Archive - The Grappler's Diary

The Art of Going Pro

My journey from amateur to pro grappler/writer.

Apr 18 •

How to Learn Jiu-Jitsu Faster

Lessons from a world champion and top ranked black belt.

Apr 14 •

and

A Simple Question That Helps Me Overcome Anxiety

It's not what you do, it's how you think.

Apr 11 •

The White Belt's Guide to Not Dying During the First Month

White belt 101.

Apr 7 •

and

Why Suffering Is Good For Performance

The reality of doing anything worth doing.

Apr 4 •

March 2025

How to Make Progress

A simple framework based on a decade of Jiu-Jitsu.

Mar 28 •

Why It Never Feels Good Enough

Getting frustrated and getting over yourself.

Mar 25 •

Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities

How significant time off the mats due to shoulder surgery became an opportunity for self-improvement in multiple domains.

Mar 24 •

and

You Need to Try to Be a Hero

Embracing personal lore.

Mar 21 •

5 Rules For Bad Days

Keep it Stoic and keep it simple.

Mar 14 •

The Mental Game of Injuries in BJJ

How a mysterious injury changed my perspective on Jiu-Jitsu and life.

Mar 13 •

The Gentle Art of Starting Over

How Jiu-Jitsu changed my life, how I changed my life for Jiu-Jitsu, and then how I found some degree of harmony in them.

Mar 10 •

and

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