7 Habits that Delay Your Jiu-Jitsu Graduation: Break Free and Progress Faster!

The journey to Jiu-Jitsu mastery and achieving higher belts is a personal and team-specific process. While some academies follow objective grading systems based on attendance, others consider more subjective criteria like technical proficiency and consistent training.

However, certain habits can delay a student’s graduation, irrespective of the academy or instructor they belong to. In this post, we’ll highlight the seven habits that may hinder your Jiu-Jitsu progression. Let’s dive in!

Skipping Training Sessions!

It may seem obvious, but progress in Jiu-Jitsu requires regular training. Some students mistakenly believe that showing up for the graduation week or the event day will guarantee their promotion. However, consistent progress is achieved by those who never miss a training session. Regardless of seniority, those who attend every class diligently will outperform others.

Tardiness!

Arriving late to training sessions is another habit that hampers graduation progress. While various reasons may cause tardiness, instructors rarely view favorably those who join the mat only during sparring time. Punctuality and discipline are essential qualities in Jiu-Jitsu, and being on time shows commitment and respect.

Focusing Solely on Winning!

Success in Jiu-Jitsu is not solely determined by competition victories or defeating higher-ranked training partners. While technique plays a significant role, factors like strength, agility, and weight can influence match outcomes. Instructors evaluate multiple aspects, not just results, to decide on promotions. Therefore, believing that winning alone will lead to faster graduation is a misconception.

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Lack of Consistency!

The journey to the coveted black belt is built on small weekly victories repeated over many years. Merely “training every day” is not enough; consistency and patience are crucial. Consider João, who trains five times a week for three months, versus José, who trains twice a week consistently for an entire year. José will accumulate more training hours and progress faster.

Not Giving Your Best Effort in Training!

Maintaining a consistent training routine is meaningless if you don’t put in your best effort during class. Some students, particularly higher belts, may slack off, citing exhaustion from a busy day. However, giving less than your best hinders progress. Push yourself during every session, as the satisfaction of improvement and the next promotion await those who strive for excellence.

Constantly Changing Academies!

Frequent changes of academies can hinder progress. Instructors need time to assess a student’s growth before awarding a higher belt. If you keep switching gyms every few months, how can an instructor gauge your development? Commitment to a single academy fosters a deeper understanding of your abilities and a more accurate evaluation for promotion.

Overly Focused on Belt Color!

A common martial arts saying goes, “It’s not the student who chooses the belt, but the belt that chooses the student.” Worrying excessively about belt color may indicate that you are not yet ready for the next promotion. Instead, focus on continuous improvement, hard work, and respect for the art. With dedication and patience, the graduation you desire will come when the time is right.

Earning higher belts in Jiu-Jitsu requires dedication, consistency, and a focus on personal growth rather than external rewards. Avoiding these seven habits will set you on the path to faster progress and eventual success. Train regularly, be punctual, give your best effort, maintain consistency, and show loyalty to your academy. Remember, the true essence of Jiu-Jitsu lies in the journey, and with dedication, respect, and a little patience, your graduation day will inevitably arrive.

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Gracie Barra River Oaks: Effective martial arts programs for kids of all ages!

 

 

 

Gracie Barra River Oaks: A Premier Martial Arts Academy in Houston!

Gracie Barra River Oaks is a premier martial arts academy located in Houston, Texas. Founded by Professor Ulpiano Malachias, a world-renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, the academy offers top-notch training in Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts. Professor Malachias has been involved in athletics and martial arts from a young age, beginning with Judo at the age of 4 and then transitioning to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 17.

Under the leadership of Professor Malachias, Gracie Barra River Oaks has grown and expanded to a new, larger 10,000 sqft location in 2016. The academy offers a wide range of training programs to suit students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

One of Professor Malachias greatest achievements is his success as a black belt competitor in the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competitions. He has won multiple championships and medals, including the Asian Championship in 2006, American National Championship in 2004, 2005, and 2008, and Pan American Championship Silver Medal in 2010, among others. He is also the 2022 IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Open Gold Medalist.

Gracie Barra River Oaks: Experience a new beginning on your Jiu-Jitsu journey!

Professor Malachias is committed to continuously improving his teaching skills and his own knowledge and skill in Jiu Jitsu. He is a certified IBJJF referee and has served as a referee in countless IBJJF tournaments, including some widely watched finals.

At Gracie Barra River Oaks, students have access to over 700 Gracie Barra Schools worldwide, professional-quality Jiu-Jitsu gear, and online resources to further their training. The academy promotes a holistic perspective to Jiu-Jitsu, including physical and mental wellness. All GB Schools are supervised by a Gracie Barra certified instructor, who supports students and helps each one achieve their potential through challenging training programs. Each class at Gracie Barra River Oaks is customized to offer maximum benefit for the students in attendance.

In summary, Gracie Barra River Oaks is a world-class martial arts academy with a strong commitment to excellence and dedication to Jiu-Jitsu. With Professor Ulpiano Malachias at the helm, students can expect top-notch training and support in their journey to becoming skilled practitioners of Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts.

Gracie Barra River Oaks: Effective martial arts programs for kids of all ages!