Don’t Worry About What You Don’t Know

When you first start Jiu Jitsu it can quickly become overwhelming. There is just so much to consider! Positions, submissions, sweeps, takedowns, defenses, and the list just keeps going. On top of that, in most cases someone walking into a gym for the first time has no foundation for grappling. Even the vocabulary is often new, especially when some Japanese words are sprinkled into the teaching! Ever heard of “Kuzushi?” That means “off-balancing,” and it’s OK if you didn’t know that. 

One of the coaches at our gym once said, “You know what you know, and you don’t know what you don’t know.” It’s a simple statement, yet genuinely freeing for a Jiu Jitsu practitioner. We have this idea and expectation to obtain an immense amount of knowledge in a very short time. That’s not healthy because it’s not realistic. It takes time. It takes a lot of time. 

Focus On The Few Things You Do Know

The good news is you are learning. Every day you show up to class is another opportunity to focus on a few things that you do know. Put effort into adding details and making what you currently know better. This is a great tip to keep with you as you progress through the color belts. I have watched friends become black belts and get excited to learn the smallest detail on the most basic move. And guess what? It makes that most basic move extremely effective against all ranks. 

So be encouraged! Learning to take joy in small details of basic moves is key for great Jiu Jitsu. 

Here are 5 tips to help you remember what you are learning:

1. Keep a notepad to write on before, during, or after class. 

2. Learn all basic positions (guard, mount, back mount, side mount).

3. Learn one submission from each of the dominant positions.

4. Learn one escape from each of the inferior positions.

5. Again, focus on details and making what you currently know better.

Be Careful How You Define Success

Too many white belts only define success in taps. If they submit others they feel great, and if they have to tap they get discouraged. The problem is that there are so many other wins at white belt, but you must see the bigger picture to observe them. 

Here are 10 wins that you can celebrate:

1. Remembering what you have learned (that’s progress).

2. Showing up to class (this is a win).

3. Tapping Early (sounds easy, but pride can injure many).

4. Doing something difficult (Jiu Jitsu is not easy).

5. Learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations.

6. Learning self-defense.

7. Gaining self-confidence.

8. Making new friends.

9. Managing stress (Jiu Jitsu is great for this).

10. Losing weight (rolling comes in handy for this win).

These are just a few examples. The point is there are so many more successes beyond just the taps. Look for them. Watch for them. These wins will keep you coming back, and help you push through when you struggle. 

Remember, learning Jiu Jitsu is a fantastic opportunity with many benefits. So let’s focus on what we can control - our perspective - our attitude. Keep going to class. Keep tapping early and often. Keep making what you already know better. Keep taking notes, and also celebrate the wins. These are a few keys to help you stay encouraged as you progress and keep moving forward. Train on!