Before I begin each day of teaching at my dojo or even if I am preparing to teach a seminar, I tell myself, “I’m going to teach my best class ever!”

Does it always turn out that way?

No.

But I pre-frame myself to go into it with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Most of the time, the enthusiasm is contagious with the class attendees, and it makes for a positive learning environment.

When we bow and step onto the mats, the switch that is in our head should turn off “outside everyday life” and turn on “problem solving on the mats.”

When we are finished and step off the mats, we are now ready to approach life with a newfound vigor and fresh mindset.

The goal at the end of the day is to be 1% better.

Jiu-jitsu is a marathon of compounding effect.

We do not typically see immediate results from our training.

It’s going to be small gains that will after time accumulate into huge success.

When I'm done at the end of the night, and the Dojo is empty, I take some time to reflect on how the class went.

What could I have done better?

Was the class challenging enough or was it too much?

What went right, what went wrong?

Did I see breakthroughs happening with my students?

One of the best rewards as an instructor is when you see the light bulb come on over a student’s head, and you see them have their aha moments when things click, and the technique is working the way that it's supposed to for them.

As an instructor or as a student, the goal is to be better than yesterday.

Pay attention to how you talk to yourself.

Self-talk is a very powerful tool.

At the end of the day, analyze your progress and adjust for a fresh approach.

And remember, when you learn one technique you know one technique.
When you learn a concept you know a thousand techniques.

See you on the flipside. - Larry Keith