The belt rank progression in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes with a positive, rewarding feeling because practitioners earn every step. Honorary belts or ones sold to unqualified instructors are rare. Practitioners perform on the mat. They develop legitimate skills as a result. In rare instances, physically gifted athletes move up the ranking system at a stunning rate. Genetic gifts and the ability to training twice per day help deliver these outcomes. The average person must accept that becoming proficient at BJJ takes time. The art isn’t one mastered in 30 days.
The Harmful Myth of the Training Montage
You can thank Hollywood for leading people to believe skill comes in a few weeks. Jean-Claude Van Damme went from novice to world champion in a few weeks in the silly film Kickboxer. He had help from a screenwriter. In real life, things don’t work out so quickly. Unfortunately, pop culture plants the seeds of fast progress in people’s minds.
Would-be martial artists then fall prey to programs promising to teach someone to master deadly self-defense training overnight. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t fall into this category. Neither does any legitimate martial art or combat sport.
True Growth Occurs Gradually Over Time
In BJJ, the journey of becoming proficient takes time, but the journey is an enjoyable one. Fast results do occur, but the results are incremental ones. Practitioners make small improvements and little discoveries with each class. Eventually, the knowledge builds, and so does skill. You will find that taking it slow will empower you to set goals for yourself.
The BJJ approach to growth doesn’t exist on its own island. Regardless of the endeavor, true growth occurs with gradual improvement over time. This is a concept called Kaizen in Japan (did you know that jiu-jitsu originated in Japan?). While often applied to business, this mindset can be applied to improvement in any other area of life, including martial arts training.
Consistent Effort Delivers Results
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t as hard on the body as MMA or Muay Thai, and some practitioners prefer slow, low-key training sessions. That said, proficiency at the art requires effort. You can train at your own pace, but you can’t exclude proper diet, cardio and conditioning work, and 100% commitment during class.
Lax effort and going through the motions during class won’t build up your skills. Working hard and committing yourself to get better will. Attend class regularly and give 100%. The rewards eventually come.
The longer you wait to sign up for Jiu-Jitsu lessons, the longer it takes to enjoy the experience. Why not find a mentor to help you today?
