BJJ: The great ego destroyer

Hey, let's talk about something important when it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - ego. We all know that Jiu-Jitsu is not just about learning techniques but also about learning how to control your ego. It can be a real obstacle to progress, so it's essential to address it if you want to succeed in this art.

Ego can manifest itself in different ways, such as when a practitioner refuses to tap out to avoid feeling defeated or when a student feels frustrated when they are not promoted to the next belt level. Ego can also make one feel overly confident, which can lead to reckless behavior during training or competitions.

One of the ways to address ego in Jiu-Jitsu is to adopt a beginner's mindset. This means being open to learning new techniques and being willing to make mistakes in the process. It is essential to realize that no one is perfect, and everyone has something to learn.

Here's the thing - ego can show up in many ways. Like when you're rolling, and you refuse to tap out because you don't want to feel defeated. Or maybe you get frustrated when you're not getting promoted to the next belt level. And sometimes, your ego can make you overconfident, which can lead to reckless behavior during training or competitions.

So, what can you do to deal with your ego? Well, one thing is to have a beginner's mindset. This means you have to open to making mistakes along the way. Nobody's perfect, and we can all learn something new.

A long time ago I was watching the TV show "The ultimate fighter". There was an Olympic level wrestler trying for the ufc. Michael Bisping was one of the contestants that season and he and the wrestler did not get along at all. It didn't help that the wrestler was pretty arrogant. In one session, the wrestler challenged Bisbing to take him downm while the wrester had his hand behind his back. Of course this didn't lead to a great outcome. Bisbing was pissed to say the least! However, one of the coaches reframed the whole experience for Bisping. He told him that if you really want to compete at the highest levels, you need to appreciate the fact that you have such a skilled training partner. Bispings attitude completly changed after that and he saw the situation for what it actaually was: an opportunity.

Another thing to do is to focus on the process rather than the outcome. Enjoy the journey of learning, not just the end goal of winning competitions or getting promoted. Take a moment to appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow.

Finally, remember that Jiu-Jitsu is not just about competition. It's a way of life that can help you develop important skills like discipline, perseverance, and humility. So, instead of focusing on winning or losing, focus on personal growth. That way, you can overcome your ego and become a better practitioner.

In short, dealing with your ego is crucial to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, take it easy, have a beginner's mindset, focus on the process, and remember that Jiu-Jitsu is more than just winning or losing. You got this!