Everyone who starts training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has one dream in common… To become a BJJ black belt. But even though all would like to earn it, can everyone actually do it? More importantly, can you become a black belt?

Old school BJJ black belt Keith Owen (RIP), was a seasoned martial artist with over 15 years of teaching experience and a black belt under Pedro Sauer. For Ownen, he emphasized the significance of perseverance and injury management in BJJ training.

One of the most poignant messages Owen conveys is:

“I have tapped 10,000 times… that is the quota you need to give to become a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.” He stresses in this inspiring video, that the journey to a black belt is not about tapping others out, but rather about being tapped out yourself, a process that fosters learning and growth.

A critical part of his message revolves around “injury management.” Owen asserts, “Jiu-jitsu is a marathon and not a sprint,” emphasizing the importance of longevity in training rather than immediate success. He advises against treating every training session as a high-stakes competition, which can lead to injuries and burnout. According to Owen, this approach is key to sustainable progress in BJJ.

He introduces the concept of “3 T’s” – being “Technical, Tough, and Technical.” He defines toughness as the ability to endure and keep going, even under challenging positions or submissions, but always stopping just short of getting hurt. This approach is not about avoiding tapping out, but about knowing the precise moment to do so, to avoid injuries that could sideline one’s training.

Owen stresses the importance of relaxation and movement in BJJ. He observes that many practitioners tense up, which restricts hip movement, a crucial aspect of effective grappling. He advocates for a playful, relaxed attitude in training, which fosters a better learning environment and makes training more enjoyable.

The overarching theme of the video is the importance of patience, technical improvement, and self-preservation in BJJ. Owen’s insights provide valuable guidance for practitioners at all levels, emphasizing that the journey to black belt is as much about mental resilience and tactical training approach as it is about physical skill.