The longer I train Jiu-Jitsu, the easier I'm able to notice my own progression. I remember my first ‘breakthrough’ very well. It was the day that I realised that hip escapes, or shrimping, were a huge part of Jiu-Jitsu. Up to that point it had just been an annoying warm-up that occasionally reared its head as a technique. I realise now that it's likely the technique that I use more than anything else. Another thing I noticed was a distinct shift in awareness when rolling and drilling. Previously I'd be blissfully unaware of what my opponent (any myself) was doing. As time has gone on I've become more and more aware of what is happening and what my opponent is attempting to do. More importantly I'm aware of what I am trying to do. The shift in perspective and awareness allows me to better understand what might happen during a roll, although I don't necessarily have the skills and knowledge to avoid most of what I see coming yet!
This change in awareness has been accompanied by a shift in perspective on progression, specifically with Blue Belts. I used to see Blue Belts as these absolute world beaters, as people who could do whatever they pleased to me. As time went on and I got better, my impression of blues began to change. I now see a Blue Belt as someone who has a good understanding of the basic techniques and attitudes of Jiu-Jitsu. These people have a few different techniques to try from each position and a few ways to get out of each should they be forced into them. They've got a good understanding of body mechanics and movement and they've (ideally) got an attitude geared towards deeper learning and helping others progress. Now this change in perspective changes everything and nothing for me. Part of me looks at the Blue Belt and says that it doesn't mean as much as I once thought, and that it's just a natural progression with training. I've been training for 2.5 years now, and if I were really hung up on a promotion I think it would have affected me by now. That being said, I still believe being promoted to Blue Belt will be one of the greatest days of my life, but I also realise that all it truly means is that my coaches believe I'm ready to dig down and truly begin to learn about Jiu-Jitsu. This is opposed to being a White Belt and experiencing a small piece of Jiu-Jitsu. I've come to see White Belt as a position of exposure and tempering. At White Belt you get comfortable being uncomfortable, and you learn basic techniques and ideas which will help you continue to learn and to take care of yourself while doing so.
Either way, right now I'm focusing on consolidating knowledge and getting the basics down-pat. I always hear about peaks and valleys of progression and motivation in Jiu-Jitsu and luckily for me I haven't experienced this in any significant way as of yet. I'm currently still just progressing and trending upward. Gemina MMA has hosted the biggest leap of skill and understanding I've experienced with Jiu-Jitsu and I'm very excited to see where it leads.
Until next time, stay safe friends.
This change in awareness has been accompanied by a shift in perspective on progression, specifically with Blue Belts. I used to see Blue Belts as these absolute world beaters, as people who could do whatever they pleased to me. As time went on and I got better, my impression of blues began to change. I now see a Blue Belt as someone who has a good understanding of the basic techniques and attitudes of Jiu-Jitsu. These people have a few different techniques to try from each position and a few ways to get out of each should they be forced into them. They've got a good understanding of body mechanics and movement and they've (ideally) got an attitude geared towards deeper learning and helping others progress. Now this change in perspective changes everything and nothing for me. Part of me looks at the Blue Belt and says that it doesn't mean as much as I once thought, and that it's just a natural progression with training. I've been training for 2.5 years now, and if I were really hung up on a promotion I think it would have affected me by now. That being said, I still believe being promoted to Blue Belt will be one of the greatest days of my life, but I also realise that all it truly means is that my coaches believe I'm ready to dig down and truly begin to learn about Jiu-Jitsu. This is opposed to being a White Belt and experiencing a small piece of Jiu-Jitsu. I've come to see White Belt as a position of exposure and tempering. At White Belt you get comfortable being uncomfortable, and you learn basic techniques and ideas which will help you continue to learn and to take care of yourself while doing so.
Either way, right now I'm focusing on consolidating knowledge and getting the basics down-pat. I always hear about peaks and valleys of progression and motivation in Jiu-Jitsu and luckily for me I haven't experienced this in any significant way as of yet. I'm currently still just progressing and trending upward. Gemina MMA has hosted the biggest leap of skill and understanding I've experienced with Jiu-Jitsu and I'm very excited to see where it leads.
Until next time, stay safe friends.