Shut up and listen
Owner & Head Instructor, Ground Rules Academy
There have been times when a student questions my advice on the mats. I generally encourage students to explore and challenge ideas (including mine), but it is possible to take it too far.
The white belt with an ego
That’s exactly what I did as a white belt. I (re)started my jiu jitsu journey at the age of 32 after completing a PhD in a hard science at a prestigious university. Grad school was a very humbling experience, but I managed to retain some ego when it came to my ability to learn and my understanding of mechanics. I had a habit of challenging my BJJ instructor, sometimes a little too adamantly, and one day I managed to exhaust his patience.
Later that day I reflected. He was an instructor with decades of experience. I came to him to learn. I was paying him to teach me. Why the f*ck was I arguing with him? That revelation had a significant impact on me and I have never been the same.
If you’re an adult beginner finding your feet in Fundamentals, that lesson hits even harder.
Empty your cup (even when you “get” the mechanics)
Cultures around the world have expressions that convey this idea:
“A cat that meows doesn’t catch mice” — Japanese proverb (with variants around the world)
“Empty your cup so that it may be filled” — Bruce Lee
“I never learned anything while I was talking” — Larry King
Taken to an extreme limit, these expressions suggest that it’s possible to learn something from practically anybody, regardless of their education, income, or credentials (A great benefit of training jiu jitsu is that it brings together people from all walks of life, which provides a bounty of learning opportunities).
I still want your ideas — until they suck
So I try to apply this principle every day. I shut up and listen to people in the hopes that I can learn something new. This is why, as a BJJ instructor, I take my student’s comments and suggestions seriously. I truly value their ideas, contributions, and feedback, even when it comes to technique.
But seriously, if your idea sucks, I’m going to tell you — and then with all due respect I’d kindly invite you to shut up and listen 😂
Curious how we teach at Ground Rules? Book a free trial week and see you on the mats.
Related: It’s Not about the Numbers — another take on leaving ego at the door.
A couple questions I get
Why do BJJ instructors hate being argued with mid-drill?
Ideas are welcome — after you try it. Talking over experience kills reps. I learned that the hard way as a white belt with an ego.
How do I empty my cup as an adult beginner?
Shut up, ask after class, and prove the idea on the mat. Credentials don’t get you out of keeping an open mind.
Russ Jensen, PhD is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the founder of Ground Rules Academy in Pleasanton. With a PhD in physical chemistry from MIT, he brings a unique, science-based approach to teaching technique on the mats. He is the author of Ground Rules: Simple Physics for the Grappling Arts.