Many eager jujitsukas will tell you that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is much more than a martial art. It's a way of life, a philosophy that can transform the way we think, act, and interact with the world.
And as a jujitsuka myself, I've come to understand that achieving technical mastery is just one aspect of Jiu-Jitsu.
To truly embody the art, one must embrace the three pillars of a black belt: mindset, lifestyle, and community. In this post, we will explore each of these pillars in detail, as well as how they can help us become better people on and off the mats.
The Mindset of a Black Belt
Jiu jitsu is a mental game as much as it is a physical one. To become a black belt, you'll need to cultivate a certain mindset, one that's focused on growth, learning, and resilience. This mindset involves several key elements:
A Growth Mindset
A black belt understands that there is always room for improvement. They embrace challenges and see setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
They are not afraid to try new techniques or experiment with different approaches. They see failures as temporary setbacks, and use them as motivation to work harder and smarter.
Perseverance
Jiu jitsu is a difficult and challenging art. It requires hard work, dedication, and persistence. A black belt understands that progress is not always linear, and that setbacks and plateaus are part of the journey.
They have the mental fortitude to push through the tough times, to keep showing up, and to keep working hard, even when progress seems slow or non-existent.
Resilience
Jiu jitsu can be a humbling experience. We all experience setbacks, injuries, and defeats. A black belt understands that these experiences are part of the journey, and that they can be opportunities for growth and learning.
They bounce back quickly from setbacks, and use them as motivation to work harder and smarter.
The Lifestyle of a Black Belt
Jiu jitsu is not just a hobby or a sport. It is a way of life, a philosophy that influences every decision and action. A black belt understands that the way they live their life off the mats is just as important as the way they train on them. This lifestyle involves several key elements:
Health and Fitness
Jiu-Jitsu requires physical fitness and endurance. A black belt understands the importance of taking care of their body, eating well, getting enough rest, and avoiding destructive habits like smoking or excessive drinking. They prioritize their health and fitness, both on and off the mats.
Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
Jiu-Jitsu requires mental focus and clarity. A black belt understands the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness, both on and off the mats.
They take time to meditate or practice mindfulness techniques, and they are aware of their thoughts and emotions, and how they influence their behavior.
Ethics and Values
Jiu jitsu prides itself off of being a practice built around good ethics and values--and black belts help to foster that.
A black belt understands the importance of being a good person, treating others with respect and kindness, and contributing to the community. They lead by example, and strive to be a positive influence on those around them.
The Community of a Black Belt
Jiu jitsu is not an individual sport. It is a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the art. A black belt understands the importance of community, and works to build and strengthen it. This community involves several key elements:
Support and Mentorship
Jiu jitsu is a journey, and it can be a difficult and challenging one. A black belt understands the value of support and mentorship, both for themselves and for others.
They mentor younger students, offer encouragement and feedback to their training partners, and contribute to the wider jiu jitsu community.
Giving Back
Jiu jitsu is not just about taking. It is also about giving back. A black belt understands the importance of giving back to the community, whether it is through teaching, volunteering, or contributing to charitable causes.
They understand that they have a responsibility to use their skills and knowledge to help others, and to make a positive impact on the world.
Diversity and Inclusion
Jiu jitsu is a global community, with practitioners from all walks of life, backgrounds, and cultures. A black belt understands the importance of diversity and inclusion, and works to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
They celebrate differences, and strive to learn from and understand people who are different from themselves.
Conclusion
Achieving the rank of black belt is a long and challenging journey, but it is also a rewarding one. To truly embody the art of jiu jitsu, one must embrace the three pillars of mindset, lifestyle, and community.
This way, we can experience the life-changing benefits of this incredible martial art, and become better people in the process.
You could be just starting out on your BJJ journey, or you could be a seasoned practitioner, but you must always remember that technical mastery is just one aspect of the art.
To become a true black belt, you must also cultivate the right mindset, live a healthy and mindful lifestyle, and contribute to the wider jiu jitsu community. By doing so, you can not only become a better jiu jitsu practitioner, but a better person as well.
Curious about how fast BJJ is growing, and why? Read here!
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