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 1

How easy is it to quit? I would say it comes from 1 of 2 things, lack of passion or pure laziness. Obviously, this isn't a full proof idea, it is just a current thought. This belief may be changed eventually through a different life event that I experience, but for now this is where I am at.

Through my first 2 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I've seen maybe 100, or more, people start and stop their training experience. Most people come for about a month and by the end of that month, you learn their name. Then a month later, you have forgotten their name and you wouldn't even recall a reference of them unless you physically see their face. They are essentially just another passer by.

Is it laziness or their lack of passion for our beautiful art? I don't know, but what I do know is that some come and go, then never look back again.

Then there are those few, the true, the faithful, and the passionate who come and go, again and again and again, constantly assessing moving forward.

Our art has a way of labeling everyone and everything, he's the enforcer, he's the lanky guy, he's the wrestler, this is a whizzer, that's a clock choke.

Well these are the Blue Belt Blue's, where we watch lost souls exit our lives one class at a time.