Let’s face it, starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is exciting. Every class feels like unlocking a new superpower. However, as time passes, that initial rush begins to subside. This is where many people drift… and where the dedicated level up.
At Ground Control Columbia, we’ve worked with athletes from their very first class to their black belt promotions. And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this: consistency beats talent every single time.
If you’re in it for the long haul (and we hope you are), here’s what will keep you on the mats and in the game for years to come.
Sure, those intense training sessions feel great, but it’s the consistent ones that take you to black belt. You don’t have to train twice a day, every day, to make progress. You just have to keep showing up, even on the hard days.
At Ground Control Columbia, our coaches encourage a sustainable training rhythm. Listen to your body, honor your schedule, and make BJJ a part of your life, not a burnout cycle.
Black belts aren’t made in a month. They’re built over seasons of dedication, small improvements, and steady growth.
Some days you’re the hammer. Other days, you’re very much the nail. Plateaus, setbacks, and slumps are part of the journey. They’re not a sign to stop, they’re a sign to adjust.
In those slower seasons, refine your fundamentals. Try new positions. Ask more questions. Changing your focus can reignite your motivation and help you break through that wall.
Every upper belt you train with at Columbia has hit plateaus and pushed through them. You will too.
The strongest students are those with solid training partners and a supportive system on the mats. Fortunately, our team is composed of athletes who want to see you succeed.
Ask for rounds with people who challenge you. Celebrate small wins with your crew. Be the partner others want to train with. Having a reliable tribe keeps training fun, purposeful, and motivating, especially when your energy dips.
To stay on the mats long-term, you have to train smart. That means:
Tapping early.
Listening to your body.
Prioritizing recovery.
Requesting modifications when needed. Our coaches at Ground Control Columbia can help you find ways to stay in the game even if you’re dealing with an injury, a busy schedule, or mental burnout. Staying in BJJ for life means pacing yourself, not pushing through everything blindly.
Let’s be real: the belt is amazing, but what you gain along the way is even better. You’ll build grit. Patience. Focus. Community. Confidence.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a life-changing pursuit that teaches you to manage stress, remain calm under pressure, and continue growing—even when things are tough. And the longer you stick with it, the more you’ll benefit from everything it has to offer.
Whether you’re a fresh blue belt, a purple belt in a plateau, or a brown belt eyeing that next big step, we’ve got your back. The Ground Control Columbia coaches are here to support your goals and help you keep climbing.
Need guidance or just want to talk about a game plan? Ask your coach after class. We’re here to help. Stay consistent. Stay inspired. Stay on the mats.
You’ve put in the hours on the mats—drilling, rolling, building a solid ground game—and now you’re thinking about stepping into something more intense: MMA. It’s
At Ground Control Columbia, our advanced athletes know the real battles don’t always happen in submissions—they happen when you’re fighting to keep your guard alive.
Every dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner will, at some point, experience a plateau. It’s that tough phase where progress feels stagnant, your go-to techniques aren’t landing
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