Achieving a black belt in jiu jitsu is a monumental accomplishment. But how long does it take? The answer depends on your dedication, consistency, and mindset. That said, a black belt means nothing unless you’ve committed yourself to the discipline. It’s not something you can waiver on, but something you must live up to.

here's an old Chinese proverb that goes something like this:

"You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair."

Pain, disappointment, and regret will always pass through your life.

There's no escaping these sorrows. There's no opting out.

But you do have a choice: will you let the birds build a nest in your hair?

Starting your jiu jitsu journey can feel overwhelming. With so many techniques out there, it’s hard to know where to begin. Don’t worry—this guide breaks down the most essential techniques for beginners so you can focus on building a solid foundation.

Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers, knowing full well you’re about to embarrass yourself?

Maybe it was your first day at a new job, your first jiu jitsu class, or even trying karaoke for the first time.

Your heart pounds, your palms sweat, and the one thought repeating in your mind is:

“Don’t make a fool of yourself.”

No one’s waiting to mark you present or absent on an attendance sheet. 

No one’s tracking your progress or checking to see if you’re doing the work. 

It’s just you.

Your goals. Your commitment. And whether or not you’ll show up.

This is both liberating and terrifying.

With the New Year (2025) approaching, I always like to spend a fair amount of time in December reflecting on the previous 12 months and setting some sort of goal, or rather a standard for the following year. 

A standard differs from a goal, in that it is NOT an one-time achievable feat, but more willingly something you need to live up to every day.  

It’s kind of a ‘New Year Resolution’, but more so, a daily reminder to help me transform into the person I want to become. 

Finding the perfect gift for a jiu jitsu enthusiast can be challenging. Whether they’re a beginner or seasoned competitor, these gifts will enhance their training, recovery, or overall love for the art. Here are ten well-rounded options with something for every budget and experience level.

During the next few months, when most people are ‘over-ing’ (over consuming, over eating, over relaxing, over drinking).

I like to be getting overly fit.

But how?

All we have is reminders to do the opposite.

The process is in the pudding, using these reminders to intentionally condition your own mind.

Jiu Jitsu, known as the "gentle art," is a martial art that prioritizes leverage, technique, and strategy to allow individuals of any size or strength to control and submit larger opponents. Focusing on grappling and ground control, jiu jitsu teaches practitioners how to dominate by using precise body mechanics rather than brute force.

Is “loves to travel” in your dating profile bio? 

That said, traveling also requires transportation, planning, and delays: meaning airports, language barriers, lost luggage, flight cancellations, and aimless wandering – clearly, not everyone’s cup of tea.