Steve Hordinski-The Path of Jiu-Jitsu
Steve Hordinski is a monumental figure in the BJJ community of Colorado and a complete embodiment of the sport and its core values. I had the chance to talk with Hordinski about what makes BJJ unique, and why he has devoted his entire life to the dissemination of the sport at Fight to Win Promotions’ Colorado Open last weekend.
After being introduced to Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Phil Cardella while in the Navy stationed in Hawaii, Hordinski immediately found himself drawn to the sport. He returned home in 2005, earned his black belt and opened his own Jiu-Jitsu school, Katharo Jiu-Jitsu, in a mere five years. Hordinski is a true believer in the idea of Jiu-Jitsu as an art form and a constant pursuit of the ultimate body control.
“As a Jiu-Jitsu instructor or leader in the community, we have the ability to influence and guide students and instill core values. I believe that Jiu-Jitsu helps take somebody who isn’t focused, and make them focus on something that they want to be good at. The instructor’s responsibility is to help shape their character, integrity, and instill self-confidence and self-motivation, and commitment. What Jiu-Jitsu does is it opens up a gateway for those core values.”
What sets Jiu-Jitsu apart from other sports in the MMA is its egoless nature, and the resulting quality of the competitors. Jiu-Jitsu requires an unparalleled level of concentration in order to be successful.
“What I see a lot is that the people who do Jiu-Jitsu are intelligent. You develop a problem solving mindset. What it takes to be successful on the mat is a good teacher, and we’re very blessed in Colorado because there are so many good teachers.”
Hordinski also believes showing up, participating in class, doing the repetitions, testing yourself, are just as important. It’s an individual sport, but respecting your team is pivotal to the jiu-jitsu mindset.
“Jiu-Jitsu is endless. I’ve been training for a long time now, and everyday on the mat, something new happens.” Hordinski likens Jiu-Jitsu to a game of chess. It is a martial art form that requires high levels of problem solving and strategy.”
Hordinski emphasized the need for young Jiu-Jitsu competitors to have fun and don’t quit, and also explained how the sport offers valuable life lessons while also improving quality of life. “You’re always going to be your hardest critic. Don’t let that stop you. When you have a breakdown in your technique, you’ll have an opportunity for a breakthrough in your technique. It’s the same in life,” he said
“Don’t just be a fighter, don’t only be a jiu-jitsu competitor, do those things, but be a martial artist. Try to find that balance in your life on an off the mat. The more you master yourself, master your ego, the better jiu-jitsu is for you and the more you’ll grow.”
Training, pushing yourself, and rising to the challenge in Jiu-Jitsu, in Hordinski’s view, involves discovering, understanding, and becoming the art. It is this view of Jiu-Jitsu as the true martial art that highlights the value and uniqueness of the sport.
