Believing in Your Rank

I was recently loaned a Book by Chase Payne a Martial Artist I respect and trust. This book is by Saulo Riberiro entitled Jiu-Jitsu University. Riberiro is said to be the best Black Belt ever promoted by Royler Gracie. What I loved about the book was his Martial Arts philosophy, which in many ways mirrors my own. Below is a portion of the book related to rank.

If you worry about the time and speed of your promotions, you lose yourself. Remember, before you are ranked in any of the belts, you want to feel like one. You must feel that your skills are there. You cannot fool yourself. Attaining a belt is just proof that your teacher is connected with you. You will know when you deserve it. My role as an instructor is to be there to say, "it's time." But you should already realize this on your own. Jiu-Jitsu is not math, and promotion is not based on attendance or calender dates. A regimented promotion schedule based on dates or attendance is the worst way to gauge development. Jiu-Jitsu is more complex than this. There is no sense in chasing a belt and getting it as fast as possible. Often, people do not see that black belt will be their longest belt. Remember, it doesn't matter if you get it in four years or fifteen. Either way, you will have the rest of your life with a black belt around your waist. Building the black belt is what matters.

I love this book and will purchase it on my own and share it with students who are interested.

Peace and let's keep rollin'.................