Faixa Marrom!

Today I was very honoured to be promoted to brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by my instructor Nick Brooks and his instructor Roger Gracie. I was promoted alongside a good bunch of my team mates at the Mill Hill BJJ winter grading.

It's very weird to be wearing a different coloured belt. I've been a purple belt for such a while that I can't mentally prepare for a whole new way of playing the game. Brown belt rules allow for all manner of leg submissions that are not allowed at lower grades. Of course Nick and a couple others at the academy have been getting me used to these for the past six months. He describes brown belt as being like a completely new martial art: Once the lower limb submissions are introduced, BJJ players have to completely change their game and learn things afresh. It's just another reminder that while the colour belt you wear might indicate some level of proficiency, the truth is, there's so, so much more out there to learn.

I would like to give a huge thank you to my instructor Nick for dedicating his whole life to teaching and coaching and helping us all grow in the sport. I also wish to thank my good buddies at Mill Hill BJJ. It's so very true that being in a good academy is very much like being part of a large family.

So, onwards and upwards. And my first task ahead is to investigate options for purchasing a custom hand made brown belt...any ideas?

My good buddy Chris Hearn who was promoted to black belt!

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