02.12.2008 JW Wright: Teaching in MissouriBlack belt under Royler Gracie and David Adiv, Wright explains how he gives Jiu-Jitsu classes in the American Midwest
GRACIEMAG.com: When a student asks: "What is Jiu-Jitsu?", how do you respond?
I tell all my students Jiu-Jitsu is one of the guides they can use on our path in life. As an instructor, that means that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. Each person will have their own goals they hope to accomplish; Jiu-Jitsu offers solutions and options for each path; be it a person who would like to feel more confident by learning self defense, a person who wants to lose weight, or someone that has a competitive heart and loves to compete on the mat or cage. And our heroes in the military and police force who use Jiu-Jitsu to protect us and those who can't protect themselves. It's simple, Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone and it is the answer!
GM: What are your main goals on your path in the world of Jiu-Jitsu?
My main goal is to continue to learn from my instructors Royler Gracie and David Adiv and to bring that knowledge back to my students. I want to make a living doing what I love… showing my students the art and sport of Jiu-Jitsu and how terrific each can be. I hope to begin children's programs and grow the Jiu-Jitsu family in the Midwest… the more great people we have training the better. Finally, I hope to demonstrate to each and every one of my students that I care about them, their success in this great martial art, and to personally help each one reach their own goals.
GM: What is the main thing that you have learned practicing Jiu-Jitsu?
Maintain an open mind because you will learn something new every day. Your basic fundamental Jiu-Jitsu will never be good enough! The basics are easily overlooked…so practice them more than anything.
GM: Who is your idol in the sport? Why?
There are so many talented guys in the sport of BJJ now. You have guys like Roger and Kron using basic BJJ beautifully. You have Xande and Cobrinha using every weapon in their arsenal to win the big championships. But I would say right now I truly enjoy watching Andre Galvao. He always pushes himself to the limit entering his weight and the absolute of every event. Win or lose he conducts himself as a champion should.
GM: What is the hardest thing to teach to a class of fighters?
That Jiu-Jitsu is not an individual sport. Each match only has 2 fighters but what prepared you for the battle is what will win the war…your Team. There are but two ways to make a champion. One is to put all the toughest guys in a room and beat each other up until one champion is left. The other is the one I choose, winning as a team. Leave your egos at the door and coach your Jiu-Jitsu partners so that many will have the chance to become a champion… by doing this you will be a champion too. A strong team player sacrifices for his teammates and is always happy for the success of others. If you're a fighter, prepare for your battle. If you're a team mate, prepare others for the war.
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