I think I've touched on this in a past post, but I feel like it's time to revisit this topic.  Does anyone ever really feel ready for their next belt?  The reason for getting into this stems from our most recent promotion ceremony where we had 3 new Black Belts, and a few Brown, Purple and Blue Belts awarded.  I had guessed that most of them would be promoted, they put in the requisite hard work and effort and you could see it start to pay dividends.  Over the past six months I noticed it first with the Black Belts, it seemed like no matter what I did, they would quickly shut me down and respond with a swift counter, leaving me wondering how hell the roll went so wrong.  It became apparent with the Purple and Blue belts as you rolled with them and they tried new things while the old things they did were getting sharper and harder to defend.

One of the promotions which I hadn't guessed would occur was my own, as I was moved up to Brown Belt.  Never in a million years did I think that it would happen then, especially after a year in which I felt was hampered by injuries.  Honestly, the year was a real struggle for me.  I didn't compete as much as I'd liked to and when I did I was worried about my injuries (which a is a whole other problem).  But it's not me who makes the decision on a promotion, it's your instructor, backed up with information from your teammates I'd imagine. 

Years ago, before I knew any better but thought I knew it all, I felt ready for my promotion from White to Blue belt.  Man, was I wrong about that situation.  What I didn't realize was that most of the higher belts take it easier on White Belts, but not so much on Blue Belts.  I also didn't realize that I was going to get the best from every other Blue and White belt, and be used as a measuring stick.  After that experience I decided I didn't care when I was promoted, but that I was going to keep on plugging away and let it happen if it happens.  And with my last two promotions, I was absolutely surprised.  Did I feel or think I was ready for either promotion?  That's a solid "No" for both.  I asked a one of the new Black Belts and asked another associate who is a Black Belt in Judo about how it was for them and both had a similar response.  Getting a new belt doesn't mean you've mastered anything, look at it like you are at a new grade in school or a that there’s a door that just opened on an empty room that’s ready to be filled. 

Step back and reflect on YOUR past promotions…for me, it really took me a while to grow into each belt and to get comfortable, and once you get comfortable, well then, I guess it's time to move on.

Some people will talk about how they are ready to be promoted, or how many stripes they still need to advance.  My advice?  Don't focus too much on it...fuck it, don't even think about it.  Just sit back enjoy the ride and the process, because this thing of ours, this Jiu-Jitsu, is a "Gentle art" in name only and makes no guarantee of perpetuity.

Time to move along and leave my Purple Belt off to the side so I can start the next chapter.