You are your own worst enemy

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu means something different for everyone, but everyone will go through the same adversities.

The number one killer in the development of your Jiu-Jitsu is limiting beliefs.

Too often I see someone struggle against their opponent and blame the problem on size or strength.

I know what being smaller feels like because I compete in featherweight. But because I have the experience of playing sports and training other martial arts, I know better than to blame it on something I don't have control over.

And I understand not everyone has the same background as I do. Which is why I want to share the dangers of a limiting mindset.

1. There are always a dozen reasons why something failed

It's crucial to keep in mind what we have control over and what we don't. Size and strength are an example.

Does it help to be strong? Sure.

But we can only work with what we have in front of us.

As you may have heard many times, Jiu-Jitsu is about problem solving.

Even if there are many variables flying at you at high speeds, you only need to solve one at a time.

If I gave you a huge puzzle, you'd be able to solve it. It might take a while but you'd eventually finish it. But if I told you some of the pieces may or may not fit, you'll start to develop self-doubt and stress. I've put into your mind a limiting belief.

For Jiu-Jitsu, you can look up countless videos of small guys beating big guys. So there's evidence it's doable.

You just need to be persistent and continue to work through your problems.

Jiu-Jitsu is a puzzle where all the pieces are made to fit. And that's because there's competition involved. If there was a single move that can't be countered, well everyone would start learning only that move and the sport would die.

There are some parts of the puzzle that are more difficult to finish than others. But again, it's doable.

2. Avoid the slippery slope

Another point I wanted to bring up is that having a limiting belief can turn into a bad habit.

As humans, we want to do things that require the path of least resistance. And it's easy to make an excuse for why something isn't working for us. Our minds will get used to those tracks and the more we take the same path, the deeper those tracks get, making it harder for future change.

This is where "keeping an open mind" comes into play.

Constant adversity will force you to constantly remind yourself to stay open-minded.

Staying open-minded is a good habit to develop.

This will help you grow much faster in the long run.

Where to go from here?

I know that was a lot, but here's what you can do if you are finding yourself in a limiting mindset:

• Remind yourself you can beat anyone in the room. You might not have the tools, but you can if you did.

• Instead of thinking or saying "I can't do this...," rephrase it to "how do I do this?"

• Jiu-Jitsu is a huge puzzle. It'll take some time to finish, but you can do it.

Technique For The Week

Thinking about Helio made me think about his old moves.

I like this scissor choke a lot since it's a nice transition and allows you to use put your whole body into the choke. (Great for smaller people to use.)

Let's look into this video: The Helio Gracie BJJ Scissor Choke from Armbar

When you're setting up an armbar with one leg over, it's a little more difficult to break their grips.

Make sure to secure the arm as you are falling on their side.

Notice how your knees will have to be on their throat and the knee other under their spine when you lock up your feet.

Also, scoot to create the angle to make the choke tighter.

This isn't a very popular move since it's considered outdated. So I say give it a shot, you might catch some people off guard!

Word On The Tweet

For this week, I wanted to engage in the Twitter community about the importance of our "role" in the gym.

I encourage people to be as welcoming to the newcomer as much as possible.

Some people are shy and want to change that about themselves.

Some are intimidated by combat sports.

Some just aren't extroverted (myself included).

Even if you're a white belt, make that new white belt feel welcomed. That is your role.

But if you aren't feeling welcomed at your school...

Don't feel the pressure to stick around if something is off.

(I also understand not everyone has the luxury of changing schools.)

The gym is a place where you go to fulfill a certain part of your life.

Don't take that away from yourself.

Prioritize yourself, you do Jiu-Jitsu for yourself.

Trust your gut.

Closing Thoughts

There are a lot of quotes that fit today's topic.

But the important thing to keep in mind is to never doubt yourself.