Just started out with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Amazing! You’re probably having a great time, practicing this awesome martial art – especially when it comes to sparring, i.e. the rolling part of the class.
However, as you train, you should also listen to advice from the experienced grapplers around you. And that doesn’t mean just the people in the training room, but also some of whom you may have never met.
For example, Jocko Willink.
Jocko is a BJJ black belt, as well as a retired Navy SEAL… And he has prime advice for all BJJ white belts, especially when it comes to ego:
Just keep training. Keep your ego in check. Don’t freak out, try and use the techniques that you learn.
However, Jocko is also aware that this advice might not be implemented immediately:
And notice how I say these things? Tap out, keep your ego in check… But the thing is, everyone says this all the time.
And white belts still start off by going completely nuts, for at least, you know, three or six months of “I’m not going to let this guy tap me out and I’m going to tap this guy out”.
Not by using technique, but just using strength.
This sort of an approach hinders your growth by a lot. You need to get over it as soon as you can:
It’s just inhibiting your learning.
So, I know you have got to get it out of your system. I know that you don’t want to tap and I know you want to tap somebody.
But as soon as you get that off your chest, then try and relax. Use the techniques.
