Using Jiu-Jitsu in a personal statement? Good idea? How to frame it?
I am a Junior in HS now. 16yr old blue belt. Started training when I was 10 and have been constant since. Soon it will be time send off the applications. Goals are high and will be applying to Princeton Univ. I've got the grades, preforming arts NHS, FBLA etc. Still I need something to set me apart, get noticed.
What this Jiu-Jitsu is to me? Calm under pressure, resolve difficult situations. Commitment to learn. Afterall I have spent 10 of my 16yrs studying Jiu-Jitsu. Second grade i guess. Don't remember a time when I didn't train.
What are you thoughts?
Briana Kellin wrote this bit of prose, I thought it was powerful:
Woman’s wrestling didn’t build my confidence.
It removed my dependence on it.
It taught me that strength isn’t emotional.
It’s technical.
It’s repeatable.
It’s built through uncomfortable reps when no one is watching.
Wrestling stripped away the idea that confidence comes from affirmation.
Confidence comes from evidence.
From knowing exactly what happens when pressure is applied—and trusting your response anyway.
As a woman, I learned early that being underestimated is not a disadvantage.
It is a timing mechanism.
It allows you to study, adjust, and act when the moment is correct.
Wrestling taught me discipline over ego.
Process over mood.
Control over chaos.
It showed me that resilience isn’t loud.
It’s quiet consistency.
Showing up tired.
Showing up unsure.
Showing up regardless.
The mat doesn’t care about your story, your excuses, or your comfort.
It rewards clarity, balance, and intention.
That lesson followed me everywhere.
In business.
In relationships.
In how I carry myself.
Woman’s wrestling didn’t just shape how I compete.
It shaped how I move through the world.
"I view extracurriculars, including sports, including martial arts, as positives on college and scholarship applications. (I have been a university professor for the past 18 years, among other things) I think my colleagues would as well - particularly when they also do or did those particular extracurriculars. When you get to Princeton, I highly recommend training with Professor Emily Kwok, if that is where she is still training out of, personally."
Thank you and the recommendation.
A couple of my favorite people in my Jiu-Jitsu Circle are in NJ David Adiv and Angelica Oliveira.
"Briana Kellin wrote this bit of prose, I thought it was powerful: Woman’s wrestling didn’t build my confidence. It removed my dependence on it. It taught me that strength isn’t emotional. It’s technical. It’s repeatable. It’s built through uncomfortable reps when no one is watching. Wrestling stripped away the idea that confidence comes from affirmation. Confidence comes from evidence. From knowing exactly what happens when pressure is applied—and trusting your response anyway. As a woman, I learned early that being underestimated is not a disadvantage. It is a timing mechanism. It allows you to study, adjust, and act when the moment is correct. Wrestling taught me discipline over ego. Process over mood. Control over chaos. It showed me that resilience isn’t loud. It’s quiet consistency. Showing up tired. Showing up unsure. Showing up regardless. The mat doesn’t care about your story, your excuses, or your comfort. It rewards clarity, balance, and intention. That lesson followed me everywhere. In business. In relationships. In how I carry myself. Woman’s wrestling didn’t just shape how I compete. It shaped how I move through the world."
That is powerful. Thought provoking,
Thank you for that.
Plan on studying it more
