Introduction
I’ve spent 12 years training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and earned my black belt over 2 years ago. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that the discipline, focus, and strategic thinking developed on the mat directly influence my approach to coding.
Every practice session—whether drilling techniques or tackling tough coding challenges teaches me something new. I’ve discovered that returning to the basics and viewing setbacks as opportunities to improve is essential for growth in both worlds.
In this article, I share my experiences from the mats and the code editor. I hope my journey inspires you to embrace challenges, keep learning, and stay resilient in your own coding endeavors.
Embracing the Basics: The Foundation of Success
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I learned that mastering the basics is everything. Without a solid foundation, even the fancy techniques can fall apart. In coding, the same rule applies. Early on, I discovered that focusing on core concepts—like algorithms and data structures—is key to solving more complex problems.
Every training session, whether on the mat or at my computer, reinforced this idea. For example, I once faced a challenge where I needed to find a pair of numbers in an array that added up to a specific target. At first, I tried several complex approaches and struggled to reach a solution. Then I revisited the basics and discovered the two pointer technique. This simple method involves sorting the array and using two pointers—one at the start and one at the end—to efficiently find the desired pair. This clear, step-by-step approach not only solved my problem but also reminded me how essential fundamental techniques are in programming.
By embracing the basics, you build the skills needed for advanced challenges. No matter how much you grow, these core methods remain the key to success.
Embracing Challenges: How Obstacles Build Resilience
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, every match is a chance to learn—even when I get submitted. Each setback reveals a weakness, and I use it as an opportunity to train harder and smarter. I bring this same mindset to coding.
When I face a challenging problem, I follow a systematic process: I step back, analyze my approach, and adjust my strategy. I know that bugs require a methodical and patient mindset, and I tackle them with the same discipline I learned on the mat. Every obstacle is an opportunity for growth.
By consistently embracing challenges both on the mat and at my computer, I build the resilience needed to keep improving.
Deliberate Practice: Repeating to Master Your Craft
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught me that repetition is the key to mastering any skill. Every drill and sparring session helps me refine my techniques until they become second nature. The same principle applies to coding. By practicing regularly—whether it’s solving a coding challenge, revisiting core algorithms, or reviewing basic subjects like data structures—I build a stronger foundation and continuously improve my skills.
I usually dedicate time to revisiting the basics and ensuring my fundamentals are rock-solid, while also learning new techniques and exploring innovative approaches. I spend extra time on a coding problem, rewriting and refining my solution until I can solve it with ease. Just like drilling moves on the mat, repeating these steps in programming helps me recognize patterns and makes my code more reliable.
By making deliberate practice a habit, you not only learn faster but also build the confidence needed to tackle more advanced challenges.
Learning Through Feedback: Coaching and Code Reviews
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, feedback from coaches and training partners is invaluable. Their advice helps you spot mistakes, refine techniques, and improve faster. The same goes for coding. In my experience, code reviews often work like coaching sessions on the mat. When a colleague points out a small issue or suggests a different it can lead to a cleaner, more efficient solution.
Sometimes, however, the feedback I receive doesn’t immediately make sense. In those cases, I take a step back and ask clarifying questions to understand the perspective behind the comment. This approach helps me determine whether the feedback is useful and how it can be applied to improve my work.
I’ve learned to welcome all feedback as a tool for growth. Whether it’s a comment on my code or a tip from a BJJ coach, I use it to adjust my approach and continuously improve. This habit of learning from others has made me more resilient and adaptable in both fields.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I learned that mastery begins with the basics, grows through challenges, and improves with deliberate practice and honest feedback. The same principles have helped me become a better coder. By revisiting fundamentals, embracing obstacles, practicing consistently, and welcoming feedback, I’ve built a resilient and adaptable mindset.
As you continue your coding journey, try applying these lessons in your own projects. Embrace the basics, tackle challenges head-on, and never hesitate to learn from others.
I’d love to hear your experiences—what strategies have helped you overcome coding challenges? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below.
References
Cracking the Coding Interview: This book is a renowned best-seller and a personal favorite – an essential book for preparing for technical interviews!
Designing Data-Intensive Applications: ‘ is a go-to reference for creating scalable, robust, and high-performance applications!