The Journey Of Thousands Of Steps And Taps

Lao Tzu is credited with the famous Chinese proverb, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” and the journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitu (BJJ) is no different.  BJJ is probably one of the longest and toughest martial arts to obtain a Black Belt (no disrespect to the other arts).  Granted, mastery in any martial art takes years and years of hard work and dedication, but the journey to Black Belt in BJJ is not the same as with traditional arts.  To clarify, my goal is not to really compare the duration of belt levels between BJJ and other traditional arts, no. What I really want to point out and emphasize is that the journey is more important than a belt (regardless of the art, to be honest). The famous UFC middleweight, Gunnar Nelson (a BJJ phenomenon), said that “a black belt doesn’t mean anything. The meaning is in the journey,” and this is so true. Many times, we may get fixated on the color of our belts or the next stripe on our belts that we may not appreciate the actual steps to get there. Every BJJ class, seminar, open mat, or competition are precious moments and experiences that lay the foundation for the next level. Yes, the process may feel long and may seemingly feel like you are not progressing because you haven’t gotten promoted, but in reality, you are improving.  I often tell my students to compare themselves to themselves. Would the present-day “you” tap out the person you were the first day you walked into the academy? If the answer is yes, then you have made strides on your very own journey. 

I know my journey (of 11 years and still a Brown Belt) has been grueling yet enjoyable.  My journey has been full of ups and downs, achievements and losses, progression and plateaus, injury setbacks and recovery, submissions and even more tap outs.  Through all of this, I am still walking on this path without an end in sight (God willing). My goal is to continue rolling until I cannot roll anymore. I know one day I will achieve the Black Belt so long as I stay persistent and consistent, and so will you. There is no doubt that anyone can achieve a Black Belt in BJJ, the challenge is can you stick around long enough to make it happen. If you are walking the journey, take it step-by-step and day-by-day. Tap often for it the best way to learn. Always maintain a white belt mindset (curious, excited, and egoless). Before you know it, you will be at the top of the mountain. Oss.

By Hernan Guadalupe