📸: @thegrappleclub
I had previously believed that in almost any profession, having a code of ethics and making an income from an activity are at least two requirements for professionalism. I tend to re-think that now as I apply it to Jiu Jitsu, as all the ethics you need in BJJ you should have learned in Kindergarten – such as “a deal is a deal” and “do unto others as you want them to do unto you.”
The notion of being a good person and a good training partner is most of our code of ethics. And few people can actually make their living from Jiu Jitsu – and many that do make their living from it have to supplement that income with something else. So while a fortunate few make their living from the sport we love, the rest of us have to find another vocation to pay for the things we like to do.
So what I settled on is taking a look at the attributes of a professional attitude from an amateur attitude. Here are some to think about.
There are certain things that the guys that really good in BJJ all have in common.
They don’t do these things:
1. Leave Class Early
2. Skip Out on Open Mat
3. Drill A move just a couple of times
4. Try to learn 10 different guards or systems all at the same time
5. Not take good care of their body
6. Sit on the side and make fun of the new guys
7. Get frustrated when they don’t see progress right away
8. Get disappointed or frustrated if they don’t get promoted
9. Reject Feedback from others
10. Use their A-game every day
