“Every Black Belt Was Once a Beginner” – Read This When You Feel Stuck
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can feel overwhelming. You might struggle to remember techniques, feel lost during rolls, and wonder if you’ll ever improve. But here’s the truth:
🥋 Every black belt you look up to started exactly where you are now.
They didn’t have special abilities, unlimited talent, or a magic shortcut. They simply kept showing up when others quit.
If you’re a beginner feeling frustrated, keep reading. This article will show you why consistency is the only secret to success in BJJ and how to stay motivated even when it feels tough.
1. The Beginner Struggles Every Black Belt Experienced
No matter how skilled a black belt is today, they all remember what it felt like to be a white belt:
❌ Feeling completely lost in the first class
❌ Getting submitted over and over again
❌ Struggling to remember techniques
❌ Feeling exhausted after just a few minutes of rolling
❌ Comparing themselves to more advanced students
💡 Sound familiar? That’s because these struggles are normal. The difference between those who succeed and those who quit isn’t talent—it’s grit.
What Matters Most?
✅ Showing up to class even when you don’t feel like it
✅ Embracing mistakes as part of learning
✅ Trusting the process—progress takes time
💬 “The hardest part is starting. The second hardest part is not quitting.”
2. The Mindset That Takes You From White Belt to Black Belt
The road from white belt to black belt isn’t about being the strongest or the most athletic—it’s about staying in the game long enough to improve.
What Every Black Belt Did to Get There:
🔥 Showed up consistently, even on tough days
🥋 Focused on learning, not just “winning” rolls
⏳ Understood that progress happens slowly but surely
💭 Asked questions and learned from mistakes
Pro Tip: Stop Comparing, Start Competing With Yourself
Instead of focusing on how good someone else is, track your own progress.
✅ Can you survive longer in a roll than last month?
✅ Did you finally remember a technique without thinking?
✅ Are you getting tapped less often?
That’s progress. Keep going.
3. How to Stay Motivated When BJJ Feels Hard
Everyone hits plateaus in BJJ. The key is to push through them. Here’s how:
💡 Reframe Your Mindset
❌ “I’m not improving fast enough.” → ✅ “I’m learning something new every class.”
❌ “I keep getting submitted.” → ✅ “Every tap is teaching me how to defend better.”
❌ “I don’t feel like going to class today.” → ✅ “Showing up is half the battle.”
🔥 Actionable Tips to Stay Motivated:
✅ Track your progress – Keep a training journal
✅ Find a training partner – Having a teammate keeps you accountable
✅ Celebrate small wins – Even escaping a bad position is progress
✅ Ask higher belts for advice – They’ve been where you are
✅ Remember why you started – Keep your long-term goals in mind
💡 Fact: Most people quit BJJ within the first 6 months. If you push past that, you’re already ahead of the majority.
4. One Day, YOU Will Inspire Beginners
🎯 Imagine this: A few years from now, a brand-new white belt walks into class, nervous and unsure—just like you once were.
But this time, you’re the one showing them the ropes.
✅ You’ll remind them that every black belt was once a beginner.
✅ You’ll help them through the same struggles you faced.
✅ You’ll prove that the only way to “get good” at BJJ is to keep going.
🥋 Your journey is just beginning. Keep training, keep learning, and one day, you’ll be the one wearing that black belt.
Ready to Start (or Keep Going)? Join Our 12-Week Beginner Program!
🔥 Our structured 12-week beginner course is designed to take you from feeling lost to feeling confident on the mats—no experience needed.
#BJJMotivation #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJBeginners #KeepTraining #BJJMindset #WhiteBeltStruggles #EveryBlackBeltWasOnceABeginner #JiuJitsuJourney