The world of Jiu-Jitsu can indeed be a confusing place when you’re a white belt. There’s just so much information out there, so many techniques that you don’t know how to use… That it can be quite painstaking when you want to find a way to truly improve in your craft.
So, what do you do when you’re confused about what you’re supposed to do in BJJ? You listen to the more experienced athletes. Especially those who’ve climbed through the ranks and competed at the highest of levels. For example, Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez.

This is the advice he had to share with all BJJ white belts in a conversation with BJJ Eastern Europe:

Hmmm, so some advice for the white belts reading this would be to, first off, become a good student and teammate, as well as to pay attention during classes. Most instructors mean well and simply want to help you out. Plus, bear in mind that most of us instructors have already made the mistakes so you don’t have to make them yourself.

And, also, create goals that are achievable. That way, you’ll always have something to work for and that way you will always be motivated to work hard.

He also shared an interesting piece of advice that Eddie Bravo once gave him:

Eddie Bravo has given me a lot of amazing tips. But, to be honest, for him to tell me to be open minded and to be myself was the biggest thing that anyone could have told me at the time. He gave me the freedom to make my Jiu-Jitsu into whatever I wanted to make out of it.

Make sure to check out the rest of our interview with Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez here.