After a great rolling session, Professor Fred awarded me two stripes on my white belt. Starting fresh after a long break taught me to embrace the journey over the rank. Loving my white belt and the learning process more than ever. Osu!

I just got a Sanabul navy blue gi, and it’s impressively light and soft—comparable to my favorite Adidas gi. At $57, it’s a great value. It fits big, but a couple of hot washes will shrink it nicely. So far, I’m really happy with this gi.

Inspired by Professor Fred’s encouragement, I’ve ramped up my BJJ training to burn fat and get lean. Training on the mats helps me rest my Achilles and build strength. With consistent effort and motivation, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

One of the first lessons I learned in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is simple: we don’t tap and tell. Catching a higher belt happens, but sharing it isn’t part of the culture. Training is about respect, growth, and keeping what happens on the mats between you and your partner.

I’m honestly not a fan of the BJJ belt gauntlet. It’s just getting whipped for no reason—no skill test, no benefit, no growth. It’s part of the culture now, but I’ve seen it cause nasty welts and don’t believe it adds anything to your Jiu Jitsu journey.

Training Brazilian Jujitsu is tough and comes with its share of bumps and bruises. I protect my knees, elbows, toes, and always wear a mouth guard and groin cup. Stretching is key to avoid injuries. If you have tips to stay safe, feel free to share!