The most important rule that changed how I do Jiu-Jitsu and life in general
In the beginning of my Jiu-Jitsu journey, I was crazy about submissions. I was eager to learn all of them—armbars, chokes, and heel hooks. It felt like a race every roll to see how fast I could knock someone out.
But being so eager cost me something. I often found myself in dangerous situations where I lost control and was swept or submitted because I attacked without first securing my position. Watching me struggle, my teacher took me aside one day and told me, “Remember, position before submission.”
I ignored it at first. I told myself, “I know what I am doing.” I just need to improve how I send things in. However, as I kept losing strong positions and games, that simple phrase started to make sense.
It is not a game of reckless aggression to do Jiu-Jitsu. It is a methodical art that puts order over chaos and accuracy over speed. Even the most advanced attempts to submit fall apart when pressure is put on them.
I began to change how I did things. I did not rush for the kill; instead, I focused on getting into strong positions like mount, side control, and back control. I learned how to keep things stable, put pressure on them, and wait for the right time. And when that time came, it was almost too easy to submit.
The lesson did not end there, though. Position before submission became a mantra that helped me deal with problems in my life. I learned that rushing to finish something often means making mistakes, whether it is at work, in relationships, or with my own goals. Putting in the time to build a strong base not only makes success more likely, but it also gives it more meaning.
Jiu-Jitsu can teach you things that are true in life that go beyond the mats. Control comes before victory in life, just like it does in wrestling. Planning comes before achievement, and patience comes before reward.
Now, whenever I step on the mats, I tell myself, “Position before submission.” It is not just a rule; it is a way of thinking that helps me face every challenge with confidence, clarity, and control.
Thanks for reading!
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