JWF: More than a team
A look into the world of James White Fitness. The happiest place on earth.
Upon entering James White Fitness for the first time one might expect a very serious group of people, after all, its a gym specializing in combat sports. However, that expectation could not be further from the truth.
JWF is place created and maintained by a passion and love not only for Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and Muay Thai, but also for those within the gym who make up its ranks.
This passion is evident everyday from the moment you step in, from the second you enter those doors you will be greeted by smiles and warm welcomes.
Owners James and Samantha White are living embodiments of this enthusiasm
No matter the day of the week, when you enter the gym you can safely expect to see the two of them excitedly preparing to teach class. Their passion is not only evident in their words, but also their actions.
Each day they bring the same positive and uplifting energy as the day before. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been at the gym for a week or a year, they will treat you as one of their own, as part of their family.
With this comes an atmosphere of unprecedented learning and understanding, James is sure to instruct each person on the ways in which they can improve their craft on the mat.
When teaching a technique all eyes are on the center of the mat, moving with an almost rhythmic precision James will demonstrate the moves for the day. With the conclusion of each demonstration a clap will be heard on the count of three. Then it’s time to begin.
Being a combat sport does not mean aggression is key in Jiu-Jitsu, in many ways, technique and patience will carry you far further. James emphasizes the correct execution of techniques above all else.
This dedication to technique and the team are only a couple of factors in what has created one of the most successful gyms in the state and beyond.
There’s something undeniable about the culture that James and Sam have created in their gym.
You can practically feel it in the air.
Following Jiu-Jitsu class James will then transition over to kickboxing/Muay Thai class. Rather than the slams and slaps of the mat, you’re treated to the rhythmic beating of pads by punches and kicks.
The art of striking is a matter of nearly invisible details and split second reactions, something James stresses heavily. Each and every movement has to be made with an intent.
Time to clean up.
Each and every day we end together and James will wheel out a bucket and two mops. Without even a word most days, members of the gym will make their way over and begin cleaning down the mats and gear. There is an incredible respect for the space.
Each day after class when everyone has left James will begin to shut down the lights and lock up the doors, finally concluding what has been a long, but good night. The best part is, we get to do it all again the next day.
JWF is located at 1309 24th Ave SW, Norman, OK, United States, Oklahoma
REFLECTION
As I reflect on my blog post about James White Fitness, I can’t help but think about the difficulty of capturing the gym’s spirit in words. When I first walked into JWF, I had certain expectations due to its specialization in combat sports. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The passion and love that James and Samantha White have for their gym and its members is undeniable. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with smiles and warm welcomes. It’s clear that the Whites treat everyone as part of their family, regardless of how long they’ve been at the gym.
The dedication to technique and the team is only a couple of factors in what has created one of the most successful gyms in the state and beyond. James is an excellent instructor who emphasizes the importance of correct technique above all else. His teachings create an atmosphere of unprecedented learning and understanding.
Another thing that struck me about JWF was the respect for the space. Every day after class, members of the gym would come together to clean down the mats and gear without even being prompted. This respect for the space creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.
Despite JWF being a gym specializing in combat sports, it’s not all about aggression. James stresses the importance of patience, split-second reactions, and nearly invisible details when it comes to striking. This creates an atmosphere of mindfulness and intentionality.
All in all, JWF is an incredible gym that embodies the passion and love that James and Samantha White have for their craft and their members. It’s a place where you can come to learn and grow, both as an athlete and as a person. And the best part? You get to do it all again the next day.
Life as a student
A first brief look into the thoughts of me, a college student who is about to graduate and find his passion.
Enjoying his coffee; Dec. 6th 2022
Sometimes you just have to see the little things.
More often than not I find myself not being entirely aware of the positions I find myself in. One thing in particular that has been the subject of much thought for me lately has been realizing that even as I come to my final semester of college, my younger years are not yet over.
I find myself sitting and stressing over getting older. I don’t know what I want to do, but as I’ve grown I have also realized that hardly anybody else knows what they’re doing either. Most of us seem to allow the story of our lives to play out in front of us rather than take control of it ourselves. I don’t want to do that and I don’t believe others want to either.
In realizing these things I began to steer myself in the direction of what I want.
Waiting on the corner; Dec. 6th 2022
All this being said, this semester was kind of a hard reset for me, I’ve had to find what things genuinely bring me joy and fulfillment. I lost some good habits and gained some not so good ones coming through college, but I’m certain that I can do the things I believe necessary. This final semester is looking to be what I’ve always looked for.
So I jumped headfirst into what I feel my passions could become.
I love hearing stories, even more-so I love telling them to other people. I thought all this while I was sitting in my apartment, but one important thought finally made it’s way to my mind.
What better stories to tell than my own? Why not take those adventures I’ve always watched with such desire and make them my own?
That is my intention. So, reader, thank you for coming. I can’t wait for the adventures I’m going to bring you on one day.
REFLECTION
As I read back on my blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the mindset I had during that time. It's interesting to see how far I've come since then, yet at the same time, some of the struggles I faced are still very present in my life.
The idea of getting older and not having everything figured out is still something that weighs heavily on me. However, reading my own words reminds me that it's okay to not have everything together, and that we all have our own paths to take.
Reflecting on my final semester of college, I remember how much of a turning point it was for me. It was a time where I had to take a step back and reevaluate what truly made me happy and fulfilled.
I'm proud of myself for taking the leap into pursuing my passions, and even more so for realizing that my own experiences and adventures can make for some of the best stories to share with others.
As I continue on my journey, I hope to never lose sight of the little things in life and the importance of taking control of my own story. And who knows, maybe one day I'll have some new adventures to share with my readers.
