 Competing as a white belt, 2011 or 2012. The hardest part of jiu-jitsu is signing up. Just kidding, we like to say that to make you feel better. It will always be hard. The hardest part is not quitting, which is why there are so many blue belts compared to black belts. For those of us who know that we’ll never quit, let me give you a guide to feeling good about getting your ass kicked on the regular. Today I’m going to discuss some positions and moves that I suggest you work on at the beginning of your journey. White belt! Please tag all of your white belt friends. This is for adults, as I treat youth differently. Please keep in mind, that this is a lot, and it won’t be overnight.
The hardest part of jiu-jitsu is signing up. Just kidding, we like to say that to make you feel better. It will always be hard. The hardest part is not quitting, which is why there are so many blue belts compared to black belts. For those of us who know that we’ll never quit, let me give you a guide to feeling good about getting your ass kicked on the regular. Today I’m going to discuss some positions and moves that I suggest you work on at the beginning of your journey. White belt! Please tag all of your white belt friends. This is for adults, as I treat youth differently. Please keep in mind, that this is a lot, and it won’t be overnight.
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One thing that you must remember when training is that jiu-jitsu is forever. It doesn’t matter what belt you are at now, you will still continue to train, right? I always hear, “enjoy the journey,” and I agree. You know, it’s going to take you x amount of years to get your black belt. Then the rest of your life, you will be a black belt, so no rush! If you love jiu-jitsu, keep training. But what happens when you hit a brick wall? Out of nowhere, jiu-jitsu isn’t fun. You feel like you’re getting beat up all the time. The technique that worked for so long is failing!  My student, Rennan, is a great example of consistent progress.  Dawn Lew, my wife :) As we slip further and further away from the origins of the art, one thing stands. Jiu-jitsu techniques, when applied properly, allow a smaller person to defend him/herself against a larger, stronger opponent. Obviously, this takes time. Not just LEARNING the technique, but a lot of mat time, and tons of drilling and rolling.
Your typical academy has way more men than women, hence why my academy has a women’s only class. I feel as though it’s important for women to train with other women for a few reasons. |
Author-Greg Lew - 
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January 2026
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