Lesson 1: Jiu Jitsu can be overwhelming at first. Things didn’t start to come together until 6 months in. One day all the moves I’ve learned started to click together in my head.

Lesson 2: You can learn from everybody, whether it be a white belt, blue belt, or black belt. Every little piece of advice given to me is valuable. I’ll appreciate any advice from anyone.

Lesson 3: The aggressor and stronger guy doesn’t always win. I’ll be rolling with new guys that have a huge weight and power advantage and beat them with pure technique. My instructor said it the best, “Use Jiu Jitsu, not strength”

Lesson 4: One of the best advice I’ve received. “Breathe and flow like water.” Simple as that, I’ve learned that remaining calm and breathing can really help me. The more tense you are, the more tired you’ll get. Flow between Jiu Jitsu combinations, can’t get the triangle? Turn it into an arm bar.

Lesson 5: BJJ is nothing more than a game of chess. Sometimes I’ll give my opponent my arm because I know the armbar is coming and I can escape. I try my best to think one if not two steps ahead.

Lesson 6: Repetition, repetition, repetition. I’ve learned that doing a move twice will not allow me to master the technique. Arm bar and triangle drills helped me “flow like water.” Rolling often improved my Jiu Jitsu ten fold.

Lesson 7: There is no shame in tapping out. It’s better than being injured. I’ve seen guys not tap because of their ego and get hurt. Even when I get tapped out, I’ve learned something.

Lesson 8: One small mistake can turn a good position into a really bad one.

Lesson 9: Seeing a move on youtube and then trying it will most likely not work.

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