It’s no secret that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a hard process; but, it’s one of the most rewarding processes if you are willing to put the time in. I’ve studied martial arts my entire life and there is nothing like this art. For the newer blue belts and white belts it will take time to realize what this art truly is and can be for you. Be careful making any assumptions. It takes about one year of consistent training and STUDYING to start to see some light at the end of the tunnel. And, hold yourself accountable. Consistent training means proper weekly attendance week after week after week after week. Coming 3-4 times a week for a month or two, then taking 2-3 weeks off as a patterns does NOT WORK and if this is your pattern of training it can be counterproductive and can misconstrue the value and meaning of rank. We must realize and accept that whatever our situation is for missing time, someone has been experienced it before and it’s not special. If it’s important you’ll find a way, period. An enormous part of the process is facing the uncomfortable, rising above the frustration, and “winning” the days where your inner voice says “i can just go next week or tomorrow. We all know these days. In most cases tomorrow or next week rarely comes. Don’t get me wrong, everyone will miss training because of sickness, injury, or prior commitment. There’s nothing you can do about that. I’m focusing on those days where you do have a choice, “win” those days. If you win enough you become disciplined and will stop justifying your excuse. This is the mental training required to become mentally stronger, which is arguably harder than the physical. So, shouldn’t we do everything we can to put ourselves on the right track to success? Overcoming obstacles (mental and physical) that you didn’t think possible at first needs to be practiced just like a technique; but it has to start with ONE obstacle first for you to realize it’s possible to overcome. There’s a reason when you listen to two higher ranking students talking, it may sound a bit more philosophical and have a deeper meaning than just…”well my legs are too short to do a triangle so I don’t like them.” The reason is those higher-ranking students have found a connection to their minds and bodies with Jiu-Jitsu as the bridge. But, they only got their because they showed up, kept an open mind, followed the program, and did not focus on the negative. I am writing this to help and offer some helpful words for you and me. Yes, I’m faced with it as well and need the reminders too and whenever I get a chance, I like to share from my experience and the experiences from the upper ranks because it will help. Also, studying is a HUGE component to the success of your journey. Remember this is a school, not a gym. Keep a training notebook (ask me if you would like to know how to structure it) WATCH MATCHES not instructionals, read books (ask if you would like references) there are also great documentaries (ask). Put yourself in a winning position and incorporate the complete package. Believe me, in many other martial arts you can have a very complete fulfilling career by just showing up taking the class and leaving. BJJ requires a bit more; and, if you are willing it’s worth it.