Fear

They outweigh you by 30 to 60 pounds. They are stronger than you. They are fast, very fast. They know how to take you apart piece by piece; their skill is very good. They, or monsters like them, are the reason you closed your closet door and checked under your bed when you went to sleep at night. And for the next five, six, or maybe even seven minutes, you have no night light to keep you safe. Ever felt this way?

Big deal. It is all nonsense. They are human just like you and guess what, every one makes mistakes sometimes. Everyone. And all you have to do is stay in the fight and not give up. At least let your opponent know that they have been in a fight, and that is sometimes good enough.

You may be in for an ass kickin, but as long as you fight, you will get better. You will get stronger. And your frustration will cause you to fight your biggest opponent hundreds of times in your own mind thinking of ways to win; that is also good training. And one day you will win, as long as you keep fighting as hard as you can.

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

Frank Herbert

Why are you training in BJJ anyway? It is more than just improve your mind and body, although you may not be aware of it. It is better to bruise in practice than to bleed in battle. Get your ass kicked, thank your opponent, and ask for more.

Ous.