Confidence is an important part of all marital arts and its one of the main reasons that people will seek out jiu jitsu.
Confidence can help you perform better on and off the mats, overcome obstacles and knock your goals right out the park.
But what about newer people starting out? How exactly do they build their confidence when they're consistently getting smashed by higher belts?
Cousin Tony shares with us a very important principle that relates back to all self defense arts and that's learning how to protect yourself.
Building confidence in BJJ requires a combination of technical proficiency, mental fortitude, and a healthy mindset. In this article, we'll explore some strategies for building confidence in BJJ.
Learn and Master Techniques
One of the most obvious ways to build confidence in BJJ is to learn and apply the techniques that you learn in class. This involves not just learning the technique but also being able to execute it on a resisting opponent. This can take time and practice, but it's essential for building confidence. The more techniques you learn and master, the more tools you'll have in your arsenal, and the more confident you'll become in your abilities.
Train with Higher Belts
Training with higher belts can be intimidating, especially when you're just starting out in BJJ. However, it's also one of the best ways to build confidence. When you train with someone who is more skilled than you, you'll be forced to step up your game and improve your skills. This can be challenging at first, but it's also an opportunity to learn and grow. Over time, you'll find that you're able to hold your own against higher belts, and this will boost your confidence.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is another key factor in building confidence. When you set goals that are achievable, you'll be more likely to succeed, and this can help you feel more confident in your abilities. Start by setting small, attainable goals, escaping out of side mount or not getting tapped while rolling. As you achieve these goals, you can gradually set more challenging ones. The more goals you achieve, the more confident you'll become.
Focus on Self-Defense
Self-defense is a fundamental aspect of BJJ. Learning how to protect yourself and defend against different submissions is essential for building confidence. When you know that you can defend yourself against any attack, you'll feel more secure and confident in your abilities. In addition, focusing on self-defense can help you develop a more strategic mindset, which is essential for success in BJJ.
Develop Mental Toughness
BJJ is a physically and mentally demanding sport. To succeed in BJJ, you need to develop mental toughness. This means developing the ability to push through fatigue, pain, and discomfort, and remain focused on your goals. Mental toughness is essential for building confidence, as it allows you to overcome obstacles and challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Finally, cultivating a growth mindset is essential for building confidence in BJJ. A growth mindset means believing that your abilities can improve with practice and effort. When you have a growth mindset, you're more likely to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. This can help you build confidence in your abilities, as you know that you can always improve and become better.
In conclusion, building confidence in BJJ requires a combination of technical proficiency, mental toughness, and a growth mindset. By learning and mastering techniques, training with higher belts, setting realistic goals, focusing on self-defense, developing mental toughness, and cultivating a growth mindset, you can build the confidence you need to succeed in BJJ. Remember, building confidence takes time and practice, but with dedication and effort, you can achieve your goals and become a more confident, skilled BJJ practitioner.
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