Awareness

Awareness – No Stripe and 1 Stripe White Belts

“Awareness of ignorance is the beginning of wisdom” Socrates

When we have something to focus on, we will see it grow and mature. Each of us starts as a white belt and everything is new and exciting. While coming to class is a great start, adding a simple focus to each class we attend will bring more value.

Awareness comes in many parts when doing Jiu Jitsu. Most parts start from being the good guy. What is the bad guy doing, we call it the “indicator”, to them that triggers the technique I am learning right now? How is the technique is going to end? What position are we looking to end this in, even though “what if’s” can come up? What obstacles are there in between the starting position and the ending position? These obstacles have a specific order to address them and as we move through a technique there are often new obstacles that come up.

It doesn’t stop with being aware of the good guy’s behavior, students want to be aware of what the bad guy experiences at the beginning, middle, and end of the technique. What is the bad guy gaining by starting the technique in this way? What can the bad guy do in the middle that could cause the technique to fall apart if not properly addressed in the right order? What is the primary prevention of the end position on the bad guy?

Awareness isn’t just for those just beginning and those with 1 stripe.  It is a great start and a great skill to use often. In May, we will talk about “Memory and Recall” which is best to focus on next.