World class Judoka Travis Stevens came 4th at the recent Copa Podio. He shared some very interesting insights about not being intimidated by big names in Jiu-Jitsu or Judo when competing, in a interview with Graciemag:
“I truly believe that there is not one BJJ or Judo player in the world that I can’t beat. Having said that, that doesn’t mean that I can’t lose it just means that if given enough time and opportunities I can submit anyone without a doubt in my mind. So when you step out on to the mat and look across at your opponent and you doubt yourself and start thinking “this guys world champ this guy is a black belt, this guy submitted me before” just remember that he hasn’t won the competition yet, he hasn’t beaten you yet. To me every day is a new day just because you won the Pans doesn’t mean you will win the Worlds. So every day I wake up everyone is on the same level. What I mean is Paulo, Xande, Galvao, Estima, and myself are all on the same level along with everyone else who does BJJ. I mean, every thing from white belt to black belt. Because until they’ve beaten me who’s better is just an opinion not fact. This is not ego it’s a mindset. Even if let’s say Galvao walked into Renzo’s and kicked the crap out of me. I would reflect on it study how he did it and wake up the next day with everyone on the same level again because its a new day and if he wants to prove himself and beat me again he can but I’ll wake up the next day with him and I on the same level. Just because I put myself on the same level doesn’t mean I don’t have things to learn. I try to learn things from everyone whether it’s a white or blue belt or the black belt teaching class. I love going to the gym and learning new things. When you put people on a pedestal all that means is you assume that you can’t or won’t win. And you’re the only person who decides whether you win or lose.”
