600
600
If there were no stripes and ranks and promotions, would you still train? If all the colors and recognition were stripped away, would you still train?
If validation is not coming fast enough, what do you do? Do you stop, leave, quit — or do you keep training? Do you keep training because you know it is important. Do you keep training because you know all good things take time. Do you look in the mirror and honestly assess what you see, what you could be doing better, what you maybe are missing and or can take ownership of (and then follow through)? Because that is where true growth occurs.
Is it not about your path and practice and persistence and self-betterment — your journey? Does the hero of the story need validation? You are the hero of your own story.
Yes anyone can get frustrated if they do not receive the recognition they feel they deserve. That is natural; humans want or at least to a certain extent enjoy recognition and for some the lack of recognition is a deal-breaker. Most feelings are understandable. But not all reactions to those feelings are as valuable, acceptable, productive, created equal.
In jiu jitsu there are belts signifying ones personal progression and relative knowledge and skills and abilities. Some people say a belt only covers three inches of your ass. Some people train their entire lives without needing a belt or knowing when their next one might come. But they still train, and improve, and continue.
If you need recognition, demand an audience or your primary driver is external validation...it is no wonder you are not how or where you want to be.
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My notes say today is day 600. 600 days of classes, tournaments, open mats, seminars and instructing. What does that mean? It means next time will be 601. See you on the mat.
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First shared, July 2025