Why Compete

 

“We make all our trainers compete in a strength sport. You cannot be a trainer for us if you don’t. Because that’s how you know (what your clients/students are going through) ... You have to push the envelope. For yourself and for your knowledge.” 

--Matt Wiedemer, S&C Coach, Member of the team currently training Jon Jones as he moves up to heavyweight.

I remember a woman, a blue belt, once criticizing higher belts at our academy for not competing more in local events. She felt strongly about it - that the higher belts were not putting themselves to the same sorts of tests, trials, and tribulations as the lower belts. I go back and forth about the idea of coming out of retirement. But I’ve never forgotten what she said.

"Grips Are Killing Jiu-Jitsu"

 

"I think what's stopping the sport is the grips. Guys will get a grip and then they'll stop when they want to. It's very easy to do that and it's really hard to break the grips." - Kron Gracie

Roger & Me: Thoughts on Goal-Getting

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 ...