OWEN SOUND, Ontario — There are certain sports that most people have heard of, but few seem to have a thorough understanding. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu falls squarely into this category. Many are aware of it in some abstract way, but an accurate description may not readily spring to mind.

Kyle Reid is an expert in the sport, having both competed and coached. Even he finds describing it a challenging task. “It’s human chess,” he says slowly, considering how best to elucidate his feelings. “There’s a yin and yang component. It is a never-ending battle with yourself, and a double-edged sword. In the end, there is no doubt that its discipline makes you a better person,” he concludes.

His words carry the stamp of authentic experience, having spent a decade in the sport, ultimately in 2016 founding his own academy, Tricky BJJ in Owen Sound.

Initially Reid had started martial arts to get in shape. He found Jiu Jitsu was the direction he wanted to go, and it quickly transitioned into far more than exercise; it became integral to his lifestyle. Taking on an instructor role early in his career, he came to appreciate the lineage of teaching. “Its continuity from its Brazilian founders represents connection, and a solid background. It shows you’re learning right from the source.”

For Reid and his students, the source comes directly from the Gracie family. Reid is fourth in a line traced to Renzo Gracie himself, a legendary martial artist who founded the principles and practices of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. A third-degree brown belt, Reid is an accomplished competitor himself, having medaled at multiple tournaments throughout Ontario. His experience in the sport has taken him places he never would never have imagined, even once getting the chance to roll with George St. Pierre, a Canadian champion in MMA.

These days there is less competition for Reid but his enthusiasm for coaching the sport is stronger than ever. His academy runs classes five days a week. In Reid’s words, “I would do it even if only one or two students show up. It’s my passion, and I love helping people who want to learn.”

What does Reid say to those who are curious but unsure of this somewhat obscure though rapidly growing sport?  “Come to an academy and give it a try! It isn’t something you can imitate. The hardest part is walking through the door. The more you do it, the more enjoyable it becomes, and if you stick with it, Jiu Jitsu will change you. It will affect your whole life. Getting restful sleep, eating healthy and drinking water is all part of the lifestyle it fosters,” he says thoughtfully.

Jiu jitsu, centered on the principle that a smaller or weaker person can prevail through leverage and taking the fight down to the ground, is humbling and empowering in equal measure. It introduces participants to a whole new world of people excited to learn and improve. Those who try it quickly understand why it is such a tight-knit fraternity.  Jiu Jitsu holds an undeniably primordial quality and leaves people healthier, stronger, and equipped to ‘roll’ with anything life throws at them.

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