| One of the first things which I read in my studies of the | | | | The second is, as I previously alluded to, stressing the |
| art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is that most practitioners make | | | | fundamentals. Far too many make the mistake of |
| it as far as the coveted blue belt, and then quit. Having | | | | feeling like their instructors are gauging them solely |
| felt the journey of this path myself, I couldn't imagine | | | | upon how often they are forcing their opponents to |
| how someone could build such a valuable foundation | | | | tap. Because of this, many over develop single |
| of skill and knowledge without gaining that drive to | | | | aspects of their game, instead of seeking |
| reach, and to surpass, and to excel. How could anyone | | | | improvement in the areas which they are not as |
| not aspire to the ultimate goal of black? In my short | | | | formidable. Keep this in mind, a skilled instructor can |
| time, I have developed such a love of the game, its | | | | pinpoint progress with extreme accuracy based upon |
| intricacies, and its practicalities that I, myself, will never | | | | many other items, such as how you move, what you |
| give it up. How long it takes for me to get there is of | | | | are looking for in your escapes, positions, submissions, |
| no consequence. | | | | and so on, how much energy you are exuding, and |
| So, I did some digging on the matter. After all, one of | | | | your form displayed in executed moves. All in all, your |
| the most important facets of the road to blue is the | | | | mind is far more applicable to the path, than is your |
| longevity of the warrior. One must truly wish to stick it | | | | prowess on the mat. In fact, sparring while in your |
| out, and must also be apprised to the many gains, both | | | | academy should be a way for you to explore your |
| mental and physical, of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The first item | | | | options, play with technique, and seek improvement, as |
| to be addressed is patience. Many have heard the | | | | opposed to providing a place where you are simply |
| token saying "patience is a virtue", and in the case of | | | | looking to win. |
| Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this couldn't ring more true. This is not | | | | Finally, branch out. Do not think that you are chained |
| a path which can be travelled overnight. Far too many | | | | only to the knowledge and teachings of one. Watch |
| find themselves in a sprint to the finish line, only to learn | | | | videos, attend seminars, and seek lessons from other |
| that they haven't the fuel to finish the trek. This is one | | | | Jiu Jitsu academies. Most of all, seek to adapt in style |
| of the most common reasons why practitioners of | | | | and in technique. The beauty of Jiu Jitsu is in its |
| BJJ do not last, trying to win it all over night and burning | | | | progressive manner, as well as its adaptation to the |
| out. Allow yourself the rest you need to remain whole. | | | | character and mind of its beholder. Jiu Jitsu works for |
| This includes the rest of the mind. One of the most | | | | us all in its own way, and in our own way. Procure, if |
| highly overlooked items on this journey is the true | | | | you can, a training partner to ensure that you receive |
| understanding of fundamental techniques. It is not about | | | | the time, outside of the academy, to apply to specific |
| how many taps you get, or about how often you win. | | | | areas of you game. This will allow you the opportunity |
| Rather, it is about having the knowledge and capability | | | | to mold a game unique only to you. And most of all, |
| to reach into the toolbox and to retrieve an answer. | | | | have fun on your journey in BJJ. It has so much to |
| This is the essence of blue, and this takes time, | | | | offer, and ultimately, you will find yourself at a place |
| regardless of how much you abuse your body and | | | | where the mind, the body, and the spirit come together. |
| your mind. | | | | |