Progress

The BJJ advancement system requires you to earn 4 stripes on your belt prior to testing for the next belt. I have been a member at the gym for 2 years and 2 months. Over that period of time I have slowly earned 3 stripes my belt. Stripes can be earned by attending class regularly, being a good team mate, competitions, and completing one mandatory stripe test. Last week I completed the stripe test, gaining the 4^th stripe for the white belt.

My enjoyment and appreciation of BJJ has really increased. Every move or attack has a counter, and every counter has a counter. It really is a physical chess match, you are constantly problem solving. I try to focus on technique, and not muscle and power. I still get smashed on a weekly basis, but I am able to see little improvements, and I am happy with those little victories. I don’t focus on the submissions I am able to get, or not get, but the positions, the mistakes, the application of proper technique for the proper situation. I am definitely in better condition than I was when I started, yet it is amazing how much my technique drops off during an hour sparring session. The muscle memory isn’t where it should be all the time, and I have to start thinking, and when I think too much, I make enough mistakes to put me a bad positions. I truly need to drill basic concepts and positions more, but I am starting to understand what they are, and I can see that they do work.

During my journey with BJJ, I have tried not to focus or be concerned with rank or advancement. The coaches that I have are great about their expectations, and understand that all people will advance at their own pace. They understand that we are all there for our own reasons, and allow us to train and explore BJJ with their guidance. Everyone I have worked with has been extremely helpful, and genuinely cares about our advancement and understanding of BJJ. I am thankful for all the people that have helped me along this journey, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with them.