Three Cardinal Rules
Wise Words By André De Shields
I live by this and I refuse to accept anything short of these three rules.
Surround yourself with People..
If you’re at a gym that you dread going to, you feel neglected, or are generally not well received, it might be time to find a new gym. I had a student who told me that his son told him something to the effect of, “I like seeing your teammates, it feels like seeing seeing family you haven’t seen in a while.”
There’s something genuine to that thought process.
When I was a student, one of the best feelings during the day was hitting up class and running into Marco working the front desk. He has this way of making you feel like you’ve been missed. He knew everyone’s name, greeted you with a big smile, and dapped you up.
Slowly Is the Fastest Way..
Jiu-Jitsu people, me included at one point, are often fixated on getting promoted as soon as possible. I was guilty of this at Blue and to some degree at Purple. I wanted to move out of Blue as fast as possible. Absolutely hated Blue but loved my Purple Belt era.
Now as an instructor, I’m not in so much of a hurry to promote and actually want students to marinate in a belt. The slow burn, specifically when warranted, builds character and a bit of physical and mental toughness.
We live in a world with immediate gratification, forcing someone to sit in a bit for a bit is a great learning tool.
GET THE KIMURA TRAP WORKSHOP
The Top of One Mountain Is..
White and Blue Belts, I want you do understand this more than anyone else. Everything you went through to get to that first promotion means very little. Yes, it’s a big accomplishment to get to Blue, but I want you to understand that you have so much more to do. The trick is to accept that each belt is simply a mile marker in a marathon.
This way you’re not completely dismayed once you get to Blue only to recognize that there’s a series of mountain peaks for you to traverse on your way to Black.
Now, here’s the kicker.
Once you get the Black.. it sort of doesn’t mean shit. I was a Black Belt and got completely wrecked by a visiting Black Belt. It’s like graduating college and thinking you know your shit then having a debate with someone who’s earned their doctorate.
The depth of their knowledge is a whole other mountain peak.
DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!