BJJ black belt and UFC vet Matt Arroyo, introduces a unique perspective to understanding and managing expectations in Jiu-Jitsu training. This can help BJJ practitioners, especially those who might feel discouraged when rolling with others, particularly younger, stronger, lower belts.

Arroyo explains the “Rule of 10 and 20,” a concept he attributes to Rener and Ryron Gracie.

According to this rule, if someone is 10 years younger than you, it’s equivalent to them being one belt higher. Similarly, for every 20 pounds heavier your opponent is, it’s like they are one belt higher. For instance, a 200-pound, 30-year-old blue belt rolling against a 180-pound, 40-year-old brown belt may feel like two brown belts competing against each other due to these age and weight differences.

This rule accounts for the physical and athletic advantages that younger or heavier practitioners may have. It helps to set realistic expectations during training. If a practitioner feels they’re struggling against someone with these physical advantages, they shouldn’t be discouraged. Instead, they should recognize these factors and focus on what they can control, such as their technique, training frequency, and physical conditioning.

Arroyo encourages practitioners not to quit because of such challenges, emphasizing that BJJ is not just a sport but a way of life, providing fulfillment, exercise, mental relief, and a sense of challenge.

The video emphasizes the importance of not getting discouraged by these challenges but rather understanding and accepting them as part of the learning process in Jiu-Jitsu. This perspective encourages continuous improvement and resilience, recognizing that everyone progresses at their own pace and has unique attributes that contribute to their Jiu-Jitsu journey.