22/10/2026
10 years of Jiu Jitsu
The path to black belt, according to me:
✅ Encouragement from someone you respect.
✅ Taking chances, Say ‘yes - I’m in’ more. I wore borrowed clothes at my first competition.
✅ Skilled training partners to push you, that won’t sugar-coat the feedback.
✅ Having siblings is the best base for combat sports.
✅ Cauliflower ear adds power.
✅ Find something to fight for, ego is not strong enough.
✅ Teaching is the fastest path to truly understanding.
✅ Be a part of the community, not just an observer.
✅ A rival to test and challenge you.
✅ A coach (or 4) to teach you, one to teach you how to be part of a team, one to challenge your ego and humble you, one with a different perspective you hadn’t thought of, one to show you what you’re capable of.
✅ A partner that supports you and that will help you out of the car after a tough session without judging.
✅ Family that teach you to have integrity and toughness.
✅ A touch of the tism’.
✅ You had a first time once too, and you needed help. You never forget that person. Make it a good experience.
✅ Never ever forget: Someone thinks you’re their hero and wants to be just like you, act appropriately.
