On the path to Jiu Jitsu mastery, you will tap out A LOT! How you deal with each and every tap out, defeat, or setback will be the most significant indicator “Jiu-Jitsu Mental Health.”
When asked what the goal of sparring is many times people will respond ‘to win’. Although the goal of a fight is to achieve victory, your goal in sparring is to learn! Therefore if your goal is ‘to win’ in training you need to evaluate and adjust your your training mindset. During sparring regardless of whether you tap your partner or they tap you, your ultimate goal should be to absorb a lesson from within the roll.
Did you get stuck in a position you could not get out of? Tapped with a technique you have never seen before? Perhaps you were caught by the same technique twice? Rather than get frustrated or angry about ‘losing’, make a mental not of the quandary and ask you training partner or instructor for suggestions to improve your technique. In each sparring session there is a lesson waiting to be learned you need only place aside your ego to realize it!
About The Author:
Jeff Reese, Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Royler, Rodrigo, Rolker, Ralek, Rener, and Ryron; he teaches at Gracie NEPA in Scranton, PA.
