TFS#30: The Value Of The Blue

Recently, one of the four-striped white belt student asked me what it was like when I got my blue belt. I did vaguely remember but I couldn’t quite capture the emotions and what my mind processed at that time.

So I went home and I shuffled through journals, previous competition videos, and old multiple flow charts.

And after assembling all the puzzle pieces, I was able to recall that time…

Recently, one of the four-striped white belt student asked me what it was like when I got my blue belt. I did vaguely remember but I couldn’t quite capture the emotions and what my mind processed at that time.

So I went home and I shuffled through journals, previous competition videos, and old multiple flow charts.

And after assembling all the puzzle pieces, I was able to recall that time…

Dilemmas of a blue belt

I received my blue belt after training for a year and logging 250 hours of mat time.

Shortly after going through the promotion, I already felt like my role (and roll) changed. It wasn’t that the belt color magically made me better, instead it was a mental shift.

I was more confident in my game and was open to attempting risky techniques. My movements and transitions were getting smoother. I started to connect some of my favorite moves in different positions. Things were looking up!

But with peaks, come valleys.

For some, stress kicks in during the blue belt phase. The commonly known “blue belt blues” approaches in various forms and there are many reasons for that feeling.

For me, I felt like training became more stressful. Upper belts weren’t going easy on me anymore. Self-studying required more preparation. Balance between the bigger picture and smaller details became more important.

I never thought about quitting myself, but I know people do tend to quit at this level for these reasons. Nonetheless, I was having some trouble adapting at this new level.

The decision to be myself

The biggest change for myself occurred when lower belts were asking me questions…especially the four-striped white belts.

I felt awkward. And although I have had plenty of coaching experience in various sports,...I was still just a fresh blue belt.

I’m an extremely studious grappler so I had a lot of ideas and opinions, but I didn't really share them because they were constantly being workshopped.

I was asked how I approached my training, how I choose what to study, how often I was training, how I executed xyz technique, etc.

I didn’t know their motives, whether they were genuinely interested in learning or if they were just determine to obtain their blue belt. But it didn’t matter. I realized it was just my job to share what I knew. I never really believed in hoarding information or feared my teammate would get better than me. I saw it as my contribution to the gym.

And it wasn't until I realized this that I was able to be myself and overcome my blue belt blues. I acted as a bridge between the white belts and upper belts. I was able to process material that white belts couldn’t, and I was able to explain material to white belts the way upper belts couldn’t. I acted as a translator and this further expedited my learning.

I know some people are eager to share because it feels good to help, or because it makes them feel smart, or it feels good to feel like you’re better than someone, whatever it may be. For me, sharing was my way of giving back to the art. I don’t own Jiu-Jitsu, no one does. I just want the next generation to learn and enjoy Jiu-Jitsu as much as I have.

I am just a medium for the art. Okay, that was a bit cheesy but hopefully you get what I’m trying to say.

Resources You Might Like

1. Leveling Up Your Passing With This One Drill
If you’re having trouble with breaking the RDLR and Lasso, this Longstep pass will melt your opponent’s guard away.

2. How We Learn To Move
A great listen about ecological dynamics, the constraints-led approach, differential learning, and other advancements in modern coaching methodologies.

3. 4 Must-Know Escapes
If you’re getting stuck in the Turtle position a lot, you’ll learn quickly that upper belts will make sure to keep you underneath them. Learn these escapes to elevate your game.

4. Work Through Your Blue Belt Blues
One way to deal with blue belt blues is to focus on the progress you have made and the skills you have acquired, rather than comparing yourself to more advanced practitioners.

5. 7 Ways To Overcome A Blue Belt Plateau
These are a few plateaus that blue belts commonly run into. Check out these ideas to make sure you’re dealing with your plateau properly.

Closing Thought

I always made sure to preface with: “I’m just a blue belt and I’m figuring this out myself…” It allowed me to share freely while also letting younger students know there may be better answers out there.

I also checked in with my coaches regularly. I would ask them “Hey I just shared this technique with someone and I said abc, do you think I showed that adequately? How could I have explained it better?”

This was extremely helpful because not only was I re-solidifying my knowledge, but it also gave my coaches another way to asses my understanding of Jiu-Jitsu.

I enjoy sharing.

And that's the reason why I started this newsletter.

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