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.

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.