I always have great talks with my jungle brother, Jason. One thing that he told me that I wrote down is an old saying. “When pointing a finger at someone, there are three pointed back at you.”

Generally, what we accuse others and what bothers us in others, is oftentimes a reflection of what and who we are. Lots of food for thought here. 

I have realized that several students who approached me telling me that student XYZ is rolling too hard, too aggressive, incorrectly, are actually guilty of the exact accusation they are dishing out.

Also, more often than not these are more advanced students. Usually blue and purple belts. Brand new students often are unaware unless it’s a very serious manner and they feel unsafe/injured.

So, few things to note. Firstly, feel free to discuss the pace with your training partners, and let them “lead” the pace. Meaning, go at the pace that they set and try to match it throughout. No need to speed up randomly or go harder if in a compromising position. Also, if you are a less experienced student, this is also a good idea to have the more experienced lead the pace. 

I realize the less experienced oftentimes feel like they need to make up for the skill gap by increasing speed, but that is not the best idea. 

I try my best to reflect on my own training and do better. I suggest the same for others, especially those who feel like everyone but them is rolling too aggressively and chaotically 🙂