journeyjjbluebelt

To be honest, as a white belt, I found the first few months going into Valente’s Brothers Jiu Jitsu studios difficult.  I felt uneasy.  There seemed to be a lot of tough fighters ready to roll.  Once I got to know some of the students, it became a lot easier.  I noticed the higher belts are very willing to answer any question you have or help you improve since everyone there was once a white belt.   So, as a blue belt, I see the higher level students as mentors.

As a white belt, you don’t communicate well with your class partner.   I walked away from many classes worried I may have broken something.  I was relieved to find out it was a minor bruise. With each injury, I would analyze how it happened and what I could do to prevent it which was better communication and awareness of myself limitations.   As a blue belt, I communicate much better.   I tap immediately. I almost never get injured in a fundamentals class.

As a white belt, I didn’t have a stretch routine; thus, I was more open to injuries. As a blue belt, I immediately do 20 push up and 20 situps to get the blood flowing. Then, I stretch all my joints. When I don’t stretch, I get there late, I find that I get injured more often. It is important to get there early.

As a white belt, it was hard to learn the fundamentals, which is around 100 moves or more and a lot of small details. As a white belt, there is a  lack of fluidity in execution.  As a blue belt, the fundamental lessons are becoming more fluid.

As a white belt, you’re not ready to use your  Jiu Jitsu skills in the real world.  The results would not be good.  As a blue belt, you know that you can hold your own in a conflict, but it may not be pretty.

As a white belt, I was afraid to fall.  As a blue belt, I make it a point to practice how to land from a throw by being loose and confident.   I wouldn’t recommend any throwing classes until your professor tests your falling ability and gives you a nod of approval.

As a white belt, I was strictly a student.  As a blue belt, I am still a student, but now I am able to give tips to white belts and blue belts.

Jiu Jitsu is a way of life.

Please feel free to write a comment or add any experience you had.