That is 2023! Welcome to Gracie Sydney mats students and future students!
We all know that at first sight Jiu-Jitsu looks scary, aggressive and a male dominant environment. But that is not true, and Gracie Sydney can prove you that.
GS mats are full of non-stereotype BJJ fighters training. We are a democratic, multi-cultural and diverse community. There are students from over 20 nationalities, with completely different body structures: flexible, short, tall, strong, fat, skinny, stiff, black, white, yellow, white. On the mats is where all the differences become neutral. The ground is where we are all the same and YOU should come and try Jiu-Jitsu to completely change your life.
We extracted a interview from GRACIEMAG with Professor Luiz Dias which he talks about how to overcome the fear of starting training BJJ.
In a chat with the GRACIEMAG.com team, Luiz Dias shared the strategies he uses to overcome beginners’ fears in Jiu-Jitsu training and explained the challenges he overcame to form his team.
GRACIEMAG : What were the biggest lessons Jiu-Jitsu taught you over the years?
LUIZ DIAS : I believe it was the development and practice of virtues such as: resilience, discipline, humility, perseverance, respect for hierarchy, calm in times of pressure and development of self-control.
What makes you fulfilled as a teacher?
The training of good people and accomplished professionals. I help students overcome fears and insecurities. Of course, having formed champions is rewarding, but forming good people brings me more joy.
What strategies do you use so that beginner students lose their fear of training Jiu-Jitsu?
The strategy I use is to demonstrate that Jiu-Jitsu is safe, simple, objective and improves the practitioner’s emotional balance. I distance myself as much as possible from the violent image that many still associate. It can be practiced by anyone at any age. And it even improves health. I realize that Jiu-Jitsu is a path, a philosophy of life that brings peace. Improves your emotional balance. You can train without getting injured. Each one practices the Jiu-Jitsu that is within their reach.
What were the main challenges you had to overcome throughout your Jiu-Jitsu career to form your team?
The biggest challenge when creating a team is having your goals well defined, being self-confident, believing in your Jiu-Jitsu and having good teaching skills. When creating your team name and shield, you start from scratch, something that is a little more difficult as there will be competing gyms established around you. Another important step is to start attracting students, I emphasize that it is the student who chooses the teacher. And that at the beginning of an academy, sometimes the speed with which students enter may not be as you expect. It is necessary to be patient and always focus on a good class. But I never stopped believing in my success. A challenge to be overcome is finding media to publicize your academy.
What tip would you give GRACIEMAG readers to become successful black belts?
It takes focus, persistence and dedication. It is also necessary to study new techniques without abandoning the fundamentals. And if the black belt intends to open an academy, believe in its concepts and capacity. Because it is the student who chooses the teacher. And success is a long road that never ends, because we always need to evolve. I believe that everyone has their own road to go. Each one with its facilities as well as its difficulties. Getting established is a slow process, especially if you’re just starting out. You also need to publicize your academy on social media. GMI is a great opportunity to promote your academy.
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