This “Loser” Mindset Helped Me Persevere as a BJJ White Belt

[@JSMinstantcoaching]

If you are reading this and appreciating the awesomeness of Chewy and his work, I wish you to enjoy your bjj journey to the most. We are a family from allover the world

[@shadymilkman443]

Thx

[@vic4uf]

Oss

[@bigreg47]

Thank you very much. Much love and respect.

[@christopherpitt2196]

🙏

[@DanielCastillo-bp2og]

I wish all bjj gyms felt like this each other

[@thatoneguy2983]

Love this. Mat time is 100 percent how you get growth.

[@ottomatic42]

I was abused as a kid, every time I step on the mats parts of it comes back to me, but I still step on the mat. I appreciate the belts and all, but just working past this, and learning how to calm down in the torrent of stress I feel in the experience of rolling is really my main goal. I used to really beat myself up when I started, and still do, when I am submitted but try to focus on this personal goal.

[@genarohernandezjr.6589]

It takes a lot of courage to share something like this. I'm sorry you experienced that. Keep moving forward. My Jiu Jitsu Coach recently encouraged me to meditate for a few minutes right before going to bed and as soon as I wake up. I have found it helpful to follow his suggestion.

[@nickmills8476]

jiu jitsu and meditation are very complimentary

[@MansaMusa-v5q]

Damn I never thought of it like I hope this reason doesn’t push other ppl away from the art

[@darkraingamez7057]

I admire you for still going and training. You're an inspiration. God bless you and I know you'll keep persevering.

[@raulaleman2277]

+1

[@ethanbirch7033]

I had my “aha” moment 5 years into my jiujitsu career. For me it was a combination of realizing, and accepting, how bad I actually was at the time, and then having the drive and motivation to change that. I started jitsu at 11 years old, and I am now 17.

[@Mattiis2k]

I remember when i was a pruple belt and thought i was gonna get my brown belt but i didnt get it but another guy that i really thought was at the same level as me got it. After that i started training 4 times a week instead of 3 and i was really motivated and started trying new stuff and it was really fun. In the last couple of weeks before next seminar i was able to win against some black belts that before played with me tbh. I felt i was really good and was going to get that brown belt, wich i did. After that i just kept going and tried new stuff and find it more playful game instead of just going from top and stay top to be better and secure in my guard and thinking it was really fun. It took about 2 more years with around 4-5 training days a week before i recieved my black belt from Robin Gracie and Tonny Olsson. So i have to say my best belt was that pruple belt where i really had to step up to show that i was ready for that brown belt. Brown belt was also a really fun belt but damn it was fun to feel so good at pruple haha Now as a black belt i just try have fun when i roll and thats really helping me out finding new favorit moves :) Total training before black belt was 14 years but it took 10 years doing only BJJ. Now I train BJJ 3 times a week and SW/MMA 2 times a week and i find SW super fun! Thanks for the video!

[@tuner551]

Thanks man!

[@nietzschesmustache4100]

What is SW?

[@thomasorchard]

@@nietzschesmustache4100 I was wondering the same. What is SW?

[@jasoncronin9145]

@@nietzschesmustache4100 I assume they mean shoot wrestling.

[@Brickswol]

We still need to know, what is SW?

[@pauldejonge5039]

White Belt here thank you Chewy for the pep talks and coaching....Loving the process thank you for the Knowledge

[@The_YouTube_Critic]

Man, that aha moment happened right before the pandemic hit. I was really starting to feel like BJJ was something I could be good at. 9 months later and it looks like I'll be back pretty soon - but it's going to feel like starting over. But I really will just be thankful to be back and train.

[@leahe.6637]

I’m so thankful for your channel. I’m a 5’3 ,125 lb woman just started BJJ. I don’t know what I’m doing when I’m on the mat but coaches tell me I did a great job. I’m left confused coz I get submitted most of the time 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@tachonargas8237]

How is your BJJ now?

[@floatyghost9497]

Hey man just wanted to share a little positivity with you, back when I was in high school I was training judo pretty hard and ended up getting a national bronze and a national silver but for some reason when I turned 16 and got into college (I’m from the uk I dunno if it’s any different here and in America) I lost my motivation to train and ended up packing it in, over the course of all the lockdowns and shit this year I somehow found my way onto your channel and started watching your video, long story short I managed to get back into training for 2 sessions before this bs new strain came out and we got put back into another lockdown but after its all done with I’m gonna be training judo Monday and Friday and jiu jitsu Tuesday Wednesday Thursday, I just wanted to say thank you for motivating me to get back into training from half way around the world 😂 keep doing what you’re doing man, you rock

[@JessBess]

first goal i'm learning as a white belt: to become unpinnable and learning escapes. (reference: danaher dvds xD)

[@brandonlivingstone5431]

I agree. As a beginner to the sport, the focus for me is on improving each session and learning something from everyone.

[@axellampe3865]

GREAT answer, " love the process !!"

[@Aeonblueap]

I just got my purple belt quite recently, and I feel like I’ve gone through this up and down process at least 20 times. Mixed in are the times it just depends on the day and what my goals are, how rested I am, etc.

[@parkerrish9024]

There is a lot of honesty here! I really like it. Being a loser is definitely a mindset. Most people who are successful are tough in the mind first and manifest through action and belief.

[@Chewjitsu]

I get rid of expectations that I'm "supposed" to win. And just focus on the now.

[@parkerrish9024]

@@Chewjitsu that’s so powerful. I will implement this into my daily grind. Interested to see how it changes the actions

[@barrett5229]

Chewy and this channel are like a national treasure for BJJ.

[@Samantha-ji7iw]

"Moment to moment training" truly is where it's at!! 🔥

[@gouthrax1458]

Ga Damn Chewy! I love your words of wisdom. Keep it up brother.

[@drew7319]

I'm so loving your videos as I'm brand new to BJJ only 6 days into it , and the fact my cardio it awful I can't last the full hour n half as of yet without getting just smoked . Your videos have helped me stay humble with a real honest self expectation for my growth . I look forward to just getting owned and seeing how I can delay the tap out or submission while I continue to work on my breathing and staying loose . Keep up the great work thank you..

[@JacobL25]

This is definitely relevant for me 😂

[@zzhomeboy1]

I’ve been training since January 2022, I’m still a one stripe white belt, and all I am focusing on is how to survive other people’s onslaught. I’m constantly at a bad position. In the beginning it sucked, but I feel like being in a bad position wasn’t all that bad. It trains me to build more mental focus. Each day the guy who used to tap me 3 to 4 times in a round started to take longer to tap me. To me, that’s an improvement on my part. I see folks came in along with me getting promoted but I never questioned why I didn’t get promoted. I honestly don’t care about the belt because I feel like I’m not good enough yet. Thank you Chew for this video.

[@Wengelsworkshop]

For me a huge switch happened when I was a purple belt and I realized that I was rolling with high level guys the same as low level guys. The difference was grip fighting. Truly making sure I made grips first. Once I made that change I was able to hang with most black belts from there on out.

[@frank3283]

(checks drivers license to see if my name is really Wade) Describes me to an absolute T. Three stripe white, get smashed by nearly everyone. I don't care tho...still grinding, refuse to quit.

[@md1246]

Hey I'm waving at you from the other side of the same boat. Can ya see me?? 🤣 Seriously though, I get my butt handed to me every time I'm on the mat but it only bothers me when I let it. I guess my only goal is to step off the mat a little wiser and a slightly better person than I stepped on. Still, it's nice to know that in another gym somewhere there's a three stripe white belt who's probably tapping along with me! 😆

[@stevenconnolly28]

I'm on that boat as well. 3 stripe white belt since July this year and I still get smashed up 🤣🤣🤣 I love it though

[@CJfunctional]

Still waiting fir the ah ha! Lol. I have these weird moments of clear training. My athleticism gets in my way. I was dependent on it too much. Found a new school with a different philosophy. Having mire ah has!

[@mistermistermizzle9398]

Chewy nailed it as always

[@Chewjitsu]

Thank you.

[@johnd6258]

Right?!? To all of this. Surrounding yourself with good people helps a lot for motivation and inspiration. I met RDA last Saturday. Really cool experience to sit and talk with after the mini-seminar. It’s interesting to see where other people are on their journey, what their experiences were, and how you draw your own journey parallels from experience like that. I’m so very thankful for everyone in the BJJ community.

[@mlg8995]

when he said i love when the steam comes off of your body. i felt that with all my heart.

[@wildbuckhouse]

This goes for everything in life guitar wrestling welding bjj fighting anything ... u won’t notice until one day your thinking about how it all just clicks

[@rogerkbell]

That's great advice and not just for grappling.

[@michaelspoto8720]

this is literally the boat Im in. thank you for the video

[@cheekytitaable]

BJJ feels like a language to me. I speak two currently. It’s like it takes time to pick up the rhythm, flow, and semantics of moves and countermoves. My focus as a white belt is just absorbing each and every direction and drilling and rolling until it makes sense to me.

[@dingusbingus1800]

This is very true I've been doing TKD for 4-5 years and just got my black belt (this is normal in a good school) I never worked hard enough so Not succeeding only makes me try more and continue going. I think martial arts is a wonderful thing no matter what you do.

[@JM-pm6yi]

Really needed to hear this. Thank you so much!

[@seychasov]

Best content to see on the way back from the hard bjj training session. Thanks for your videos and all the best from Russia!

[@Atlaslean]

KZbin and the internet in general is a pretty toxic place. Thanks for being a refuge in the wilderness

[@trxscreed]

My "Aha!" moments seem to come differently against who I am rolling with. Which is one of the downsides of rolling with the same people week after week. It happens against me as well. People learn your game. Learn what to look out for, and what works better on you. It's kind of the beauty of Jiu-Jitsu though. Makes you evolve your game continuously. One month you may be smashing people. The next you find that your game isn't working the same it was the month before. People have evolved their Jits to a point where your game is no longer working on them... So I find myself re-inventing my game. Throw some new tricks into the game and see what sticks.

[@pmead9684]

Dude thank you for the kickass content

[@garyhart768]

Just described my journey...still waiting for that ah-ha moment 😂. Looking forward to the seminar this weekend! 😜

[@genarohernandezjr.6589]

Thank you, this was very helpful.

[@MMA-or4vu]

I really love you're videos chewy I'd really appreciate it if you start making bjj for mma videos✌️

[@JessBess]

yessss

[@GXOUT]

Yes brother, enjoy the videos. The real side of jujitsu.

[@inmylifetime6080]

Thanks great advice

[@zebady999]

best like hsilike ratio ive seen

[@bigreg47]

Hey love my brother Chewy and the great question being ask. Especially on white belts. However I'm currently a 4th stripe white belt but I feel like I'm not. Even when I was promoted I didn't feel like I deserved this! Maybe its self doubt. Dont know. But I want to get better and feel that I have. Maybe there might be a jem of a advice for me. Yea keep training. Lol . Hope Chewy would respond back and you guys as well. Much respect and love guys.

[@MansaMusa-v5q]

Obviously your coach see’s what you don’t see

[@bigreg47]

@@MansaMusa-v5q thank my brother. Alhumdilla.

[@maxzhao8331]

this is really motivating!

[@thomasb3190]

Lift weights. Do yoga and/or stretching and/or mobility. Practice deep breathing. Use resistance bands. Daily. The people who do this daily* progress faster. I watched 2 training partners get a massive boost in skill and technique in bjj over the past 12 months by doing this stuff daily. They do it like the brush their teeth. They just do it. I need to add before I get torn apart. It wasn’t just the time they put it. This was opposed to the guys who just showed up and didn’t put in extra.

[@onerider808]

"We live in a day and age of fakers." So true, and BJJ is the search for undeniable Truth.

[@nickmills8476]

words to live by

[@GunnHillfiger]

dude you look JACKED geezus

[@aqdjbcr]

I’m a no stripe sandbagging blue and I think it was about 3.5-4 years in when I began to hold my own against upper belts and sometimes almost catch them. Haven’t tapped a brown or black belt yet but I’ve survived through some rounds(prolly when they were working on something specific)

[@paweltrain3828]

0:47 "so maybe I can be doing the butt kicking" strangling ppl + amount of politeness in this sentence is the funniest thing ever

[@gokussj397]

It's funny, when I was younger I was in traditional karate and there was talking about philosophy and spiritual growth, but I feel this way more happening in BJJ. Getting your ego completely crushed as a newbie, slowly getting better, being on top of the hill with the white belt - then getting completely thrashed by the colored belts again 😅 Made me both way more humble and self assured then traditional martial arts with an emphasis on it ever did.

[@gokussj397]

Here's a question too, a weird one😅 I'm trying to train on my own in lockdown, when drilling double legs my knee starts to cave inward hitting te ground. This is bad and not supposed to happen right? I really try to keep it straight but it's not working yet, any tips for that?

[@dylanchumley9841]

I’m 6 months in going every day sometimes twice a day I can beat pretty much every white belt in our gym and I’m the smallest one but I still don’t feel like I’ve ever had that “DING” moment I don’t feel like it ever just clicked

[@jacobshroyer2420]

I always tell people to compare their growth at 100 days to the new guy's first day. You won't think you've learned anything until you roll with someone who knows nothing. Comparing yourself to your training partners is misleading because you're all growing together - a rising tide lifts all ships. This is why competitions are such an important barometer to measure your growth.

[@mcjovies36]

Needed to hear this

[@johnmedige1612]

Happy holidays ! Great video chewy!

[@matthewyarbrough1056]

Hell yeah!! Truth

[@tedvanantwerpii880]

Chewy, what's the best way to send questions? I have a good competition-related question that would help many that are new to competitions (including myself).

[@Chewjitsu]

Probavbly Instagram or email via my website at www.Chewjitsu.net

[@tedvanantwerpii880]

@@Chewjitsu Sending it through my wife's instagram since I don't have one. You are the man. I started up 6 months ago and your videos have been very, very helpful

[@moemcneil2885]

Love ya chew dog happy holidays

[@SUPERIORBREED]

1:12 i laughed way too hard at this😂🤣😭

[@PlatinumGamer49]

When rolling with white belts, do you restrict yourself to the moves only they can use, or do you do a catch a release type of deal with something like wrist locks and foot locks? Love you dude

[@serious_g]

I laterally panic when I get heel hooked, then tap and ask for tips on escapes

[@shadymilkman443]

If you aren't a coach, leg locking white belts is kinda rough. Wristlocks are rated E for everyone.

[@brickwalljr]

On training when we roll at my gym we can do everything😂😂😂😂 But they usually do the lock in-release on me bcs im a grey belt(i got it on the last training in 2020 so basically im white belt)

[@PlatinumGamer49]

@@shadymilkman443 Right i agree with that. But what about when getting ready for a tournament that youre able to use such techniques? Should I still refrain from even doing catch and release just in hope that i dont hurt my training partners?

[@jeffhelmly122]

PlatinumGamer49 it all depends on the tournament you are training for. You are only legally aloud to do heel hooks in ADCC and no gi black and brown belt in IBJJF. I suggest training straight ankle locks. You can do them at all belt levels and in Gi and No gi. As far as caught and release. You know your training partners, if they know how to defend the move, make them defend it or tap. If you are in a position to finish someone and they aren’t even coming close to defending it, I release or go back to the move until they get frustrated and ask how to defend it. Just be mindful of that particular person and their skill set.

[@coloradoclif]

No comment on the plateaus? I've found personally, and talked with plenty others with similar experiences, that progress in BJJ has regular flat spots (or even what feels like regression). The light bulb will hit, I'll be ankle locking the hell out of people for a time, then the flat spot hits where suddenly it no longer is working, then at some point down the line another bulb clicks on and the sub/position/etc starts clicking. I think a big thing to remember is that the guys around you are also gaining in skill as well as learning your game to counter (not necessarily on purpose). So what looks like a lack of progression can really just be you staying even with your teammates.

[@topbloke8827]

100% brother

[@gabepizza]

Question about BJJ schools from a Muay Thai guy (8 years) who is thinking about switching or at least mixing it up after covid? In my Muay Thai gym you have beginner, intermediate and advanced (sparing technique) classes and then beginning sparing (about 40%) and advanced sparing (80-90% with the fighters). But it seems in BJJ you spar (roll) immediately and there aren't different levels of classes/sparing? I guess that's because you're not getting punched and kicked so even a beginner can roll with a black belt they'll just tap a lot?

[@balancebjj1087]

Chewy - what do you recommend for ppl who gas out? Im a 2 stripe blue belt, i find that im not going into higher gears and trying to technical but not particularly athletic movements. Any helpful work outs or things to focus on mentally? I do bjj 3 days a week and workout 2 to 3 days around those days.

[@Chewjitsu]

What's your diet looking like?

[@eitansalama2921]

Hello, I was wondering if you could talk about bjj injuries... I, unfortunately, got a rib injury two weeks ago and I have been extremely eager to get back into bjj but at the same time, i do not want to rush into it without having properly healed and further messing myself up... Thank you!

[@85Funkadelic]

I walked in thinking I was going to be hot shyt as well! I'm bigger than most other men, pretty fast for my size, and I thought I was strong...... Lol. Humility is a good thing my friends, it's even better when it comes and slaps you upside the head

[@johnathanmeeks293]

I train under the same master Renato Tavares and also Coach Tommy Wales at vortex ju Jitsu and I’m just gonna day if I can’t make it to class I’m watching a vid

[@r7killer]

I know too well how getting it handed to you feels like daily.

[@SR4master]

I’ve been doing jiu jitsu about 5 months, and still a no stripe whiter (which im fine with) but I noticed some of the guys who are 1-3 stripers on a white belt have been doing it for less time then me and i beat their ass? No idea what this is about. I got a little click last week getting tons of subs from a 3 stripe white belt doing it for half the time i was.

[@ShaunOverton]

It’s not about winning. Some guys are naturally strong and athletic, others aren’t. The way to get promoted, at least in my network, is knowing the Path to Blue curriculum and lots of mat time.

[@sriram181]

Hey Chewy , so bjj is a pretty new thing to my country and people training in my gym are all just beginners including me . So I personally have lesser strength compared to all of em and I've been rolling with almost only technique and little strength and that is kinda pissing all of em off I think cuz while rolling , they end up putting too much strength to try to submit me but then I either put their strength against them or I hold them in half guards or full guards until they gas out trying to get out of it and they end up taking breaks in between rounds and they see me who is always ready to roll and that is kinda creating a small friction between me and my mates , how do I counter this problem ? 😂

[@gaudien9096]

Where can we submit questions?

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

Been following you for a while... love the content;) Just curious what camera and mic you use? U sound really good

[@alLEDP]

Ahhhh but as a beginner it's difficult to say if the other guy is technically better than you or physically (which is also important!) and which one you improve next to see progress.

[@superfisto]

This happens in other sports too.

[@zebady999]

he is Eliot hustle esk

[@michaelforteza2676]

im currently a white belt. ive been training for a few weeks now, and now im not sure how to find the perfect balance between effort and exhaustion. Any advice?

[@nickrojas691]

Train so hard you don’t get exhausted

[@Random8181]

I've been training for two years and I'm still a three stripe white belt. I've been debating quitting bjj as I can't see myself getting better. The thing that really frustrates me is watching all these new people join and get promoted past me to blue.

[@luiscardozo9721]

One of my friends told me in moments like this, what you are experiencing where you feel like you’re stagnant, there is a breakthrough waiting for you. Just keep going

[@CJ-tz1iw]

Keep at it. Took me 2 and half years to get my blue. Six months after had the aha moment. I think as getting over the hill when things start clicking and was beating lots of people - suddenly felt easy. Know how you feel though

[@jakesmokeman6053]

as a one stripe white belt with only 4 months under my belt, its so hard to persevere. i know everyone gets smashed their first year or two but its so hard staying motivated when you know you're gonna get ya ass handed to you for 2 hours every night. guess its building mental strength or some shit though

[@antonysantiago5661]

I've been training for 13 years and one thing that helped me coming up the ranks was consciously adding 1 thing to my game at a time. If you can't escape side control. Put yourself there and pick one escape to focus on. Its better to be good at one thing than bad at everything. Eventually with time you'll add enough pieces to your game.

[@jakesmokeman6053]

@@antonysantiago5661 thanks for the advice brother

[@redfro4]

My coach used to always tell me "I just started training the day before you" every time I would tell him he kicked my butt. Stay on the mat and everything will fall into place.

[@MansaMusa-v5q]

That’s a good coach

[@jonahtaylor2301]

When are your Gis with Origin Maine releasing?

[@Chewjitsu]

Sometime in January probably.

[@frankhenley5782]

Have ever known anyone to get over being extremely Claustrophobic ? I took Jujitsu for 1 month and somewhat liked it but as soon as I got full mounted man I freaked out and tapped. I stopped going. Ever known anybody like that ?

[@MansaMusa-v5q]

I’m the same way but 90% of beginners are like this just like anything u have to keep doing it until it’s comfortable I rather be uncomfortable In a controlled setting like jiu jitsu class than be on the street and some bad guy has me mounted and I’m panicking for my life...so just keep at it so it becomes comfortable

[@frankhenley5782]

@@MansaMusa-v5q Thank you so much. I never thought of it like that. I really appreciate it.

[@FR-ty5vn]

Beautiful - Osssss

[@terrysmith4384]

🤙

[@noah6983]

Hey Chewy!

[@Chewjitsu]

Howdy

[@noah6983]

@@Chewjitsu this video related to me a lot thank you for these videos

[@juvinious]

Adam

[@DiaryOfaCell]

Your game starts to elevate when you lift weights. Technique is not everything.

[@johnhiskings8328]

duh

[@MansaMusa-v5q]

This is the dumbest thing I ever heard....strength is 20% of the game because when you’re muscles are tired all u will have is technique and your mind

[@bigreg47]

Oh yes no wrestling back ground just age. Lol

[@GXOUT]

How can you tell the difference from a brown belt and black belt? What if the brown belt it coming to a gym pretending to be a black belt? Lol boom

[@turdfurgison97]

fall in to place. sorry.