Jocko Willink is one of those people who have been (and continue to be) an inspiration to many men who’re just starting out in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Through his experience, charisma and knowledge, Jocko motivates them to start rolling; as well as to roll harder and smarter. He’s also a tough black belt, which comes as no surprise.
But, what does “being a black belt” actually mean to Jocko? He shared his thoughts in an interview given to Black Belt Mag, demonstrating what a true black belt mindset represents:
In my mind, a black belt is not a powerful statement; it is a statement of humility.
If you are wearing a black belt, you have been humbled more times than you can count. Because you have been humbled more times than you can count, you should have learned that the power of Jiu-Jitsu is not your power. It’s a gift that you are given.
Other people invested in you to give you this gift. And if you forget that for a moment and act with arrogance, you are not really doing justice to that belt you are wearing.
To Jocko, being a black belt means that he won’t give up. That he’ll keep moving forward and that he’ll keep learning – that’s what a BJJ black belt mindset is:
To me, a black belt means that you just don’t give up. It’s not easy to get a black belt.
If you have a black belt, it means you didn’t give up. I didn’t give up, but that doesn’t mean I won’t tap out. I’ll keep training, I’ll keep trying to learn.
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