The C in champion...

Anyone that competes in jiu-jitsu wants to win, even more they want to be champion. No matter what people say, there is no gu/girl going out there that wants to lose (and learn from the experience). Yet, at the end of the day only one person's hand is raised...what's up with that? Many people want to attribute it to skill, but everyone knows that is not the case all the time. Most of us going to Pans or even competing in a local tournament, train our asses off on a weekly basis. So what is needed to become a champion? Warning: Here comes my opinion. Personally, I think champions dissect the mental aspect of the game more that anyone else. Imagine if you are a blue belt training for Pans; you ran your ass off, drilled your armbars 100,000,000,000x, were shark tanked by Helio and Rickson Gracie, and spent 6 months in Brazil. Yet, you still lose. I have been here before countless times. Tournament after tournament I went back to the drawing board tightening up my skill and training ten times harder then I did the last time, only to lose again at the next tournament. The problem was I wasn't thinking about the C in Champion. The C in champion is all the characteristics you need to become one, Here they are:

Competitiveness: Champions love to compete. A competitor is someone who refuses to lose, and finds ways to win. Who shows up on match day and produces results. They don't quit. They take setbacks and mistakes, and turn them into gold. Gold medals that is.

Confidence: Champions are confident. In there mind they are the favorite to win. Confident athletes believe they can't be beaten and have a attitude that nothing can be thrown their way that they can't handle. Confidence keeps thoughts of defeat out of the heads of champions. If you believe you can't win, you won't.

Control: Champions have control. This to me is one of the most important characteristics to have in jiu-jitsu. Often times the main goal of your opponent is to overwhelm you with technique in order to catch you in a submission or bad position. Your ability to maintain poise, concentration, and emotional control will increase your chances of being able to handle whatever is thrown your way.

Committed: Champions focus all their time and energy on their goal. You shouldn't wonder why you are not black belt world champion if you are a doctor. Champions are committed to jiu-jitsu full time...24/7...365 days a year. The reason why is because they want it more. While you want to make more money at your job, appease your family, or finish school...champions are out there ensuring that one day jiu-jitsu can be their livelihood. They are 100% committed.

Courage: Champions are scared, but they still take risk. A courageous person knows what they have to do to succeed, and are willing to get there by any means necessary. They don't let fear stop them. Courage allows you to reach your full potential, and become a champion.

Consistency: Champions are consistent. You never see Roger Gracie losing his first match. Champions possess an inner strength that allows them even at their worst, to compete at their best. How many times have you said, I'm off today? How can you be off today if you wer eon yesterday...think about it. Champions don't make excuses.