As we approach the end of another year, graduation season is upon us in Jiu Jitsu academies worldwide. Graduations are a cause for celebration and pride for those who are promoted, but they can also bring feelings of sadness and frustration for those who are not.
In this post, we will discuss one of the most important things to consider if you are thinking about graduating this year. Read on until the end to discover a surprising insight.
Since we first stepped onto the mats, we have all dreamed of the day when we would earn our black belt. We are well aware that achieving this rank requires immense effort, dedication, and persistence. After all, earning a black belt is not an accomplishment for the average person.
However, many individuals become disillusioned and frustrated because the journey to a black belt often takes longer than expected. Moreover, what truly defines a black belt is not the number of graduations, but the personal growth and development one experiences throughout their years of practicing Jiu Jitsu.
Towards the end of the year, it is natural for everyone to desire promotion to the next belt and to inch closer to the coveted black belt. However, not everyone is prepared to take on the responsibilities that come with the next graduation. This is not solely determined by technical skill, but also by readiness to advance.
Your Master, who evaluates your technical progress, attendance, and relationships with teammates, knows your evolution and suitability for promotion better than anyone else. They assess these factors on a daily basis among their students.
We are already in November, and by this time of year, you should have already demonstrated to your Master what you are capable of. The desire for graduation should be controlled and not expressed to your teammates or instructor. Displaying this eagerness may lead your instructor to believe that you are not yet mature enough to handle the responsibilities associated with the promotion.
Your instructor observes every aspect of your behavior within the academy. It is not solely about being a champion, but also about displaying the characteristics of one, such as helping and respecting novice students. Additionally, your technical proficiency and ability to share your knowledge with teammates are important attributes that are evaluated continuously.
Imagine that you have done everything right throughout the year and are ready to graduate. However, with little time remaining until the belt ceremony, you hesitate to approach your instructor and inquire about your promotion. This hesitation may be seen as disrespectful since no one should make assumptions about whether a student deserves a belt.
The best course of action is to wait and see what unfolds. If you are promoted, continue working hard to maintain the recognition of your accomplishments. If not, use it as motivation to work even harder in the coming year.
In our sport, technical knowledge and a willingness to learn are the keys to success and faster progression in Jiu Jitsu. BJJ Fanatics can assist you in enhancing your technical skills and learning various techniques. Our website offers the largest collection of online courses taught by the most accomplished athletes of today.
Acquire technical knowledge, train diligently in Jiu Jitsu, and persist. There is no way to go wrong. If things don’t work out initially, believe in your efforts and keep striving, knowing that success will come in due time.