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THE BLUES

In BJJ academies, the blue belt is notoriously synonymous with people quitting training. Either forever, or at least for an extended hiatus.


The problem is, for lots of us black belts who coach classes and run academies, the time when we were a blue belt level is long gone. What we felt then and the attached emotions to our practice, is a distant memory as our knowledge has increased.

So understandably it can be difficult, as a coach, to help people when they hit this blue belt level because, as the saying goes, we don’t know what we don’t know.


Now, obviously, it’s not so much we don’t know. We’ve just forgot. Our experiences have totally altered our perception of what it is to be on the mat training, learning and struggling.

When approached by those blue belt students losing heart we reply with

‘So what you had a hard session, keep going. I’ve had plenty and still do.’ As a paltry but honest offer of consolation.


But in my constant study I realised something today.


Firstly,before I explain my epiphany it’s pretty obvious why blue belt is a big drop off point. There are in fact many numerous reasons.


Firstly, in many gyms, the blue belt is a big deal. It’s a massive goal and in all honesty, not so long ago it was as revered as much as a black belt in some Traditional martial arts.

Alongside that, is when you reach that milestone of the blue belt, you realise how far away the black belt is. In all honesty, it could be close to a ten year process to receive a black belt, it’s a large investment and understandably, if you don’t make jiu jitsu a large part of your life, it can appear daunting and a distant goal.


Next would be the fear of living up to the standard. Not feeling worthy of the belt itself. Feeling like a fraud.

Questioning how much you know and do you know enough and feeling like you ‘should’ know more is not a pleasant feeling to have. That imposter syndrome can cause havoc for some.


But back to my epiphany.

I was in my piano lesson and I realised I was a blue belt.

At playing the piano.


And I’m really struggling with it all at the minute..

Obviously I’m not actually a blue belt at piano but I am of an ok standard.

I can play songs.

I can read sheet music.

I know chords and arpeggios.

I’m just clumsy. Slow. Clunky. (On the piano).

I watch my teacher and he’s beyond a black belt Level. Instinctively he just knows what and where to press. It flows and he speaks the language of music fluently. As easy as he does English.


But recently I’ve actually let my practice slip. I began struggling with a part of a song and it’s difficulty just frustrated me, I couldn’t seem to play it correctly. Then I got ill and had a few days broken routine. Then I put myself off sitting at the piano because I felt like I’d never get it. I’d convinced myself it was pointless. Even though I’m very mindful of my inner critic and the damage he’s capable of he still managed to dishearten me at some points. But all my successes have taught me that these are the moments that we can really regret if we’re not careful, disciplined and diligent.

And here’s the thing for you blue belts to know. It’s not pointless. It’s these parts that are really rewarding.

After the fact.

When you surmount the obstacles.

For what it makes of you.


I love being an accomplished martial artist and it took lots and lots of work to get as good as I am. And after the fact, it’s all worth it.

I know the piano will be too.

And I also know, if I quit practicing when I struggle, I’d be frustrated at myself until I die. Knowing I quit. Knowing I didn’t do what I said I would.


Blue belts, ready yourselves, accept the difficulties ahead as part of the process and get pushing on.

It’s meant to be difficult and remember to allow yourself to enjoy the journey.

The ups, the downs and all in between

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