Moama,” Mr Walker said.
“If you’re going to walk into a place that’s beginner friendly with an opportunity to become advanced in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre is as good a place to start as anywhere else in the world and we’re very fortunate to have that in the community.”
The centre also offers adult, teenage and children’s classes in BJC muay thai and Zen Do Kai karate.
If you’re interested in trying out Brazilian jiu-jitsu or any other martial arts, contact Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre by phone on 5482 5362, email info@wickhamsmartialarts.com or visit 81 Service St, Echuca.
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