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Home » Blog » A White Belt Again | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

A White Belt Again | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

July 5, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

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Position of discomfort in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Putting yourself in a position of discomfort is the key to growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, just like anything else.

Students always make comments about how my black belt is turning white. I often explain to them that one day when it is completely white I will have to start over. Why? Because I will then realise how little I know. I am aware of that now so I decided to accelerate this process. No, I did not bleach my belt. It is worn from years of use (and abuse).

I just started as a white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). I am aware that this journey may be a long one. It is commonly known that ten years is the normal time frame to progress to black belt in this very difficult and technical art. I am not in it for this reason.

The time is now

Though grappling since before 2000, I decided my ground game could use an upgrade. I needed a new challenge. My MMA skills required better ground work. I see how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can make you very fit and strong in a way that will actually improve fighting skill. I also realise that at 52, my stand-up skills are not as explosive as they once were, but a good ground game could offset this. BJJ is an important part of the martial arts puzzle, as we learn from watching MMA matches.

As a two-year student of yoga, my flexibility has improved greatly and will certainly help me in my BJJ quest. One of the things yoga has taught me is the power of living in the moment.  I love this quote from On Any Given Sunday; “Because that’s what livin’ is! The six inches in front of your face!!”

Putting myself in an uncomfortable position

Guys bigger than me and with more skill suffocating me in the north/south position or mount. I am learning not to panic, and just go with the flow. Struggling and stressing about it just wears you out quicker.

The instructor who is ten kilos lighter than me tapping me out seven times in a five-minute round. A five-minute round? For someone used to grappling for two minutes, a five-minute round is eternity. Getting tapped out is okay by me because I am learning, but getting tapped out three times with the same move is highly frustrating. I know I am not a quick learner, but this is ridiculous.

The instructor getting frustrated at me. After three attempts at the move, I still could not get it. He walked over and threw my leg where it needed to be. Now I get it!

Putting myself in an uncomfortable position is the key to growth, and also promotes humility. Humility is a quality that is necessary for success as a martial artist and especially as a teacher of the martial arts. Rolling on a regular basis with blue belts, purple belts, and especially black belts is a sure-fire way to get better, as I learn something from people who are so much better than me. I am clearly out of my comfort zone and out of my league on the mat.

The rewards are great

I am learning something new and am really pumped. Yes, I’ve bought the books, dvds, and cool Brazilian kimono. I look at this as an investment in an important part of my martial arts future. This is an exciting part of the process for me, the process of discovering something fresh and new. It has infused me with great positive energy.

I am getting fitter. Those last five stubborn “donut around my midsection ” kilos have nearly melted off. The five-minute rounds are like running mini marathons, I have not been this exhausted in a long time.

I am having fun. I am a white belt again. Yee-ha!

Stay tuned.

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Filed Under: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Comments

  1. John W. Zimmer says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    Hi Matt, Looks like fun. I started doing this and had to back off for a while due to a wrist injury. I’m hoping to take it back up later this year. It was fun trying to get used to keeping my limbs out of way rather than sprawling a lot like I used to do in wrestling.

  2. Sensei Matt Klein says

    July 13, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Hi John! BJJ is great fun! But those five minute rounds are killing me. Can see how wrestling can help BJJ with its body leverage.

  3. dojo says

    July 18, 2011 at 11:02 am

    If you’re not willing to put yourself in such a ‘bad’ position, you’ll never really learn. I applaud your effort and determination. The beginning is hard in anything you do, but this will help you learn some many other things and not just be comfortable with what you’ve already achieved.

  4. Sensei Matt Klein says

    July 22, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    Hi dojo, the beginning is definitely hard. I’ve had to put my ego aside and not worry about getting tapped out by other white belts, etc. I have already made great strides, but BJJ is unbelievably technical, so there is so much to learn. They don’t call it “Human Chess” for nothing.

Trackbacks

  1. Martial Arts News – 7.10.11 | Striking Thoughts says:
    July 10, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    […] Sensei Klein joins me in the white belt club! I just started as a white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). I am aware that this journey may […]

  2. Martial Arts News – 7.10.11 | Striking Thoughts | Martial arts says:
    July 11, 2011 at 2:22 am

    […] Sensei Klein joins me in the white belt club! I just started as a white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). I am aware that this journey may […]

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mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
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Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
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Friendly yet disciplined approach towards karate at Australia’s Youth has helped enormously. It enabled Mihir to build a sense of belonging and improved his motivation to excel. It’s amazing how learning the Martial Arts helps build confidence and improve overall personality.
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I like Karate because it is really fun and I love going on the weekend to see all my friends and Senseis. Karate makes me feel safe because I don’t worry about bullies at school because I know they can’t really hurt me.Tyvian-Macfarlne-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Tyvian Macfarlane

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Tyvian's story.
09/08/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
The confidence karate has given Tyvian is amazing. He is takes pride in himself and he has matured. The focus, confidence and discipline he has gained through karate has transferred to other areas of his life such as educational tasks, looking after younger children both in and out of his family and demonstrating empathy for others.Robert-Macfarlane
Robert Macfarlane, father of Tyvian Macfarlane
09/08/2014
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I owe my confidence, strength, fitness and leadership skills to Karate. It has taught me to persist with everything and that the only way to improve is to try harder.Adam-Loader-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Adam Loader

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09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
Look at what you have achieved Matt, we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to shaping these two young men. We are often complimented about the maturity of the boys and we know their Karate has played an important part in developing that maturity. Brings a tear to my eye!
loadersRobert Loader, father of Adam and Jacob Loader
09/01/2014

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