Shortly after receiving my black belt, I remember lamenting to a veteran black belt one day that I "didn't feel much like a black belt." His response was one that I didn't take well at the time, and one that's taken me years to fully appreciate.
What I mistook as a criticism of my abilities on the mat was actually the key to any continued success I would have from black belt onward. I was so focused on what I wasn't able to do effectively and consistently against those of comparable skill that I had completely taken for granted - and, as a result, under-developed - those areas where I excelled.
If I achieve anything in the second half of my jiu-jitsu adventures, then let it be a response to this.
T minus seven ...
