The BJJ Foxcast Episode 10 With Alex Kray

Alex and I celebrate Episode 10 of the podcast with a nice bottle of Stagg, a small batch bourbon from Buffalo Trace.  Alex and I talk about the past ten episodes and the work that it takes to make an episode.  

We are also celebrating our second year as an academy at Ares East Mesa BJJ Academy.  We talk about our recent belt promotion and what we are looking for in skills of the different belt levels. Most people haven't done something hard (like Jiu Jitsu) for a long time and that's the reason they quit at Blue Belt.  They haven't accomplished anything that takes that much effort so they feel like they are not capable of achieving then next level.  There are so many "should be a Black Belt by now" people that have come and gone.

There is a huge difference between a person going from Blue Belt to purple belt after 6 years of training and a person who came up through the kids system that has been training for 12+ years. The difference is very obvious once they meet on the competition mat. So, being patient before going to the next level is important. Enjoy the journey and be happy for those that do get promoted.

We talk about preparing for the biggest tournament of the year and balancing the responsibilities as a coach.  There is a high level of stress that goes with preparation, competition, coaching and being prepared mentally. The wait before competition can seem like an eternity but suffering with the team is all worth it.