“I got tapped over and over and I loved it. I can’t wait to go back for more punishment.”

I read or hear something like that every so often from people new to jiu-jitsu. They may have actually enjoyed it, but it’s just because it was a new experience. They felt alive, or something. It’s not sustainable. If you’re a white belt getting beat up every class, you’re not going to last. If you do, it’s because you’re one of the few that are good enough as a beginner (athletic, coordinated, etc.) to make it through the beatings.

I have a student who joined after multiple injuries at another school. He lasted less than a year there. He said it wasn’t productive and wasn’t learning, but it was fun. (I believe him that was fun, but would question whether it was actually still fun six months in.)

“I got tapped over and over. I have to learn this.”

This is better.

“I had fun. I learned something. No one tried to hurt me.”

This is better.

“I want to compete.”

Um.