Lessons Learnt From Being On The Bottom

Lessons Learnt From Being On The Bottom

I’ve had to go on a bit of a mental journey.  I’ve had to learn how to compete in a room where I can’t.  I had to find my confidence again all while remaining a good, calm, reliable training partner.

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Less Than Technical White Belt Advice

Less Than Technical White Belt Advice

A really motivated, young guy named Andrew asked me what I wish I knew before I started training. I thought for a second and told him a few things, but I continued to think about the question in the car home and later.

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Exiting the Downward Spiral

Exiting the Downward Spiral

Jiu-jitsu is a game of ups and downs, both literally and figuratively. Getting yourself out of a down period is all about mindset and details. You can’t avoid them but having a game plan to tackle them can help get you out.

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Growing Your Gym’s Community Outside of Class

Growing Your Gym’s Community Outside of Class

By building your gym’s culture and group’s camaraderie, you will see your training partners in a new light. Also you will be opening doors for someone who might be more reticent than you. It’s a win-win.

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Tripped Up By Training Takedowns

Tripped Up By Training Takedowns

As I progress through my jiu-jitsu journey, the only thing I learn is how little I know. This is a sentiment I’ve noticed nearly everyone grows to adopt. Jiu-jitsu is one of the world’s great, humbling endeavors.

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The Excitement of Training With New Partners

The Excitement of Training With New Partners

It’s completely obvious and understandable why some people would forgo training currently. I honestly expected a few less partners than previous times. However, something which I didn’t expect was an influx of new faces. This was a very welcome sight. As a chronic friend-maker, this excited me. As a jiu-jitsu practitioner, it really excited me.

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Why I Feel Like A Whitebelt Again, And That’s A Good Thing

Why I Feel Like A Whitebelt Again, And That’s A Good Thing

As many of us hopefully get ready to return to training with some of the restrictions of COVID-19 loosening, I am getting anxious. These mixed emotions remind me of how I felt when I began my jiu-jitsu journey. Whether you will return now or later, the feelings of both excitement and nervousness must be swirling inside you.

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