Smashed at a Different BJJ Gym (Don’t Want my Blue Belt Promotion)

[@pekestyxx6674]

As a white belt who regularly trains with mostly non white belts this is my routine. Go to gym, eat generous servings of humble pie then go wash gi.

[@ivantamayoromero1668]

Such a relatable and underrated comment! 🙌🏾

[@tcity1278]

what to do as a white belt 101

[@joealias2594]

lol bro that's how it is, after we reopened is was like the only people who heard the gym was open again were blue belts+ who are larger than me. fun times

[@lifeisgood070]

lmao! literally exactly what I am doing right now. Get smashed. Wash gi. Get smashed. Wash gi again. White gi is turning grey lol.

[@mickbewsy7622]

Whilst constantly saying "thank you" to those that smash you.

[@timrob0420]

Bro, I'm a blue belt that gets smashed by purples and browns. Theres no shame in it. Blue belt is the hardest belt ego.wise, because now good white belts can catch me, purples, browns, and blacks smash me... and theres not the "I'm brand new" excuse anymore. But, when I look back at how far I've progressed, I would smash the old me. It's a journey of small progressions. Remember, that a mountain is made of grains of sand. And as always Chewie, you're the man. Love all your wisdom and technique videos.

[@hurricanedeuce8534]

Love this comment. Exactly where I'm at right now.

[@toreth2523]

Very well said. I'm at exactly the same place right now.

[@pedrokobuti]

"I would smash the old me" That's it. That is all that matters.

[@Culvey]

I'm not a blue belt (I actually am just a 1 stripe white belt) but its just like in wrestling, I wrestled for 13 years, but in Sr year of high school there was this dude I had to go up against that had only wrestled for 2 years, the dude caught me in the first round and was up by 6 points before the 2nd round. I was demoralized, I lost that match, but I had to compete against him again a few weeks later and I destroyed him. Just because someone is new doesn't mean they cant smash someone who isn't new on occasions. The lesson I learned from this is that self reflection and realization of my mistakes/what I could improve was a far better way to go about life and sports than by being negative about myself or doubting myself.

[@SwordTune]

@@Culvey I don't wrestle but I met a guy who was top in his school. He wrestled with the 2nd best at his school at some kind of state competition. Your defeat sound lucky. The 2nd best wrestler put on a lot more force that day. Consequence: best wrestler left with long term spine damage that could heal, but never get back to his original peak.

[@emachilliwack5142]

Here is a quote from Renzo Gracie “My opponent is my teacher. My ego is my enemy. The only person I need to be better than is the person I was yesterday.

[@roxiereign]

"My opponent is my teacher. My Ego is my enemy," is one of the Gracie quotes on the walls of my Daniel Gracie gym. I love seeing it, even when I'm in the middle of a roll with my face eating some humble pie. :)

[@Anthony_Lucca]

Yo, if you're a white belt getting smashed by purples and browns there is literally 0 shame in that. You're not really supposed to do well against them unless they want you too...

[@ThaisUndThais]

I don’t know how he could think that, when I saw the title I thought he got smashed by other white belts

[@frankp8535]

@@ThaisUndThais if he really doesnt wanna get beaten by anyone, just bring a longsword, can't armbar someone whos got a longsword 4Head

[@Anthony_Lucca]

Tientje Fieftig yeah same, I really don’t think this guy has anything to be worried about.

[@RealWolfgangTV]

@@frankp8535 dont say that to the aikido guys lmfao

[@alexschexnayder8624]

@@RealWolfgangTV as a HEMA guy I volunteer as tribute. Bring me the aikido guys.

[@JRettMTX]

Wait, a white belt got smashed by purple and brown belts? WUUUUT

[@chadam2010]

Crazy right?

[@JRettMTX]

@Ichicinco Negrosaki Or once they did eventually get it they might as well be promoted to purple or brown!

[@quasar4601]

I was choked hard last night buy a big purple and my throat is still sore lol. I should be ok in 2 days. My groin is killing me through as one guy was double my size

[@ConeTheBoss559]

@@JRettMTX lol exactly, if you go toe to toe with a purple or brown belt your skill level is kinda at purple or brown lol

[@Rambiker2023chief]

seriously! theres so much ego in these comments. Bruh I see it all day, blue belts get caught by white belts, purples by blues. Etc if you think youre belt color is a guarantee you are fooling yourself

[@theodoric3019]

I remember when I tested for my black belt in taekwondo. After all the combinations forms self defense weapons breakings 500 pushups and sit-ups 2 mi run, I had to full contact spar five different people. I was one of the better fighters there but I lost all the matches cause I was so exhausted. Including letting a yellow belt whose never grappled take mount and put a beating on me. After I got my belt I went back to my master and handed it back to him saying I lost the fights I don't think I've earned this. My master gave it back and said no one ever wins the sparring. It's meant for two things 1 for you to never give up and 2 for you to remain humble.

[@edwardrodriguez3529]

Theodoric Congrats on that brother

[@cahallo5964]

Yeah non sport taekwondo is kinda hard (weird to find too)

[@theodoric3019]

@Chris Jones yea it was a hybrid

[@johnsprince3924]

@Chris Jones Yeah it doesn't matter if you train Teakwondo for a while because most of their blackbelts instructors are like four stripe white belts at some BJJ gym or another on the side anyway.

[@johnsprince3924]

@Mobile Games A lot of TKD blackbelts now days are kids. I think its because a lot of parents either don't know the difference between fantasy based martial arts and real self defense arts. Or they just want to put their kid in an activity, so the kid doesn't become a worthless turd, and anything will do, if its in their neighborhood, and fits their schedule.

[@nalykazule1582]

There's ALWAYS somebody better than you. No ego BJJ = best BJJ.

[@georgesellhorn7603]

So true! When you stop caring about belts and stripes the journey is so much more rewarding!

[@SwordTune]

I wish there was such thing as No ego BJJ. But the loudest and most outspoken are always the most annoying egomaniacs.

[@1980gm9]

That applies to all martial arts and fighting styles.

[@mysty0]

Those who constantly chirp on about how they have no ego or they are so good at leaving their ego at the door, they do so from a place of pride which is the natural habitat of the ego!

[@MRHIPHOPVEGAN]

Unless your rickson Gracie

[@Jbzero999]

There's another component to this. When I was a blue belt, our gym had a purple belt that was magical at throwing triangles. He was 6'3" with a 36" inseam and he would catch everyone, all the time, constantly. We became experts at breaking down triangles. Everyone at that gym would spend loads of time on triangle escapes, triangle avoidance. We would test our escapes out on Erik. It became a thing at that gym for weeks on end. Fast forward 6 months, a young dude, tall lanky came in and we destroyed him.. nicely.. but still. Because his whole game was predicated on the triangle. He walked into a meat grinder. Any other gym he would have been fine, but since his game was still young, he had not developed other routes and we had all recently focused on getting better at his best thing, and he got tooled up. As Chewy said, trust your coach. Belts are an award of achievement, and really only between you and your coach. If she/he thinks you've earned it, then wear it..and if not, don't.. but don't worry about it either way.

[@fightnwords]

Super helpful vid, got pulled aside last night by coach and told things are looking good and he was looking at promoting me to Blue Belt. I really feel like I suck (edit: I know I suck) I felt happy but also concerned. Slept on it, woke up and saw this vid. Thanks man, appreciative of your vids/insight.

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome brother.

[@G-Wrath]

This is exactly me. Coach walked past last night and said “must be time to update your belt” (to blue). Seeing this video in my feed was serendipitous and just what I needed to hear.

[@digiprez77]

"Belt for hold up pants."

[@mikemichaels4500]

My gi pants have a drawstring.

[@adrenaline19]

@@mikemichaels4500 new Gi's sure are getting fancy.

[@thisisstraightcancerboi7063]

Belt holds Gi closed

[@KaneJohnson100]

Thank you Mr. Miyagi

[@magus1017]

I believe it’s pronounced “Belch foa hoald up pantch.”

[@Bighandsdown]

Had a private with a Brown belt last night. He went v easy on me was nice to feel the control he had though and was being moved about effortlessly despite being 3 stone heavier. You don't lose you learn

[@paragon1782]

Yup there is a purple belt at my gym that gently fucks me up and I really appreciate it lol

[@stevenc4477]

At my school we have a guys that are super blue and purple belts. Their jiu-jitsu is like the matrix, they'll literally submit you in slow motion lol. Some people can be extremely good at something, it is unreal.

[@Culvey]

Self reflection on your mistakes and what you can improve is instrumental in any sport, but things like BJJ require more of it than most sports I've been in.

[@SwordTune]

No. You do lose, and that's why you learn.

[@adadses1979]

First rule - you're always a beginner in BJJ. Second rule - always train with a smile on your face: if you finish rolling with a smile on your face, you're a winner. That's my 10 cents (obviously I've come to this conclusion by getting my ase handed to me on many an occasion ;-)).

[@threethrushes]

As an outsider, simply interested in BJJ, I can say that the process for improving in BJJ seems to be the same process for attaining fluency in a language, and mastery of any sport. I learnt a 'hard' language as an adult, and as a beginner, I could not imagine speaking it fluently. Watching other foreigners converse in it seemed like magic. Obviously, there came a point where it happened for me. Same with another highly technical sport which I started late in life (ice hockey). Repetition, hours on ice (mat), tens of thousands of pucks shot, and several years later I hang with the big dogs… and then a pro shows up at the rink, and you realise you are still a 'cone'. Disclaimer: I have never done BJJ or any MA.

[@TheSevenJr86]

You learn from failures a lot more than you do success. Also muscle memory is an amazing thing.

[@Shaka_Garami]

@Gerhard Symons That's cool that you're lurking BJJ content even though you don't train. Do you mind if I ask why you haven't given BJJ a go?

[@threethrushes]

@@Shaka_Garami Good question. I must admit, I really enjoy Chew's videos on BJJ, and watching some other documentaries about BJJ. But, it is because I can imagine how deep the rabbit hole goes which puts me off for two reasons: One is that I have invested the best part of a decade to get a level of proficiency in ice hockey. Skating, stick-handling, shooting - are skills that require thousands of thankless hours by oneself. I enjoyed the process because I knew that every hour I invested, I would improve by 0.0001 per cent. I have often thought that if I knew how difficult (and addictive) it was, I may not have started. Plus, in hockey, there are no belts - getting better is a very slow, invisible, and gradual process. Second, a man has to know his limitations. I have nothing but respect to those who have put in the effort to attain the various belts in BJJ (or any MA), but I know my limitations. My guess is that BJJ is the same - requiring thousands of hours to gain proficiency.

[@mmajunkie6122]

Gerhard Symons trust me just give it a go... U will not regret it The ability to control a body soooooooo effortlessly and knowing that if something gets out of hand u can break a persons will to fight with out hurting them is just one of the reasons why I decided to start

[@threethrushes]

@@mmajunkie6122 Thanks for the encouragement! I don't doubt for a minute how cool it must feel to have a skill that you can just use in all situations - from the moment you wake up, to the moment you fall asleep. Probably the closest thing to a superpower. I just have to be ruthless with myself, and say, "you know what - I know there are some very cool things in life that I know exist, and never tried. I tried a lot of things in my life, and I am satisfied with the sports/hobbies that I do. Taking up a new one, would inevitably mean sacrificing time to x, y, and z." Maybe this is just a massive excuse, because I have never done a martial art and I may revisit this, but I'm content to lurk for the time being. Thanks again.

[@gratificationgaming4314]

Thank you coach chewy, I'm 2 1/2 years in as 4 stripe white and I've been nervous about this and this really cleared alot of things for me

[@brainrot8215]

We got this. :)

[@cadegullett8640]

Where are you now!! Hope your journey has been great

[@cptnapaplm]

I dont train in BJJ but I love hearing your motivational talks like this one. Keep up the great honest content!

[@HighlyPotent34]

As a newly promoted blue belt i needed to hear this.

[@marcuscarothers1680]

“And I’ll explain why”. You’re goddamn right you will, Chewy. Love you

[@user-jk1vh2zi2j]

It's a lifestyle the belt does not matter. That will come with time and mat hours. You will look back when your a brown or black belt and will be shocked at the difference. Stick with it OSS!

[@soldieroftruth77]

Another possibility is that your gym’s higher belts are comfortable with you and letting you take position and control because they aren’t afraid. A combination of this and your gym’s training environment might make for pleasant rolls. A new unknown gym might have a different environment and higher belts with things to prove to a new person. Just a possibility.

[@XMartinv90x]

I believe that.

[@aqdjbcr]

Yeah his home upper belts are prolly being nice to him and he isn’t realizing it

[@lastactionhero7541]

The new place he trained might also have a culture to smash people from other gyms to prove they are better.

[@Eudamonic]

I don’t think it is a possibility. He said the guys at the new gym “toy” with him “effortlessly”. Maybe the new gym is simply better.

[@soldieroftruth77]

@@Eudamonic True but what I’m saying is that maybe the guys in his gym COULD toy with him, but they choose not to because they have nothing to prove.

[@Boogiedeguilboogie]

I cant thank you enough for this video. I feel a lot more confident now. I'm a 2 stripe blue belt, and I feel all those feelings when I roll every pretty much everyone. Getting smashed. I get so bent when I cant put away a white belt.. as well as when a purple n brown just toys with me. But thank you for your wisdom. Oss!

[@baliche]

I have this problem with Judo. It is the biggest and longest lesson Judo has been teaching me. Thanks man

[@Quordrell]

This is probably the single most important video of yours I have watched Chewy. Thanks so much for answering this guys question. oh and I have watched quite a few videos.. Thanks Professor! would love to come and get choked out by you one day ;)

[@E3DCell]

Bjj has taught me, patients and to know that failure is a part of growing. Never have experianced this type of humility till now. Thanks for the post.

[@jamiepierceall2919]

Just got promoted to blue belt last night and was thinking the exact same thing. Thanks for the video.

[@matthewhusss]

nice video chewy. my favorite part of promotion time at the gym is how happy everyone is for everyone else. everyone congratulating everyone else and taking pics and just enjoying that moment. when the dust settles and people have their new stripes or belts, it's just back to the grind and everyone realizes they still have tons to learn, but the actual promotion time is such a cool celebration that brings everyone together.

[@Delamthedestroyer]

It always feels like such a cool special occasion eh. I didn't get mine at a promotion night. Was handed it at the end of a class after my instructor had given a talk to the white belts about not giving up... Felt awesome.

[@tomdavis8995]

Great video chewy, Just got my blue belt after over 2 years on the mat, and definitely feel unworthy every time I tie it up. Competed 5 times at white, 3 medals and was tapping blues in the gym regularly but when it finally came I felt like an imposter. Won’t feel comfortable with it for a while but if your instructor thinks your ready, you’re ready 🤙🤙🤙

[@Delamthedestroyer]

I think as white we put so much kudos on the blue belt. Partly because some deadly blues that we roll with have had that belt for a few years and are chasing purple. All it means in BJJ terms is that you have a good knowledge of the basics. That's what I'm telling myself because just about to step on the mats again as a blue belt after a 10 year absence...

[@svarthelikoptern]

"I am not worthy" You wouldn't say "you are not worthy" to someone else, would you? Don't say that to yourself! Treat others *and* yourself kindly.

[@KAP32DW]

Wow what a great analysis. The psychology in the answer to that question is spot on and a great reminder to me. Namely about different venues and patterns 100% correct. Thanks even if I just found this video two years later...applause!

[@drthomasmccaindvm]

Thanks professor! I have been feeling exactly like this regarding moving to purple belt.

[@kroniclenny]

You're a legend, Chewy! Thank you so much for this video. It's really helped me to get some perspective on my current situation (blue belt at a new gym mostly getting smashed). I will try to focus on just turning up to each training session.

[@karlhartwig4628]

This guy is the Eliot Hulse of martial arts!

[@divanavitch]

Well spoken buddy. Thanks for the positive vibes. Need it in these time. ❤️👍👊

[@herrzyklon]

This is almost the perfect video and I don't give props to ppl talking to a camera very often. You really understand people, a rare gift

[@lewisb85]

I always love the talk guy ritchie gave about a "feral gym" and how when he goes to another gym people will see his black belt and the first thing they think is "let's see how good he is?" So he has purple and brown belts going out of their way to try and smash him, he talks about all the people at these other gyms have to go on is what it says on your belt.

[@scottbolen3996]

Well said! We all have areas for improvement in our BJJ! By never giving up and staying focused with help us accomplish that journey!

[@arcanjoniteroi]

I don't know why YT showed your video to me. But for reasons I can't explain here, in this particular day, it was all I needed to hear. Believe me, you have no idea how important your words were to me at this moment. Thanks a lot for your video.

[@Chewjitsu]

Happy to help.

[@mixck]

I'm not training BJJ but I can relate much what you say in your videos in Muay Thai and other martial arts that I have practiced 🙏 Great video!

[@kirkbrackmann6385]

I felt exactly like that after receiving my blue belt and completing in my first tournament. Awesome video big dog! Thank you!

[@JakobPuchmayr]

thanks for the video. I will be promoted to blue belt soon and don‘t feel ready at all😅 but I feel more motivated to train, so I will be able to justify the blue belt for myself!

[@SasquatchTX]

The color of a belt is a snapshot of a students level in a given art. It is not the sum of skill or strength or experience. In a TKD tournament yesterday I fought in 2 divisions, my 2nd was an over 35yr old division. The advanced belt division was light, so they threw a purple belt in with us. Guy was a beast. Hes also practiced other martial arts. He won our match. He had good power amd skill, and brought more than TKD to the table. It was a great match, it was my 4th back to back fight. He was fresh. He was in beast mode and took 1st place. Don't feel bad if a lower or higher rank wins. Its a competition, not a fight to the death. Have fun, work on your technical skills.

[@jl8981]

Real talk. You get use to the same people in your gym. You get use to the same styles... the same guys moving the same way. You learn how others move. I'm currently deployed right now. My style has changed tremendously. The overall reason... every few months, there is a fresh batch of people to roll with. I never get use to the same style. I'm a 4 stripe white belt. I can never stay somewhere long enough to get promoted. I picked up my brand new white belt back in 2013. I don't care about belts. I never lose on the mat.

[@rockhoya10]

This guy is great. Love all his videos. I don’t understand how on any video, regardless of how great it is, there are always a few who dislike the video. Smh

[@MikeVieira]

Also know that it's normal to not feel worthy. Just push that feeling aside. Have fun and keep learning!

[@dv2223]

Thank you this actually helped me I was recently promoted to blue and was thinking the same thing “I am not worthy of this “

[@randysmith9578]

I just got belt promotion to blue belt. I have been training about years and half now. Saw this video now, make me feel better. I’m not the best, but I keep training to get there. Thx you for this video

[@unclealbert9257]

And this is why I love bjj environment it attracts people who want to develop and are not about showing off and pretending to be the best. This video has made my day. I’ve just trained today too

[@jacobpeters9919]

Don't take your loses against anyone personally I'm a BJJ white-belt that goes blow for blow with low purples and high blues. I've been doing judo and wrestling from my childhood till now (7 years) and I go in every day not expecting to win or lose I don't think it about because I know I'm only getting as far as my ego will let me, and I feel that the colored belts have realized this too on their journeys. In contrast many a talented and striped white-belt that I have rolled with throw fits and get dirty when they realize they have been outmatched by someone who has the same belt as them. The ego is only a burden on ones journey to be their best them.

[@Delamthedestroyer]

That's one thing people don't always consider. That 'white belt' that gave you a hard time may have 10 years of wrestling or judo experience.

[@edpho4779]

You’re one of my favorite jui jitsu person on you tube, you come across real and wise.

[@chossy5098]

Wise words from Chewy. I would be worried if it was the other way around but this is why its good to train at different gyms now and again.

[@1deaver]

Chewie, you have a great attitude. Thankyou for your inspirational posts and all that you do.

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome and thanks for your message Fish Closet. ;)

[@Khalil-Ibrahim21]

Thank you for asking that question and thanks Chewi for answering it ❤️

[@gregjacobsen673]

Great question and great answer. I'm a purple belt now and I remember feeling these exact feelings as a white belt. I still have the same feeling about brown and I still have black and brown belts toying with me lol. I try to let it motivate me, tell myself I need to get better to represent the belt that I've earned well. Win or lose keep working

[@shawnrico1927]

I love your stuff man! Everytime I have to check my ego from losses I always think of yours discussions and learn that it's going to happen and its ok!

[@nickracine]

Thank you Chewy! What I needed to hear as I have found myself in this exact situation. Thanks for all the great content! Cheers!

[@Chewjitsu]

Happy to help Nick.

[@MrWiru]

Thanks Chewy, love your insight brother!

[@Joker806HAHAHAHA]

Im going through something similar right now thanks for this

[@codyey9038]

This is very true about the patterns. If you roll with someone enough you get a handle on their style and can predict the moves easier

[@stevenmarsden5701]

Wise words, after 20 years rolling, this is so true, it’s about how you feel rolling, it’s a bit like a frog in water that’s been heated, the frog never jumps out of the pan because the frog never notices the incremental increases in heat, the same with rolling. When you have rolled with the same people, just like Professor says, you get used to people, while still improving. It’s what you learned when you roll, that’s the real win, even if it’s “keep your friends close but your elbows closer “, ha, ha

[@Nomadlifeoffour]

I just got my Purple and got Smashed at another Gym (I travel for work and train at 2 gyms) This video is great as I am second guessing myself! Haha! Thank You!

[@bruce0816]

As a fellow blue belt who has also been to many Bjj gyms outside of my hometown I can completely relate to this. There are so many people that are gonna be better than you and have different styles and specialize in different techniques. And as soon as I step into one of those gym I know right away that I stand out as an outsider and have a huge target on my back. Some of those guys and gals are gonna push your limits like never before but always use that as a learning experience. And never doubt yourself!!! Use that as a spark to keep the flame burning my dudes. So when you come home your ready to learn again and maybe even teach your buddies some new tricks.

[@billclay5188]

Man Chewys advice and wisdom is on another level.

[@mikemcc1156]

thank you , I needed to hear this. I went to a new gym that just opened and wanted to welcome the new people. several good black belts and a purple belt worked me kindly (4stripe white belt) I know my level. Still this Video feels about right.

[@sakatagintoki2888]

Facts man, I gradually improved against blue belts and purple belts by continuously rolling with them weekly.

[@jameshutcheson4910]

That feeling of frustration is called a “zone of proximal development.” It’s a good thing. It means you’re learning.

[@mike-yp1uk]

Your a great trainer. Attitude training is part of it and this explanation helped me alot.thx

[@drawwithbeektor6329]

Thank you, Chewy. Great video and at the perfect time for what seems like a lot of people. Me included.

[@markuscwatson]

Another great video, Chewie. Much appreciated.

[@franciscoramos7339]

You will never feel ready for your next belt... Me included. Trust your professor(s) when you get promoted. They know and see things that we don't. They've been through alot more and enjoy the next chapter of the journey....

[@HONDAKING4551]

Fresh purple belt here, 125lbs... 29 yr old male, I visited a local gym in my area, got smashed by a 4 stripe white belt tapped out and even guillotined by a girl who I presume was a blue belt. Since I was visiting I tried to start the rolls extremely passive and chill, which in turn didn't work out too great as the people I rolled with went 10/10 A game ADCC worlds aggression and I felt awkward to match that aggression being a visitor so I remained submissive. I'm a small dude so it isn't exactly easy for me to control the rolls any way I want to! If it's go time it's go time..and I need to be going full speed to be effective. Should I have just turned it right up to 11 and smashed them ? Or did I do the right thing by essentially submitting to blue and even white belts!

[@beta5601]

That still happened to me as I went to another gym recently promoted to purple belt. By 3 months I had a better idea of what each one of them were good at or some of their techniques. And learned a lot of them which I'm really thankful for! Its like bruce lee quote: You put water in to a bootle and it becomes the bootle, you put water in to the tea cup, it becomes the tea cup. Gotta be like water my friend, adapt to every situation. Thats life too 🤙🏻... Awesome video!

[@edwardrodriguez3529]

Alberto Zerega Lopez fix the quote brother congrats on the purple belt 🤙🏻

[@JakeV.]

Thanks Chewie, I really needed this video.

[@sidehustletrav4793]

I massive takeaway from this video is “jiu jitsu gives you gifts”. Man that is the realest thing I’ve heard. I’m about a year and a half in just earned my 3rd stripe white belt. The confidence, comradery, giving a purpose. 50 lbs down from 300 and loving every minute of class. I had regrets of not doing anything contact in my life. Jiu jitsu filled that space up and am better for it.

[@lucasr9737]

Hi chewie. I’m from Brazil. I really like to play half-guard and guard in general. But I’m afraid that I’m not preparing myself for self defense because I’m always playing on my back. Should I start playing a passing/ takedown game as my main game to prepare myself better?

[@LB-gr5se]

Also asking this

[@gxtmfa]

Yes

[@Pric3less1]

For self defense, my philosophy is of the following. 1) If you have a weapon then use it, whether it be a pistol, knife, brass knuckles, or hell even a rock, you should use it. 2) Try to stay on your feet at all times. I know this is contradictory of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (and other grappling arts) but I believe the best thing a martial artist of any style could do is to remain on their feet so they can peep their surroundings, their environment, and run if possible as you never know what may happen. 3) As far as take downs and passing goes, I would definitely agree on that in terms of working and perfecting your top game. I also feel like it would be beneficial for you to work on your escapes and sweeps from various positions. 4) I personally recommend that you work on your Knee On Belly position as I personally believe that Knee On Belly is the best position to be in for a street fight because you can control your adversary, you can joint lock him, you can choke him, you can punch him, if he tries to sit up then you can elbow him, plus he can't grab you, hold you down with him to the ground in case he has friends, he can't take anything from you such as a weapon you may have nor can he reach behind your back where his hands will be out of sight. He can do this if you have side control or mount but none of this is possible if you have Knee On Belly. Also, on a side note, I want you to understand that punches change everything. I know a lot, and I mean a lot of BJJ guys who are black belts (or advanced in general) but are not used to getting punched in the face. One of my old coaches once said to me in regards to Jiu Jitsu, "if you can punch a black belt several times in the face and he can't stop you from doing so, you'll turn him into a brown belt, keep on punching him and he'll turn into a purple belt, if he still can't defend your punches then you'll turn him into a blue belt, not much longer after that and he'll be a white belt all over again." It takes a lot of mental toughness to be able to keep a calm and solid frame of mind to stick to a sweep or escape while someone is raining punches down on you on the concrete somewhere. I had a few buddies who quit BJJ who were white and blue belts because they got fucked up by a few meat heads out in the street. And it's not like these friends of mine were bad or anything, they were pretty good actually, but they just weren't mentally tough. I'd suggest you get into an MMA class if you want to get a better understanding of Jiu Jitsu without strikes vs Jiu Jitsu with strikes.

[@misery2596]

Just make sure you can get to mount from guard

[@Pric3less1]

Nark ish yup. Sit Up sweep or the Scissors Sweep are probably the easiest to do on someone who doesn’t have a good base when in a self defense situation

[@ValleysOfSaturn]

As always, Chewy nails it right to the point! Thanx bro!!

[@dolgran79]

I am new here, just recently subscribed, but was looking so bad for this question to answered as I myself have similar doubt. Thanks for all your videos Chewie, it really helps me a lot.

[@Chewjitsu]

Happy to help!

[@AKAWEAPON]

Love watching you're vids especially before classes mate. Always motivating. OSS from Australia

[@joealias2594]

"to say you're not worthy of something, seems like you either don't love yourself, or you don't feel confident in yourself" shit just got real. This is how it is. I relate to this questioner and this line of thinking. To me, Jiu-Jitsu is a way of realizing that things are actually going to be ok. Sometimes i feel horrible and blame myself, but then I just keep coming and training and things are cool.

[@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena]

Sometimes you can feel that you are not worthy because it was supposed to be a prize for people in the top 3 of a event but sadly in the division you were in there were only 3 adults competing. Like i refuse to wear my striped Orange belt because it feels like a participation trophy and not something i earned and i got 3rd in all of the adult events my dad got first in weapons and second in forms and he does not understand why i refuse to wear the belt i keep telling him "I did not fucking earn it". All the belt did was signify that it was a competition belt and the person wearing it did well in a competition be it locally or otherwise yet i got 3rd in all events and draw in the stupid point competition which i never liked that part as its like you hit then you back up it ruins the flow of combos and is really fucking stupid. Like i actually regret partaking in that tournament sure i tell people that i know i would never meat again that i placed for 3rd in a tournament but i am not going to tell them that there were only 3 people in the part i was in and i wanted to only do the fighting not the stupid forms or weapons i like to fight not show off however i only indulged them with it as there was not enough people to begin with only two as schools and dojos did not have many adults in them

[@Fixbuildflip-Dustin-Boettcher]

I agree 100%!! When i was a white 2 stripe, i was just catching on great and would tough alot of it out and ive tapped a few blue and purple belts. Then you get humbled by people with less or more experience. What we say at my gym is everyone is equal on the mats.

[@hollywoodhogan.7009]

Awesome insight. I love this channel.

[@johnhagebeuk8]

Good one brother. How i see the belts is that its is not on yourself to decide, that part of bjj is for the coaches. I see bjj as a beautiful travelling trough a fantastic complex martial art which is separated in skill episodes. And you just have to enjoy the ride.

[@chau2k5]

I felt the same way during promotions. But I have learned and was taught, it's okay if you don't feel like the rank you have been promoted to. In time, it is a rank you grow into. It's like setting higher standards for yourself. Maybe at white, you cut yourself slack for making certain mistakes, but at blue belt you absolutely won't make simple mistakes. Eventually, you will become the blue belt and no one will question it. Then you get promoted again and the cycle repeat maybe once more. Eventually, you won't care about your own rank because you know where your skill level is at and you'll know if you're improving or not.

[@chokeout412]

Great advice Chewie. Thanks as always.

[@themechakid]

Chewy spitting truth and knowledge as usual

[@Robdog77767]

Awesome advice and great insight couch---

[@jakefulgencio2583]

Love what you have to say brother, wise leader & teacher 💯🙏 #StayHard

[@jprw]

Brilliant motivation as always many thanks

[@fredericmenges]

After almost two years of training, still getting smashed at almost every roll. I read everywhere „embrace the grind“, „keep showing up“, „leave ego aside“ etc etc.. but believe an older and way too small white belt (52 years, 66-67KG), it is tough. Real real tough to stay focused and positive at that point.

[@alexwebb6779]

Great video Chewy

[@samhellion]

“We are all are our own worst critics”- that sunk in

[@jordanvalenzuela3660]

Thanks Chewie!! this is just the video i need in these few weeks

[@randomgameschannel401]

Thanks for the video man.

[@mrm3678]

"People are going to smash you all the time" So encouraging. Lol. This is true though and you must keep showing up!

[@BookofTerrors]

Your channel is so helpful. Thank you.

[@teocochrane]

Im in the same situation but my next promotion is to purple belt 😮

[@Chewjitsu]

Been there before!

[@xpansionteam1537]

Brilliant advice love your videos thanks

[@TSM260]

Every opportunity to roll with a different gym or people, is a learning opportunity to improve your jiu jitsu. It's actually a great time to practice feeling and watching the person your rolling with. When they escape from a position where do they go? the same way the people at your home gym do? How do they respond to your pressure? Rolling with others, as opposed to the same people all the time, keeps you learning and hungry to learn more. I like to play "escape from upper belt Alcatraz" when visiting other gyms. "Nothing frustrates and demoralizes people more than a escape artist" Saulo Ribeiro

[@FracturedPride]

Probably the most wholesome BJJ Ethos ive seen. Just discovered Chewjitsu recently.

[@Alex-ej4wm]

If the guy that asked the question is reading this I want to say thanks because I was thinking the same exact thing. I'm a little lower than you with two stripes but some days don't feel like I deserve even one. I really go home after training and can get pretty dejected but after hearing chewy say even after you get a blue belt you're still going to get smashed by some white belts really helps to put things in perspective.

[@drkinferno72]

You learn something new every day

[@josevasquez337]

It's all about the journey, osss!