Alright guys, so today I’m gonna break down my BJJ journey, focusing on how I prepped and felt during my last belt promotion under Jon Jones. Yeah, you heard that right, the Jon Jones. Crazy experience, let me tell you.
The Prep Work: Grinding It Out
- Showed Up. First things first, you gotta show up. Sounds simple, but life gets in the way. I made it a point to hit the mats at least 3-4 times a week, no excuses.
- Focused Sparring: I started drilling specific techniques more. My guard retention needed work, so I spent a lot of time focusing on that. Also, my wrestling for takedowns.
- Strength and Conditioning: Cardio, cardio, cardio. BJJ is a marathon, not a sprint. I did a lot of running and HIIT workouts to build my endurance. Lifted some weights too, nothing crazy, just enough to feel strong and powerful.
- Watched a Ton of Videos: Sounds nerdy, but it helped. I analyzed high-level BJJ matches, paying attention to transitions, submissions, and escapes. Knowledge is power.
Training with Jon: Surreal Moments
So, getting to train under Jon Jones was insane. His attention to detail is nuts. Here’s what I picked up:
- The Fundamentals Matter: Jon always emphasized the basics. Posture, balance, grip fighting – he was all about mastering the fundamentals. No fancy moves, just solid, effective BJJ.
- Pressure Passing: Man, Jon’s pressure passing is suffocating. He showed me how to use my body weight to control my opponent and break their guard. Brutal, but effective.
- Mental Toughness: Jon is a beast mentally. He taught me how to stay calm under pressure, how to visualize success, and how to never give up, even when things get tough. That’s the real lesson.
The Day Of: Nerves and Excitement
Okay, promotion day. I was a wreck. I felt like I was back in high school waiting for test results. But I remembered all the hard work I put in, all the drills, all the rolls, all the times I wanted to quit but didn’t.
The Actual Promotion: Jon called my name. Stepped up. He said a few words about my progress, my dedication, and my attitude. Then, BAM! New belt. Seriously, one of the best moments of my life. All the hard work paid off.
Aftermath: What I Learned
The biggest takeaway? BJJ is a journey, not a destination. The belt is just a symbol of the progress you’ve made. The real reward is the growth, the friendships, and the challenges you overcome along the way. And getting to learn from someone like Jon Jones? That’s just icing on the cake. Now, back to the mats!
