Log 7

Camaraderie: a bond that represents or acts as a brotherhood. Palpable; an atmosphere so strong or intense that it can be felt. Community, a sense of belonging. I can recall experiencing these three things occurring in my life two times.

The first time was during my deployment to Iraq. Being deployed had a strange way of combining absurd amounts of fear with unwavering freedom. I mean, through the seconds that pass your not thinking about how scared you or your teammates are because you can't afford to lose focus. When the dust settles. Then you realize how terrifying a situation really was. You also don't have time ponder on it, because it's time to eat, rest, and do it all again in a few hours. This in turn creates a paradox; you’re stuck in between shivering fear and complete freedom. Free from choice, free from options, even free from control….among other things. These freedoms creates a reliance on your brothers, which in turn creates a bond stronger than family. Words can't describe it.

The second time I felt those three words I previously talked about has been these last two and a half years or so. Showing up and participating in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu has led to some of the best friendships I have had my entire life. Free from judgement, worries of creed, or backgrounds. These freedoms are brought about through sharing a common passion. There is no better sense of freedom in my life than when I am fighting a rear naked choke and I can feel my circle of sight closing; getting darker and darker with every whisp of air leaving my lungs. Finally, I peel that top hand from behind my head and get my shoulders to the mat, smile while I gasp for air and the light fills my eyes. Nothing is more liberating.

I would recommend this touch of freedom to everybody, just to continue to build this palpable sense of community that we call Jiu Jitsu. The thing that keeps bringing most of us back - Camaraderie.

These are my blue belt blues.

Log 6

What is the hardest thing to do when it comes to those you love? I would say having that tough conversation. Brazillian Jiu jitsu at its core is about communication.

While we talk with our bodies rather than our words, the same principles are in place. There are times that I realize I am struggling with a technique that has worked for some time now. In that instance I must have an internal conversation with my training partner mid roll to figure out why it is not working. I must evaluate his positioning and my approach to his positioning in order to take back control. Otherwise I will falter.

I must nip the poor technique in the bud.

If I don’t approach the situation with an open mind and objectivity, the situation will begin to spiral out of control and in turn, become toxic. This toxicity is what we must not allow to occur.

We have the same problems as citizens of the world. We as training partners, coaches, lovers, friends, and family are destined to have disagreements. These disagreements are within our control. We as civilized leaders must realize that we have to approach the disagreement with an open mind and most importantly, objectively. This is the important part because we don't have all of the information that is needed in order to make a properly informed opinion.

For these Blue Belt Blues it comes down to communication. Communicating to ourselves and our partners whether internally or externally. If you need help learning how to communicate with others but don't have the knowledge for starting that tough conversation. Learn these skills through the application of martial skills. Start with the internal conversations then use that knowledge base to extend outwards.

**Obejectivity is key**

Log 3

How precious is life? I know this much, it goes fast. To me it's all about the little moments, the ones that seem unimportant at the time.

Being in the moment is a skill we learn to harness in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Being in the moment allows us to realize that we must first control our attackers hips, then isolate their arms by traps… then and only then can we sink in that deep, breath taking choke from back mount.

Not only are we capable of taking our attackers lives by being prepared; more importantly, we can save our attackers lives by controlling the situation. We can end the attack while not allowing innocent bystanders to be injured by the attackers. This is because life IS precious. I havent figured out how precious life is, but when I do I'll be sure to let you know.

I realize how precious life is at this moment because we are welcoming one of my new favorite people into our lives at some point today. I can't wait to continue to teach my son how precious life is, and allow him the privilege of helping me teach his little brother the same.

The Blue Belt Blues are never ending and they are always changing.

To my wife, the strongest woman I know, and my sons, may we always be prepared.

If you want to be prepared for any circumstance and want to have some fun learning how to seize the moment, come and join us.