BJJ Norcal

The other day, Dave mentioned that we should all cultivate the mentality of the whitebelt.  In essence this means being open to new ideas every time we step to the mat.  This also means letting go of what you already hold true. "You cannot pick up the new, if your hand is clenched to the old."  Wise words indeed, and part of the duality that is bjj.  You are always learning, testing, finding what works - assembling a game like the potter molds a pot, but you must always be ready to return to the beginning, mashing the clay together until it is formless again, trusting the process that it will return with more perfection.

If you are a fan of religions or philosophy you have heard of the Taoist book known as the Tao Te Ching, suppposedly written by Lao Tzu.  I like to think he was a jiu-jitsu practitioner.  Enjoy:

It is easier to carry an empty cup
than one that is filled to the brim.

The sharper the knife
the easier it is to dull.
The more wealth you possess
the harder it is to protect.
Pride brings its own trouble.

When you have accomplished your goal
simply walk away.
This is the pathway to Heaven.