White Belt to Black Belt: We All Have Issues

I have a secret to tell you guys: it’s one of those super duper, top level secrets (not really, but just go with it).

Everyone, from white belt to black belt, encounters problems and tough to solve situations on the mat. It’s one of the reasons why it’s possible to be a lifelong student. Not to discourage you, but there will never be a time when you have it “all figured out” and if someone tells you that, there is a good chance they’re lying.

I don’t know if this is something for lower ranks will rejoice- or despair over. I think there’s an impression that when you get to an advanced level you’ll know “everything”. Here’s the hard truth, my friends: you’ll certainly know a lot, but not everything. There will still be situations where you get stuck, there are still techniques that may make you scratch your head, there is still the opportunity to learn, and grow, and improve. Jiu jitsu is a sport that evolves, and changes, and sometimes repeats certain trends in a new, modern way: sometimes new situations are created, or hell, were forgotten and brought back.

The good news is that if you have the right mindset, the commitment to figuring it out, you will eventually solve them. Keeping an open mind to learning a new skill, position, etc. is what will eventually help you overcome these obstacles. You will advance, and improve if you allow if to happen.

That’s all for today folks: have a great day everyone!