My partner and I at Sekcija
Today was promotion day at the Jiu-Jitsu academy.
Online, you occasionally come across criticism claiming that belts are a relic, a sham, some pointless formality nobody needs.
Hmm. They should have seen the reaction of those receiving new belts and stripes: joy, shyness, pride, and gratitude. Some people's hands were even shaking, and tears were shining in their eyes.
If you devote yourself to something for a long time, doubts sometimes creep in. Is there any progress at all? Especially when your training partners are growing alongside you. Dark thoughts arise: “What if this is all for nothing? What's the point?”
That is when even a single new stripe becomes feedback from the Universe, delivered through your coach: “You are doing well. I see everything. Keep going.” Even more so when it is the next belt. Especially when you were not expecting it.
Over ten years of training, I've seen it all. I've been promoted when I was convinced it was too early and I wasn't ready. And I've seen everyone get promoted except me, even though I was expecting it. Both situations taught me something.
However you look at it, if you are investing your time and energy in something, feedback matters. The belt hierarchy is a useful tool — same as competing, self-reflection, and the rest.
This time, what struck me most was the reaction of everyone present. People were genuinely happy for another person, as if the achievement were their own. The loudest celebrations were reserved for those whom everyone agreed had earned their promotion long ago.
This is how a community reinforces order rather than chaos. People notice whether persistent effort is rewarded fairly or not. Investor Charlie Munger used to say: “Show me the incentive, and I’ll show you the outcome.”
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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