| One of the most intriguing concepts I have learned | | | | this mindset I realized how bad my submission and |
| over my study of jiu jitsu in Santa Barbara is the idea | | | | pinning escapes just were. My game sank to new |
| of losing to win. When starting jiu jitsu lessons I used | | | | lows and I became very depressed with my training |
| and depended on my natural attributes to ease the | | | | to the point where I wanted to quit. As bad as |
| ego blow of being smashed daily. Its never fun to | | | | things were I started to relax and focus on exactly |
| lose over and over again so it is very natural for | | | | what was happening to me in those bad positions. I |
| people to overemphasize strength and athleticism | | | | was able to gain valuable insight into the deeper |
| while learning the sport. | | | | realms of the sport and my game flourished like |
| My first 3 years of jiu jitsu training I exclusively tried | | | | never before. I was in tune mentally with everything |
| to smash everyone I trained with and avoided any | | | | I did on the mat and I learned at an incredible rate. |
| dangerous positions. I would as soon die than let | | | | At that point I was a blue belt and within 2 years I |
| someone sweep and pass my guard. I would panic in | | | | was a brown belt. |
| any dangerous positions and my defensive skills were | | | | The key to growth I believe in this sport is a selfish |
| far behind my offensive assault. Regardless I still | | | | training mindset. You can't worry about what other |
| competed well and won many tournaments but I | | | | people think of your training sessions or how you |
| could tell my potential had been reached. I came to a | | | | perform. The focus must be on your specific training |
| cross roads in my training when I decided to break | | | | goals and your long-term goals. In order to develop |
| down all my weaknesses and focus on the mental | | | | flawless technique you must turn off your ego and |
| side of the game. I used to hate being on bottom in | | | | any other natural attribute that can hinder its growth. |
| side control where I felt claustrophobic and weak. | | | | Hope this has been helpful and good luck with your |
| My new goal was to force myself to deal with this | | | | training. |
| apparent fear and force my self to deal with it. From | | | | |