Discomfort Zone

I think a lot of students are afraid to spar their teachers. Perhaps they are intimidated by their prowess, but I think it's more of a fear of being judged. The pressure is on, because they feel as though they're being tested.

I've seen several people get that deer-in-the-headlights expression when Conan asks them to roll. It's like they want to say no and run away, but they can't. I understand- I don't like grappling with him, either. He makes me feel like I don't know Jiu-Jitsu at all...but that's the point. I don't know Jiu-Jitsu even close to the level that he does. I could tap out white belts all day and think my skills were unbeatable, but rolling with Conan shows me I have an enormous amount left to learn. I can't correct my mistakes if I can't see them, and he's happy to point them out to me. Usually along with a little pain, to make sure the lesson sinks in.

Only grappling with people you feel comfortable with can slow down your training. Sometimes you need to push yourself to take on different challenges. Whether it be by rolling with someone far above (or below) your skill level, or with someone from a completely different weight class (or sex). If you find yourself always grappling with the same people, you could be limiting your growth.

Everyone in the class has something to teach you, and the greatest lessons are usually learned from the people who you don't want to roll with. Your hesitation to grapple with them shows there is something you are afraid of. Whether it's a fear of being tested and dominated, or a reluctance to try something new, you avoid them because it makes you uncomfortable.

So get out of that comfort zone. This is Jiu-Jitsu, there should only be discomfort zones! Push yourself to get to the next level. Take on new challenges instead of avoiding them. They say that to be the best, you have to beat the best...but first you usually have to get beaten by the best a few times.

Gina Ethridge