I was watching Deepok Chopra speak today on public television.  I am generally lukewarm to his work, but he had a great analogy that of course I related to bjj.  He said "We cannot see ourselves except through a mirror.  The tooth cannot bite itself."

This got me thinking about my own game and how it is really just a reflection in itself.  Try this...Think of your game.  What is it?  How do you define it?  I imagine if you think about it, you come to ideas about your game that are really just a reflection of your experience rolling.  In essence, you are seeing your own game through the eyes of your opponents.  Many sports rivalries are this way;  Cal and Stanford come to mind.  To many their annual battle is the only game of the year that matters. 

Another angle on this idea is for that of the coach or teacher.  Look at how your class rolls.  Are they rough?  Do they help each other out?  Are they technical or brutes?  Do they laugh and smile?  Do they socialize on their own?

Every coach must help foster their own gym vibe and in my experience the students are a very accurate reflection of their instructor. I certainly found this to be true at SBGi, AKA in San Jose, and even today training at OneWorld in Union City.  All places where people are immediately friendly on the mat.  Very cool.

One last note.  If you are looking to join a gym keep this concept in mind - Attend the free class, roll, and watch the people.  You'll feel the vibe pretty quickly and know if you'll thrive or flounder in that environment.

See you on the mat!