What is a BJJ Blue Belt?

[@dougbitt]

I'm almost 57 and have been a white belt for almost 4 years. It has taught me many parallels in life. Tonight I test for my blue belt. Thanks for the encouraging words!

[@dougbitt]

@@njosborne5540 I'm a blue belt now!! The gauntlet was grueling & I'm just a bit stiff today.

[@nate87465]

Did u get it man? I’m 36 from nz. Got my blue belt last week after 4 years also. Go u. Such an achievement. Now the fun/learning starts all over again

[@drewnielson6472]

I have been a white belt 10 yr this year

[@bravotoomuch4218]

Congrats on your blue belt promotion. Fifty six year old one-stripe blue blue here. Cheers from Texas, bro.

[@ColinMcRaeVIT]

@@dougbitt❤

[@af4396]

Making your 4 stripe white belts get into a bar fight to see if they can win is absolutely the best, most entertaining and unmeasured way to promote someone to blue belt.

[@yew2oob954]

From what I understand kickboxing in Thailand has a similar process...there's a documentary from the 80's called Kickboxer starring Jean Claude Van Damme that shows him in a bar where his teacher has arranged a brawl. 😁

[@WConn100]

I'M 73 and just started BJJ a week ago, 6 classes so far. Did no martial art for 50 years after leaving the USAF with a Judo and TKD, boxing and wrestling background. At 70 started studying KRAV MAGA, hurt my back and was out for a year. I realize I am going to be slower and not as strong as someone 50 years my junior but I'm here for the weight loss and increase in flexibility among other things. Thus far my back has held up reasonably. I'm in for the long haul.

[@KazzArie]

Damn, man, congrats and keep it up. People like you are what got me in for my first class January 2022 when I was 39.

[@druzle9326]

Amazing man. Much respect. 40 year old 3 stripe white belt here.

[@jedsanford7879]

bro this is so inspiring. If Im doing BJJ at 73 Im gonna be a happy mf!

[@KazzArie]

@@jedsanford7879 key here is flexibility which, along with weight training (allegedly), mitigates injury risk 🤙

[@mettlemane]

Keep charging brother!

[@connerferril6684]

Will you please do a video on Blue to Purple? Purple belt is such a esteemed belt, and it would be cool to see a pretty set in stone view of what makes a purple belt

[@omargraham8591]

Yyyeesssss please 🙏🏾. Im not in a rush but the mental side has been so important for me and i think some insight this journey from blue to purple will help me know if im on the track and/or “turning the corner”. Thank you for your content!

[@cosuilleabhain07]

I'm 16, started BJJ 2 weeks ago with 5 lessons completed. Feels like the beginning of a new life.

[@davidsimmons4731]

Congrats. Im 42 and started a month ago.

[@heatheruntz5315]

Im 37 and have been training 11 months, and I am envious of you starting at age 16, thatvis awesome keep it up.

[@chad4275]

Same here bro I started 16 now I just got my blue belt requirement about a turn 17

[@Abe_Sinclair]

Bro, you're going to be a black belt in your twenties!

[@cosuilleabhain07]

@Abe_Sinclair yeah I'm grateful to have started this young but I still can't help but think I'd have a greater advantage of starting younger

[@NextScamdemic]

4 bar white belt been training a year. Instructors are saying I'm getting close to promoting but I'm fine being a white belt for another year. What's the rush? I need to fill in lots of holes you're talking about in this video! In my 50's!

[@Johnnygstring]

Same as me my brother, I've enjoyed being a white belt and I'm in no rush. The wisdom of age.

[@TheArtofSkill]

🤲

[@thefreedomproject4777]

Lucky you, I changed school 2 years into white belt, now 6 months in the new school, so 2.5 years as white belt, you must really good because at 1 year I was not near blue belt level at all, now I feel like a sandbagger because I can beat some blue belts, but it doesn't depend on us, our instructors will decide when is time. Oss

[@NextScamdemic]

@@thefreedomproject4777 I wonder what they're waiting for, it sounds like you're a bona fide blue belt to me!

[@justinkongglang7080]

I want the blue but i don't being that sandbagging white at torneys 😅

[@johnnyhurtado4292]

Becoming a Blue belt only made me realize how much more there is to this game got a long road ahead of me going strong great video brother! 🤙

[@omargraham8591]

100%

[@JuanArellanoDartman]

Love this video, 59 year old purple and I am still learning the basics and seeing more in those techniques.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Congrats on your success!

[@Ammomonkey]

50 year old two strip white belt here and I sure do appreciate all the knowledge you share! It’s good to see you making videos again.

[@justin8865]

Yo my guy check out jordan teaches jujitsu, especially his video on inside position. Frames grips angles and inside position. That's all you need for blue shit once you get that down you'll make purples work

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks, and good luck to you.

[@Ammomonkey]

@@justin8865 I’ll definitely check it out! Thank you

[@paultimler474]

I appreciate you mentioning the “frequency over intensity” concept and not going all out on every roll. I’m a 50 year old 4 stripe blue belt and every young buck white belt in the gym goes 100% trying to collect my scalp. I can usually handle them but it takes a lot of effort to take control and show them that calming down will get them much further along.

[@tededo]

Interesting. 50 here. 5 years gi (blue no stripe), but 15 years nogi grappling, so yes I'm seasoned, and white belts come at me at 100% as well, but it takes me little effort to control them, and take them to submissions. They're intense, but lack technical efficiency. I have leverage, technique and momentum. Since you're 50, let me give you a golden piece of advice that served me in the last years. Go watch Lister vs Keenan, Priitt Mikhelesson, Jeff Glover vs Terra, Ryron Gracie teaching his top mount defense. When students realize they cant submit me, even when I give them the deep position, that's when they clam down and chill, and I can turn the table on them, and grind some slow submission.

[@terrafarmer48]

@@tededo Have you read Rickson Gracie's book Breathe? It's incredible.

[@tededo]

@@terrafarmer48 Could you give me the gist of it a little bit ?

[@terrafarmer48]

What I got out of it is that because Jiu Jitsu is a lifelong learning process, all the pieces I have developed over my life time play a role in my personal Jiu Jitsu style. I have the ability to remain calm in some of the most stressful circumstances because of my life experiences. Every one of us shows up for our own personal reasons when we take a class. We're not there to win, we're there to learn and share our skills and pick up skills from others. He said when you think you need to go faster is when you need to slow down. And for me overcoming ptsd and learning recovery and how to breathe is so mind blowing for me. It's empowering. My Jiu Jitsu ability is to manage my energy and also pay attention to the energy of the others around me. The first day I went to Jiu Jitsu class after leaving a domestic abuse situation I learned that the reason I got hit was because I was standing still in the red zone next to an angry man. As much as that wasn't what I wanted to hear at the time, I now know my error and I'm less likely to do that. I don't drink alcohol anymore and I also stay away from people who are drinking. I am a former distance runner and that is also part of Jiu Jitsu because avoiding the confrontation in the first place comes from our instincts on a person's behavior.

[@RollingWithRoland]

​@tededo just out of interest, how much do you weigh? How injury prone were you in late 40s compared to late 30s? And why did you change to gi?

[@cwatford748]

Sir. You are a great ambassador for the art of Jiu Jitsu. I love your content, your passion, and your method of explaining the journey, and how Jiu Jitsu improves your life overall. I’m a purple belt after almost 15 years of practicing, due to 6 knee surgeries and other various injuries, but I always came back. I was a white belt for 6 years. Don’t let the belt or your rankdiscourage you. Just enjoy the experience. Never quit. Never give up on yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Just try to be better than you were yesterday. I’m almost 50 years old now and Jiu Jitsu has bettered my life in so many ways. If you truly love it, then keep at it.

[@TheArtofSkill]

That's very kind of you to say. Thank you. "Just enjoy the experience". Wise words.

[@TraciC23]

Over 40yo me and the four stripes on my white belt appreciate this. And my gym looooooves kesa. Thank you! I always love your mindset videos.

[@TheArtofSkill]

👊

[@John-qz2sy]

I'm 41 I train 3days a week, 4 stripe white belt. For 3 years. I don't suck, Our coach doesn't give out stripes or promote easily. It's a super competitive gym, with a bunch or world champs. Idon't compete. I'm a hobbyist, that keeps up with the class. I'm in no rush. I do agree, that we learn the most at this level, it's almost like drinking from a fire hose and I've learned 98% of what you mentioned for a Blue belt. I love this sport, and hope to do it when I'm older. Thank you for your videos, I really appreciate what you do.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks, brother!

[@AdamS679]

Rick I found your channel two years ago when I started BJJ as a 48 yo. Just got my blue belt this past weekend, a few weeks before I turn 51. Really appreciate your content and great seeing you and channel grow! Thank you and all the best!

[@Blinkz]

Little over a year and 1/2 in. What a time to be a bjj practitioner.

[@dukelongnut1209]

"Angles make strangles" & "position before submission" two very good sayings for a good foundation 🤙

[@stinkybananaog101]

I honestly didn’t want to get promoted to blue belt. I didn’t feel like I was ready for my blue belt when I got promoted but I know this is a common feeling when getting promoted. I was honestly fine being that white belt that blue belts didn’t really want to roll with because it was a bit of an ego check for them. But 4 months into my blue belt journey it is clear that I got promoted to help me advance through tougher rolls and also check my ego as I was no longer considered the white belt beginner.

[@TheArtofSkill]

What you experienced is very common. I did a video on this subject called "Impostor syndrome".

[@kcwliew]

Hear you - the expectation can be heavy. I always said I wanted to be a white belt tapping higher belts than the other way around... but I realised that was my own crutch... and much like you I eventually realised why I got that belt.

[@slayerbot1394]

I duck and dodge grading for the same reason

[@ChrisGFields]

Got my blue belt after 2 1/2 years of training. You are so spot on with this video. 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@pbg2881]

Got mine after 5 months

[@Chrono826]

Just got my 3rd stripe for white belt a couple weeks ago. Started in Feb 2022. I've been asking myself what blue belt means. Trying to understand the deeper concepts behind the techniques. This helps a lot on what to focus on. Thank you for making this! OSS!

[@TheArtofSkill]

Congrats, and thank you!

[@omarcazarez1102]

Took me about 3 years to get my 3rd stripe

[@chrisgarciart]

As a 2-3 year blue belt., I appreciate videos like these because they remind me what they emphasize the core of what I should know, as well as what white belts should be learning. I aspire to teach bjj down the line as I get closer and closer to purple. I am lucky enough to have my own mats to round out my game, as well as pass down what knowledge I do have to friends that are white belts.

[@chrisgarciart]

I hope you do a purple belt video if you haven't already

[@JuanCastillo-df8np]

Thank you for this message. 34 year old, just walked into a school this week. Made through 3 classes this week and I’m looking forward to the next one.

[@tomwright3086]

How you holding up? I'm 35 and starting in a couple of weeks. Signing my 6 year old up as well

[@JuanCastillo-df8np]

The hardest part is walking into the class, once you there is awesome. It’s been hard for me to stay consistent but I haven’t give up yet. Best of luck in your training

[@tomwright3086]

​@@JuanCastillo-df8np mate just keep going bro 💪🏻 I'll let you know once ive done my first session. An one day I'll meet you at purple belt 😁

[@bartaarts1]

Great video Rick. A very rewarding journey from white to blue belt. Very helpful tips! Whenever you feel like you’re not making progress or when you doubt yourself, trust in the system, the curriculum and your instructor. Always realize that what can work AGAINST you, can work FOR you. Keep up the good work and hope to meet again soon!

[@b4dmaash]

90 year old white belt here, going great

[@Asoka-eb8ru]

You started BJJ at age of 90 !!! Are you serious? If this is true good for you.

[@vecna2821]

@@Asoka-eb8ruits cap 🧢

[@selvedgeson]

Yes! Please continue to create content like this. It’s so good to hear your insights. You have a lot to offer. Can’t wait for the purple belt video!

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks. That's nice to hear.

[@philip76285]

After roughly 8 years of traditional jiu jitsu, 4 months ago i started my BJJ journey, super excited for whats coming! great video btw, really informative :)

[@JM-qk5kv]

I'm a 4 stripe white belt and have been training 2 years this month. I can't say I know 4 escapes at every position, I keep telling my coach I'm not ready for my blue and now I know I'm not! Haha! I'm 39 years old and I don't feel old yet, I feel like I'm getting better and keep up with the youngsters in class. My recovery isn't what it used to be but am finding ways to improve that still. Always enjoy watching your content. cheers

[@bahre.srebrenica]

''You are only in competition with yourself'' A good reminder.

[@kwesty1]

I'm 50 now and grew up in competitive wrestling. I started BJJ in my mid 20's and was forced to stop due to serious shoulder injuries. I'm now back at it after a 25 year break. Your videos are very inspirational to me, and help to keep me focused. Thank you..

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks, and congrats for getting back into BJJ after such a long layoff.

[@trev777]

Such a great video! I'm a white belt 2 months in @ Daniel Gracie Las Vegas. Thanks for sharing this. 44yrs young. 😊

[@Rudi_Bar_None]

I dont think you understand how much this video has resonated and pinpointed all of that i am going through right now in my journey right now. Thank you.

[@Burkesquest8]

50 year old 3 stripe white belt. Loving the journey and at the same time staying frustrated (in a good way). I’m the oldest at my school and every roll for me is tough! I’m in good shape and I’ve trained in a traditional art for a very long time. Yes that helps but it not the same animal at all!!!! I hope to see that blue beltch one day but regardless I’m a better martial artist and a more resilient person because of BJJ! Love your content👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@TheArtofSkill]

Every roll is tough when you're older. Congrats, and stay on the path, brother!

[@wendymatlack3886]

Great video sir, 53 yo blue belt promoted in September. Felt I was ready, ha found out I had so much more to learn. Playtime with the old guy guy white belt was over, higher belts went harder and whit belts went after the new blue belt to prove themselves. Starting to level out now and feeling more confident of what I still have to improve on and how to do the game instinctively and overthink it. Journey not the destination

[@TheArtofSkill]

The new belt will always push you to get better because you have to represent a higher level. Congrats on your promotion.

[@jaalul]

This was a great video, you seem like an amazing coach with a real love to BJJ and your students! I've been training 10 years, still a blue belt at 44 years old because I moved countries and a few schools due to my travels. I love the game, the confidence it bestows and I wish kids would learn bjj in school, next to wrestling. It will honestly grow the sport and create a better society.

[@aldo5658]

Almost a yr into my bjj and got 2 stripes and this is starting to make sense and everything is coming together. Thanks for explaining many diff concepts and more.

[@TheArtofSkill]

You're welcome. Glad to hear it.

[@caribbeanjack]

3 stripe blue belt here, 33 years of age. Train as a hobbyist around 4-5 times a week, father and husband. In my opinion it just gets more and more fun, shooting for subs I never had or thought off a year ago and rolling super relaxed and allowing myself to get into bad positions even with some athletic 4 stripe white belt for example. Smiling more and not going super hard all the time. Enjoying jiujitsu more than I ever have. Keep at it gang

[@chadbrite4073]

My instructor uses the same toolbox analogy. When you first start, all you have is a hammer. When what you really need is a 8mm socket. It’s a great analogy for Jiu-Jitsu!

[@Jman75137]

42yo 1-stripe white belt w no prior martial art experience. still getting used to getting beat up 2-3x/week. This video was very helpful giving perspective, directing my efforts properly as i add stripes toward blue belt.

[@JordanLimbachArt]

Love these videos! Very helpful for fostering a healthy and more functional perspective on everything.

[@plutonium120]

my favorite is training with bigger stronger more skilled partners. it forces growth and focus on technique.

[@danwong5432]

Hi Ric🙋‍♂️, I grew up in the martial arts .. stand up martial arts to starting bjj when I was 48..into the 60+ zone for years now .. Wish there were more teachers like you then.. Keep up the awesome work 🙏🙏

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks brother!

[@xpansionteam1537]

Great video really well explained, I'm a blue belt, was a white belt for 20yrs....❤love this sport

[@archibaldmainsfield]

“If you’re thinking, you’re late.” My overthinking self really needed to hear this.

[@vic1111189]

So happy that you are back, you are one of the best jiujitsu channels on youtube.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@performxl]

Agreed

[@Sidecontrol1234]

Got my blue belt on Saturday after 3.5 years of training (thanks pandemic). While it took longer than it should have, I'm glad I stuck it out after returning after all lockdowns were lifted and started to re-train and get fit again. The journey continues!

[@PewJitsu]

Congrat's!

[@andrewmc2445]

I started at 48. I got blue at 18 months. I thought it was a soft promotion then. 6 months on, I feel I've grown in to it. My guard retention is still terrible but improving, whilst I'll lose my back, I can defend myself, get back to floor, hand fight. Most white belts are 20 years younger, and I'm a target as a blue (like beating your dad is a big result😂) but the one thing I am fine with is discomfort and I realised most white belts have no real finishes so no matter how uncomfortable it may be, it's not a real threat. With coloured belts getting passed will be punished, but the longer I've done it, the more I've come to terms with surviving may be a victory in and of itself. I think for me, the moment I sort of felt I had progressed to blue was when I tapped my purple belt nemesis. He's the same age, much better, been doing it much longer but I went from being smashed, to passing him, to eventually tapping him once, to tapping him regularly and when he said I'd improved it felt real. I don't think I could do all the things different people prescribe as being a requirement of blue. At least I couldn't do any well, but I show up, I keep plodding away and over time you improve

[@yongnam9841]

As a 40 year old two stripe blue belt, I sometimes just have white belts of all stripes start out on the mount, side, and back. Then, just get out so they can learn how I move. I also like to give higher belts some positions when we roll so I can learn what they do as I defend. Jiu-jitsu is really fun and technical.

[@joelchamp9169]

Of the multitude of blue belt definition videos out there, hands down the one that spoke to me most and very well said. Thank you 🙏

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thank you. Glad you found it helpful.

[@BachausX]

Thanks Rick for all of your thoughtful content, I am glad to see you making content again. As a 50 year old new Blue Belt, I appreciate your intelligent and technical approaches.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thank you!

[@Viking.voyage]

Definitely love this series and if you can do a specific video for each belt, i.e purple, brown, black I think the whole community would truly appreciate that. Thank you so much for what you give back to the art of jiu jitsu!!

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks, I plan to.

[@KarmaFlight]

55 year old 4 stripe blue belt. I am under Jason Lambert. We were just down at Roy's place last week. He showed us some amazing control concepts. It's a privilege to be in the lineage. Thanks!

[@TheArtofSkill]

That's awesome! Roy Harris is amazing. I'm hoping to get him on the channel.

[@KarmaFlight]

@@TheArtofSkill That would be great! Jason earned his 3rd degree BB while we were there, and I got to roll with some amazing guys form the old school crew. You now Roy's pressure is like no other pressure in the world!

[@KiffeKun]

3 year blue belt. Gotta say, focusing on escapes, and being comfortable in being uncomfortable is spot on. Also focusing on controling the position. Cheers!👍

[@rajones27]

Really enjoy this content. I started BJJ at 40, 14 months in, lots of set backs but love the sport and wish I could do it more. If anything keeps you young it’s BJJ.

[@momentum8640]

55 year old white belt here with one strip. I've lost position trying to set up submissions. I also got lost because I was thinking about submissions instead of position. I'm learning how to fight with my legs. I've tapped someone from mount once and from gaurd once. I've also choked someone from the back, but I still got a whole lot of work to do. I don't have anything down packed yet. I'm working hard though. I've just learned how to escape from the mount position. I know how to escape the seat belt position also. I totally agree with everything you've said and thank you for all your videos.

[@jesuslopes5982]

Welcome back Rick, I really like your content and I guess I speak for many, that you were missed.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@presde34]

4.5 months in and one of the biggest lessons i am learning right now is tapping. One of the most humbling things that is happening to me right now is that I am tapping to people who just started because I am trying to focus on working on my technique while my opponent is just out to rip my head off. It is one thing tapping to people who have trained more than you but this was a whole new experience for me. It has been absolutely humbling because even though I have had more training my moves are not coming off as they are supposed to. But for some reason i am absolutely loving the challenge because i know i am eventually going to get it and when i do, i will have such a good mastery of it that it will take training to counter my moves. Just though i share this with you guys.

[@hinocenciopaulo]

That was the most beautiful BJJ video I have watched on KZbin, so far. I'm 33 and just starting my Jiu-Jitsu journey, This video was tremendously helpful. Thank you so much for the effort to make this one.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thank you! It was very kind of you to say that.

[@LyallParker]

One of the most insightful and motivational videos I've seen. Thank you

[@michaeldaniels5584]

Great video and so true. Blue belt 1 stripe. 56y/o playing it safe. I would love to see a blue to purple video like this.

[@calvinstulip]

I like your heart, sir. In my 4th week of BJJ. I'm 45 years old.

[@shevetlevi2821]

Thank you Professor. This video was comprehensive and intelligent in addressing that important question, "what is a BJJ bluebelt?" I started training in BJJ on the week of my 60th birthday. I had trained in mostly Okinawan karate (Uechi ryu) for almost 50 years, as well as some TKD, Wing Chun and southern mantis. After the humbling that grapplers gave to us strikers in the early UFCs I felt that I had a big hole in my education and it took me a while but eventually I committed to BJJ training. My school was a good school and combat oriented but they awarded stripes based on attendence and that really bothered me. After one year I told my teacher that I was there for a year and he told me that statiistically I'd beaten the odds. As you said I learned to become comfortable with discomfort and my older body got tougher. Early on I used to get almost a feeling of panic and not being able to breath when someone had someone's full weight on my chest but learned to relax into it. I got my bluebelt around that time and because of the belts given with attendence I felt a good measure of imposter syndrome. After a while I grew into the belt and felt that by both the classic Brazilian criterion and also the one you defined that I was an honest bluebelt. I was regularly tapping out other bluebelts decades my junior and often giving away from 40 to as much as 80 pounds. After 3 years I left due to a serious hand injury but achieved my goals of filling in some of that hole in my education. Also while I know that the brownbelts and blackbelts were just naturally thinking 5 moves ahead I was starting to think 2 moves ahead by the time I left training. I measured that as progress too as at whitebelt level I was only reacting and not even thinking one move ahead. Also the brownbelts and blackbelts seemed like they were expending almost no energy whereas I was usually going full out. What struck me after a while was the difference in mindset between striking and grappling. I thought of it as a tale of 2 snakes. Striking is like a rattlesnake or cobra; it's all fast and you hit or get hit within a fraction of a second. Grappling is like a boa constrictor or python. You're slowly and deliberately improving your position getting more and more coils around your opponent. My only regret is that I hadn't started training in BJJ much earlier.

[@hamishmcsporran2968]

Terrific advice and your lighting was so good compared to most clips thanks for sharing

[@RJAmos]

I'm currently a green "white" belt with 1 year and 4 months under the belt and I got your instructional (I'm 42) and oh boy. I made it my main focus and is currently my A game! If I get to implement it I fell like i know some bjj 😂 . Thanks dude 🙏💪☝️ you were my first online coach 🙌🤼‍♂️ You are an inspiration for me 🙂

[@TheArtofSkill]

That's awesome! I'm honored.

[@RJAmos]

I got my blue belt 😅👍🏻

[@dariusrana8487]

Stay focused on the process and forget the result. Works in nearly all aspects of life.

[@reginaldanglin4264]

Thank u . Needed to read that.

[@professorlatif]

I'm currently 72 and joined a bjj academy 2 weeks ago. My reasons for attempting this art include seeking to get in and maintain good physical shape. I went to a bjj academy for an introductory class and decided to give myself a 6 month trial to see how i fare. I'm committed to give it my best.

[@omargraham8591]

Dude I love this channel! Blue Belt for 2 years w/ stripes approaching that old guy age here. I recall watching your video about all the belts and remember something you said about “turning the corner”. I have hung onto that ever since to push thru these blue belt blues and recognizing my development and improvement even if Im not getting any taps. Because instead im looking to get better and deeper into techniques ive learned multiple times before. Thank you, look fwd to your what is a purple belt video! 👍🏾 Ps: not on the lookout for purple. Itll come when it comes. Id rather be a blue belt that can tap purples and hang with browns. Than a purple struggling with 4 stripe white belts.

[@Jiu-Jitsu-Robot]

I was a blue belt for 6 years, purple belt for 3 years and now a brown belt for almost 2 years. That all sounds fairly decent - but I was a white belt for almost 10 years. No kidding. Remember this time frame when you are suffering - just keep coming and repeating and doing what the people tell you to do and you’ll eventually start smashing people and feeling like a million dollars.

[@oside704]

I appreciate all the value thank you!

[@jamespearce3172]

39 year old type 1 diabetic, just got a stipe on my blue 💙 Honestly saved me from the demons in my mind .OSS 🇦🇺

[@govtom4]

Stay with it. Cheers from Austin, my friend.

[@jk-tn8ry]

Love your teaching method. You put everything I try to instil in the ladsin teach so much clearer and better than I put it across to them

[@seamac7564]

54 y/o 4 strip blue, 7 years in, with 2 out because of training injuries. A blue belt is: focused, goal oriented, persistent, and resolute despite the taps, the doubts, the blood, and the injuries. I am a proud blue belt.

[@armax8596]

Thanks for the content Mr.Ellis, Blue belt test the 27th super excited and nervous about it. Your words personally have provided guidence and a better perspective for the stage/phase where my BJJ was, is and will be. Love the content !!

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks, I appreciate it. And good luck to you on your test. I'm sure you'll do great.

[@robmaviglia8568]

tnks a lot :) ... I started practicing BJJ from almost a year , and next september I'll be 49 ...

[@NextScamdemic]

I'm glad you touched on focusing on the basics and not being tempted to trick your training partners with sneakier techniques. I don't think I'm guilty of going down that road but it's tempting haha

[@cotydudley183]

I'm so glad you're back at it. Thank you for such great content

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@Unibot47]

Excellent video. I've been at it a few months, and as of now, I can handle most of the white belts in my class, but my focus is on just keeping composure, and not exerting myself too much and not getting gassed, and breathing. However, blues and purples still just effortlessly have their way with me. I've just accepted this as part of the process.

[@ElbowsTight]

I always get excited when I see a new video from you Rick! Once again amazing information and love your point of view. Keep it up man!

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks, brother!

[@DB-xz1sb]

Purple belt here: I sill focus on defense :) Advice for white belts: please focus on the basic fundamental submissions. Don't go for gogoplats or some other fancy shit, you need a lot of skill to be good with those. Focus on: armbars, triangle and kimura/americana from the side control. The submissions work from whitebelt level to black.

[@rollinOnCode]

it means that you have to get a blue gi to match your blue belt - which you wear 1 time a month when you decide to show up to class

[@Thecelestial1]

I felt I was ready for my blue belt and I was, but as purple draws near I really don’t think I’m even close. Feels like I learned thousands of things as a white belt and dozens as a blue belt.

[@kolladawertz8632]

love this video but even more all these comments and experiences are helping me alot. Thank you

[@neoxtra2461]

These videos are great. I will support when I can. Please continue these type of videos 😊

[@jelaneytaters8149]

I visited a BJJ school a few days back. I did some years ago, pretty much forgot everything. Been doing MMA consistely for two years now and was pleasantly surprised that all the sparring and wrestling techniques allowed me to hang with the blue belts. Yes i still got tapped ( once by a blue, once by a purple ) but i did much better than I expected. Im curious now how fast i could get my blue belt now if i started BJJ again. Maybe when i feel confident in my striking ill transition back to BJJ again.

[@Polarzbek]

Wow. As a 3 stripe white belt recently returning from injury this makes me think a lot about how much I still don't know. My focus after injury has just been getting back to the mat consistently but this gives me some good ideas of things to ask my instructor. Thank you Rick!

[@federicopintos3536]

Amazing videos, thanks, greetings from Uruguay!

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks! Greeting back!

[@govtom4]

Cheers from Texas.

[@marcelduchamp4972]

46 in few days got my blue belt today after two and a half years only time I was so proud was my son s birth

[@fabianbecker6266]

Love the video! It's very encouraging to hear our struggles are normal. Now back to the mats to embrace the whitebelt suck ... :) PS: The style of "one take" makes the video way more engaging for me personally, really great!

[@TheArtofSkill]

Thanks. My goal is always to try to do these in one take. It's more efficient, and you're right, it flows better.

[@guy8700]

Got my blue belt today. Definitely starting to fill my toolbox 🧰

[@TheArtofSkill]

Congrats!

[@blackironbarbell]

Have you considered making a checklist of the skills you mentioned in this video for 5year white-belts like myself to use a a guide to systemically go through to fill in the spots in our game to be sure we have a decently well rounded knowledge base in preparation for the blue? Perhaps a downloadable PDF.

[@silvermediastudio]

Two other benefits of working positions and control, rather than even going for the sub: 1) you spend more time in the "middle game," getting experience flowing through the grappling and setting up positions or defense, rather than spending a ton of time on the initial grip fight and the finishing lock/choke, and 2) your spend more time active, less time resetting, which means your cardiovascular and muscular endurance will be trained more efficiently each session. As a relatively new white belt, I quickly got into the mindset that I am just a low-skilled blue belt. Picking a very specific aspect of the game each month or two to work on while rolling. Last month I was all about posture and not being broken/compromised. Finding the right angles and creating a rock solid base that is difficult to sweep or move. Right now the two I'm focused on are getting better grips/frame with my feet while pulling guard, and applying maximum pressure when in side control. I'll research these things and watch how competitors do it, then apply them over many weeks in the gym. I feel it is this 'side work' in addition to the skills and drills the professor has us do, that is helping me grow and learn quickly, while also giving my training partners something consistent to train against.

[@mp9810]

I miss your videos. Just crank out some more please, do anything 😊

[@TheArtofSkill]

I'll do my best!

[@skintback8211]

62 and just got home from my first class. Too old to be in a hurry for belts, I look forward to having more flexibility and overall stamina. I can reach my shoe laces again...lol

[@breeze529]

Just earned my white belt 8 classes in. I executed side control twice, single leg three times. I'm happy with that without the actual submission. 40 yr old BTW.

[@thefreedomproject4777]

You mean your first stripe?

[@Asoka-eb8ru]

What do you mean earned your white belt? In jujitsu like most martial arts you start off with a white belt you don't earn it, you earn the stripes on white belt. I just joined BJJ about 2 weeks ago with karate and several years experience of MMA. I believe in learning and updating new techniques and maybe even creating your own art. I noticed there is some similarities as well as differences with BJJ and Submission Wrestling,which I am used to.

[@philippeeggert]

very nice produced video! thank you sir

[@danguillou713]

53 years old, been training for 9 months. Enjoying the heck out of the journey, but my body isn’t keeping up with what I want it to do. Back, r shoulder, l hand and l calf is giving me trouble, atm. I’d love put in four classes and four open mat sessions per week and get my blue belt before 54, but … there’s just no way I could. Trying something like that would get me too injured to train within a month, or tops two. I have to constantly be alert for new warnings from the old rustbucket I’m operating, and then I have write reverse to-do lists to force myself to back off and go light and slow and take rest days and so on and so forth. It is what it is, and if nothing big changes I’m calculating blue belt in 3-5 years. But that’s a significant “if”. We’ll see what happens.

[@JiuJitsuDad]

I love your content. Do you have a podcast that I can listen to?

[@Bjj900]

47 year old beginner here. Training around 5 months. Im not getting any taps at all. Really enjoying it though. Im getting on top sometimes, but struggling to get any finishes

[@chefboy-ar-d6312]

❤everything about this channel❤thank you

[@jolantagawdzis4134]

Amazing video, am waiting for my blue belt:)

[@ColinBroadwaterRealtor]

What a great listen. Thanks for that.

[@dodgesportsman772]

53 here.... Started two months ago and got my 1st stripe... Been in martial arts in general since 1975 and I can say BJJ seems to be my favorite. I love my Kempo and Kung Fu but BJJ I can roll hard and enjoy myself. Kempo karate I can't because of the injury of my partner. I will probably never stop jujitsu so I'm in until I'm dead.