Jiu-jitsu is a strange journey, and while I’ve had that thought before, I usually let it pass. Recently, I was on a flight back from a Globetrotter camp and had far too much time on my hands (which is dangerous, as anyone that knows me while tell you; a bored Nelson will find a way to not be bored). As I sat there, it began to occur to me just how many little discoveries and observations I had made because of jiu-jitsu. Here are some of the things that they don’t tell you about starting jiu-jitsu:

You will be more familiar with the terms like ACL, MCL, PCL and AC joint than you wish you were.

You will know the regulations on syringes and how to get one no matter what state/country you live (veterinary or farm supply stores). Cauliflowers. Must. Be. Drained.

It is only a matter of time before you start pronouncing every R as an H in your head.

You have intense cravings for acai.

You will throw the porras around.

You will become a choke snob. All of your favorite movies will be downgraded by the terrible technique on "sleeper holds” and how a bad choke instantly kills everyone.

You will break at least one washing machine drying your gis.

You will come up with your own way to prevent and treat ringworm.

You will be compared to your friend’s/boss’s/coworker’s nephew who trains karate and got his black belt already. What’s taking you so long?

Abu Dhabi will become a tournament, not a travel destination.

You will become addicted to training.

You will hip escape in your sleep.

Hugs will become a battle for underhooks.

It will go from that thing you do Tuesday and Thursday nights to a lifestyle.

You goal weight will become a weight class.

Your clothes will not fit the same.

Your fingers will callus.

You will eventually watch people you have trained or competed against fight in televised events.

That blue belt that keeps armbarring you will become one of your best friends.

You will lose friends and significant others that don't understand why you waste all your time on that jiu-jitsu thing.

The hardest part about being injured will not be the pain but rather the not training.

You will love the boring part of MMA that everyone else boos.

You will find the beauty of other grappling sports like wrestling and Judo that you had no interest in before.

Tournament shirts will be large part of your wardrobe.