tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496739942189672685.post5804399445347742963..comments2008-08-15T11:14:52.487-05:00Conanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03574148083679060117noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496739942189672685.post-90387059597709999832008-08-15T11:14:00.000-05:002008-08-15T11:14:00.000-05:00This is a really good post. I can relate to a lot of the things you posted about the Early Stages. I would say I'm still definitely in the early stages, but I'm letting my ego go more and more every time I come in so that I can get better.<BR/><BR/>I also like that you give each new student the schpiel on open grappling time when they come in for their first time. It takes some time and understanding to realize that it isn't strength and raw athletic ability to win a match.Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496739942189672685.post-78500827399161091732008-08-13T09:35:00.000-05:002008-08-13T09:35:00.000-05:00after reading this post i am interested in the "sub-stages" mentioned at the beginning of the post, because, as i am slowly learning (and that learning is bolstered much by this post), jiu-jitsu has SO MUCH to do with the mind! the more i train, the more i find its a mental battle as i'm slowly letting go of using my physique. this post is very very encouraging as i have been wrestling with these things in my own mind for a while.<BR/>this is particularly helpful for me as yesterday i felt like i was beginning to hit the early stages of a "plateau." i was having a hard time with some simple armbar movement, something i've done hundreds of times. but i guess plateaus are learning curves?<BR/>i appreciate this writing, conan. it is very helpful for a student who has a deep passion for the martial art and wants to get better everyday.<BR/>best,<BR/>brentThe Yergensen'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00000644307031780908noreply@blogger.com