Insight and Understanding
To have insight in jiu-jitsu is to have adaptable knowledge of details. To understand jiu-jitsu is to have adaptable and comprehensive application of insight.
How can we apply insight and understanding to build our jiu-jitsu?
Perfecting Jiu-Jitsu in the Academy
As we train, we are perfecting both our jiu-jitsu as well as our partners jiu-jitsu. Regardless of your motivations, selfish or altruistic, the fastest path to perfecting your jiu-jitsu is to elevate everyone around you.
Halfway There
Yes, getting my BJJ black belt is really “halfway there”. Four years ago, I wrote that as a purple belt I was halfway to halfway there. Purple marked the midpoint of getting to the coveted black belt. On an intellectual level, I was correct, but it was not a great leap of logic to listen […]
Progress in Jiu-Jitsu
Elements of Progress Good progress in jiu-jitsu is obtained by a combination working on your knowledge, dedication, and performance. When I am evaluating the progress of my students (as well as my own progress), these three metrics are what I use to determine how much progress is being made. Knowledge Mastery is defined by details […]
The Role of Discomfort
Discomfort, both giving and receiving, is a fundamental characteristic of jiu-jitsu. It is part of what builds mental and physical toughness for both sport and self-defense applications. When you are receiving discomfort, it means some aspect of your defense failed and you have to deal with discomfort while rebuilding your defense and escape options. When […]
The Gift Of Jiu-Jitsu
If you love jiu-jitsu, the greatest gift you can give someone else is encouragement that leads them to the same kind of dedication to jiu-jitsu. You don’t have to be an instructor or academy owner; you just need to be passionate about jiu-jitsu and be good at what a new student needs from you. Think […]
Jiu-Jitsu Is For Everyone, But. . .
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art, sport, fitness activity, and much more. It is common to hear people say that jiu-jitsu is for everyone, and often the person saying that is living the jiu-jitsu life and deriving great benefit from the art. It is indeed true that jiu-jitsu is for everyone. Jiu-jitsu is not rigid and […]
My Apology
I have to apologize, but not in the way you are probably thinking. I’m referring to the lesser known definition of apology, which is to make a rational defense of a position, also known as apologia. I am a firm believer that if you are going to have an opinion on something, from jiu-jitsu to […]
The Arctic, Jiu-Jitsu, and Perspective
What do backpacking in the Alaskan Arctic and jiu-jitsu have in common? They both can serve as a lesson on proper perspective, but only if you want them to. It’s a fact of life that things that are worth doing are often not going to be easy. Sometimes during those endeavors, you’ll encounter situations where […]
SimpleBJJ Simple BJJ Flowchart
This might have to be a t-shirt.