Great question Bekah! I’m still dealing with it now and will need to continue keeping it front and center. I’m used to being really good at most things pretty quickly. Jiu Jitsu is almost the complete opposite experience for me. By design patience is a key characteristic when learning and training within our beautiful art. You can only get better with reps, study, review, and reflection. All of this takes time. This is a process that does not allow any shortcuts or rushed steps. 

Wow! Awesome perspective. Truer words couldn’t be shared. This is an amazing lesson that propels us in the inevitable unforeseen things that life will meet our paths with.

Thanks for sharing, Tim. I could not agree more that there are an endless amount of lessons that we capture in this beauty art!

Awesome insight and perspective. I echo your very sentiments. Comparing myself to others is something that I also avoid. I’m only interested in my journey so comparisons to other not living within the same set of circumstances is meaningless in my view.

A black belt represents resiliency, patience, and a true student of the art/sport. I look at black belts as the example of how to approach things, and how to respond to things. Black belts set the tone of the room as most people look up to them as the gold standard.

I think both. Definitely a beautiful art but certainly sport specifically those who compete. 

I think that it’s tough to pick one. Not wanting to answer a question with a question, but this is similar to stating Gi or NoGi. They both have a purpose and a place. As foundation or principle to build upon, we all need to know how to defend ourselves. Self-defense is mandatory and should be where we start to build. I’m of the belief that we cannot lean into Jiu Jitsu sport without understanding self-defense. Marc raises a great example using what we see in the UFC. 

Triangles for sure. 

My toughest moment is every single time I train. Not to sound cliche, but I am used to seeing things a time or two and then taking off. With Jiu Jitsu, there is no speed in becoming skilled. You have to put the mat time in. While I do trust the process, it’s very challenging to not progress as quickly as I’m used to with all things my entire life.