Path to the Black Belt

If you are training Jiu-Jitsu at Axis Academy then consider yourself on the path to Black Belt. This is a very long and arduous journey....Trust me, I know! On this path you will go through a lot of growing pains, frustration, plateaus, mental blocks, and the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears. Let me be the first to tell you that a Black Belt (Faixa Preta) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a very difficult thing to achieve and for those that make it, the reward is great. Our belts are earned and never, EVER given. Each belt is special....Every promotion you receive puts you into a more elite group of athletes and earns you an immense amount of respect in the world of fighting. Here is a perspective on what you can expect.

You must spend your time as a white belt. At this level you will become familiar with every basic Jiu-Jitsu position. You will learn the basics here so pay attention, because the fundamentals that you learn as a white belt will be your foundation for all of the techniques you will learn later on. If your fundamentals are weak, then your entire game will be weak. As a white belt, you will get beat...A LOT! As you should...after all - you are a white belt. Make your defenses strong at this level. Worry about the offense later. Learn to survive first from every position, and then begin to work on your attacks. This will make you a much better blue belt.

As a blue belt, you begin to look like a Jiu-Jitsu guy. You probably throw a lot of "hang loose" signs, own a couple of different kimonos (gi), have shaved your head at least once, grown it out twice, and can pretty well thump any white belt that walks into the academy. It is at this level that you begin to learn the attacks of Jiu-Jitsu and how to chain one technique into another. As a blue belt, you can begin to coach newer students in their technique and your own technical knowledge and maturity should begin to show in the way you grapple. Once you get the blue belt, do not rush to learn fancier, more sophisticated techniques. Instead, polish up your basics and become really good at executing the smallest details in the fundamental techniques. Also, you should know the self defense techniques and be able to teach them to new students. You should also know the history of Jiu-Jitsu and understand the rules of sport competition. Remember......You are a target for every white belt and they are using you to track their own progress. In a white belt's mind, if he can tap a blue belt then he should BE a blue belt, so be prepared to back up your belt because those guys WILL be after you. They want what you have!

Purple belt is a very special level. At this point you have begun to develop your own "style" and game. You are a monster to every white belt, and the blue belts love to roll with you because they enjoy the tough challenge you provide. Purple is the first belt that gains you true credibility. Once you wear the it, people know you have paid your dues. At purple belt, you should begin to choose the techniques you like and really strengthen these techniques as your "bread and butter" moves. You will fall back on these a lot and begin to be known for your favorite moves. You should also be honest about your weaknesses and work to close those gaps through hard practice. You should now move ahead of your opponent by 3 or 4 steps - always ahead of him and knowing where he is in relation to you at all times. At purple belt, you become a master of escaping. Use this time to become an escape artist - someone who just can't get caught with simple techniques. If you can't be tapped, then you win. At purple belt you will also teach classes and be responsible for lighting the Jiu-Jitsu torches of new students. Let me warn you, though. Purple belts think they know it all and begin to slow in their learning. They think they have seen it all and often try and debunk the technique that others show them because they have a "better" way. KEEP LEARNING. I look back now at when I was a purple belt and I think I learned more during that time than I did in all of the previous years leading up to it.

At brown belt, you will refine every technique in your arsenal. You will polish each move, study every detail, teach every move and detail and have a thorough understanding of Jiu-Jitsu as a way of life. Your time here is a trial before you reach the coveted Black Belt. This is where your instructor will watch you closely to see what you teach, how you teach it, how you fight, how you live your life, how you love the art. Think of this as your probationary period before the next promotion is finalized. Relearn all of the basic techniques, all of the self defense techniques, and have a clear understanding of what works and what doesn't - always moving forward in the progression of Jiu-Jistu. Stay current with new techniques and cherish the old ones enough to not forget them.

Faixa Preta (Black Belt) is the greatest reward in the Jiu-Jitsu life. Your hard work and dedication paid off and you reached the end of the road, only to find that this is truly only the beginning and that the path does not end here but goes on forever. You now represent Jiu-Jitsu so represent it well. Always know yourself, your limitations and be true to yourself and those around you. Surround yourself with those that enrich your life and will push you daily to be a better black belt - a better person. Focus on your students more than yourself and give them the same happiness that you have in your life. Infect them with your positive outlook and listen when they speak. Teach your students everything you know but be able to discern when and at what pace to teach it. Be honest with your students and create a sense of trust with them. Learn from your students as much as they learn from you. The longer you practice Jiu-Jitsu, the more you understand the deeper meaning of the art. Understand Carlos Gracie's 12 teachings and apply them everyday in your life.

Congratulations on whatever step you are on....We are all on this journey together. Enjoy the ride!!

Carlos