Gradings

Thanks to those who made the trek to HQ for gradings last nite. Jason and Dave were there from the start to help our guys and I arrived late due to work commitments. Nick and Trav both passed and got their first stripe, it can be daunting doing a grading for the first time, by all reports they performed well. Smithy also got four stripes on his white, which brings him a step closer to blue, he has had a great year with heaps of competition experience and growing understanding of the sport. Well done. As we talked about last nite at dinner much of being a white belt is getting squashed and learning to survive. Never pleasant for anyone but the rewards are great for those who have the intestinal fortitude to persevere. It was a great nite all round with our head coach , John Doenehue, presented with a beautifully incased and presented black belt to honour ten years of Extreme JJG in Australia.

On a slight downer, I was disappointed by a few no shows on the night, these chances dont come up often and although gradings are not everything nor everyones cup of tea, sometimes we need to test ourselves for our own good as well as for the growth of the club. Remember we can only be as good as our training partners and your improvements help the club grow and develop.

I like the fact that only black belts our allowed to grade in our system and this means trips to HQ for gradings with other members of the Extreme crew. My advice is simple, get with the program. I will never ask anyone to take a test I don't think you have the capacity to pass. One of the guys who got his purple belt last nite said that his new grade was like a pair of pants that are too big for him now, but that he can grow into over time. I really can appreciate this analogy and sometimes you have to trust the judgement of your seniors or peers when you are told you are ready to grade. The irony is, unlike many other martial arts systems, very few people doing BJJ actually want their next belt. Its just a big target on your back saying come and get me, but that's the beauty and beast of our sport. Be able to accept the responsibility of your next grade when the time comes again.