When a martial artist walks into a gym, he is greeted with ceiling fans, cubbies, a walkway, and a mat. They are dressed in shorts and a shirt, donning boxing gloves and shin guards. They await a fellow classmate to engage in friendly competition.
Without martial arts, I never would have grown as strong as I have, nor would I have ever understood how strong I could really be both inside and out. In addition to striving to become my best self, I also feel deeply connected with the other Martial Artists, who I have met at the two gyms in Arcata open to anyone looking to discover their strongest self.
Humboldt Jiu-Jitsu has a rich cultural heritage in the Humboldt County area. The gym was founded in 1994 by Hal Faulkner, the man who introduced Jiu-Jitsu to Humboldt County.
At this gym, the main focus is on Jiu-Jitsu.
The Institute of Combat, located in the Creamery District of Arcata, is run by coach Cass Bell, wrestling coach for Arcata High and a former jiu-jitsu student of Monty Martin of Humboldt Jiu-Jitsu. This gym offers wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, in addition to jiu-jitsu. It also provides weightlifting and strength training equipment and classes, primarily serving students under 17.
Becoming your best self through practicing martial arts requires discipline as you develop your physical and mental well-being.
Martin said, “They say, ‘I respect my temple’, right? That’s your body. Well, temples usually have doorways, and you may make it beautiful and strong, and you know, why not learn how to defend it?”
It can be awkward at first, but the whole point is moving your body in a way that you’re not used to, which allows you to catch others off guard. Martin explains that we grow up first walking, then learn more complicated motions like biking or swimming.
“You know, I like to ask people, ‘Why do you think jiu-jitsu works?’ Because you’re using your body in ways that people are trained not to. You’re basically weaponizing your skill set against them,” Martin said.
Many people do not fully understand the mental benefits of this sport. I, for one, have gained a greater sense of confidence, discipline, and mental fortitude. An added benefit is the sense of community that a new student might experience upon entering the gym for the first time. Leo Marvin, a student at the Institute of Combat, said, “I feel like it’s a pretty kind of tight-knit community, and you kind of get to know everyone through, like, practicing there for a little bit. Everyone’s very welcoming, like, you can always find someone to train or go live (spar) with.”
