The maxim and command: 'leave your ego at the door' is doubtless familiar to anyone who has been through the door of a Jiu-Jitsu academy. It might be considered a sacred commandment of BJJ. Ostensibly it’s very good advice, if somewhat trite, that we must free ourselves to err in order to make progress. The … Continue reading Leave your ego at the door?
What it takes – In praise of longevity
Back in 2004/2005, I lived a while in the city of Petropolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In my privileged position as the one and only gringo, I had the unique right to pass freely around all of Crezio’s associated gyms in the city. One of those was the ‘Academia’ of Crezio’s father, … Continue reading What it takes – In praise of longevity
Moscow
The soreness is starting to set in, but I don’t want the Russians to see that I’m in pain when the promoter summons me. “somebody wants to meet you, come, come” The short, rounded black man at the table eagerly awaits our attention. He and Luke, my cornerman, are as far as I can tell, … Continue reading Moscow
What it takes – the coffin nail, king of qualities
I've had a few folks ask me what the qualities are that make a champion. Every trainer is going to have a different take on what they value most, but for me there's one quality that I value over all others. When I was a kid my old man told me a great story. I … Continue reading What it takes – the coffin nail, king of qualities
What does the belt mean?
It’s a very attractive idea to lay out a universal standard for rank promotion, as in theory that ought to both raise and maintain standards. In reality what generally happens in many martial art systems is that belt criteria gets distilled down to a syllabus- a checklist of techniques known and practiced.
