Jiu Jitsu is more than just a sport; it's a journey, an experience, and a lifetime lesson. If you're on this journey or planning to embark on it, there's a crucial piece of advice that you'd do well to remember. So, what's the biggest mistake you could be making right now? The answer might surprise you.

Have you ever been in a situation where a more experienced, upper belt practitioner shared a piece of advice with you, and you just nodded along without truly absorbing it? Perhaps you acknowledged it, but deep down, you might have thought, "What does this old-timer know about my journey?"

Your coaches, the veterans in the sport—they're not speaking just to hear their voices. They've been where you are. They've felt what you feel. When they offer advice, it's born from experience, both good and bad. If something feels off, maybe you're not in the right environment. But in most cases, the wisdom shared is for your benefit.

It's not just about Jiu Jitsu techniques. It's about life itself. Be it love, heartbreak, or other life events, these experiences outside the mat can deeply affect your training. One key to optimizing your journey is minimizing negatives in your life. And the simplest way to do this? *Listen to those who've been there.*

So, as you continue your Jiu Jitsu journey with Gold BJJ, remember: it's not enough to just listen. *Hear* what the veterans of the sport have to say. They've walked the path you're on, and their wisdom could be the difference-maker you need. Don't make the mistake of dismissing experience. Embrace it, and watch how it transforms your journey.

Hear more about this topic from Jiu Jitsu legend Dean Lister on our YouTube channel: