Ego is huge in jiujitsu. Just go into any academy and watch the lowerbelts roll. I am guilty of it, I am a blue belt that give browns a run for their money and beat purple constantly. Do I secretly wonder when I will get promoted ? Yes and do I wonder why people I am better than” competition wise” get promoted yes.
I bet I’m not alone wondering..
I think there is good ego and bad ego, I seen black belts be real bad people dripping with self importance and I seen other black belts still be curious.
I think ego in jiujitsu can take you far and can be good in knowing ones worth but when it starts spilling over into other areas of your life there in lays the danger. I believe it’s unhealthy to see the world through a small lens and if someone happens to be excellent in bjj does not qualify them as excellent in all areas of life or worthy of worship. Inside the gym yes not outside I seen how some people “(I live in NY you can figure out what high profile black belts have been forced to leave their gyms here around ). “
How ego can harm also, like we are not what we accomplish on our mats.
I think ego and being humble has for me atleast have to do with the willingness to still be teachable and curious. Not be to hung up on accomplishments and realize that we are blessed to be able to train, it won’t last forever. Eventually our bodies will fail us. Bjj is a gift to us, not other way around.
Sorry for the book in answer and rambling.
You got me passionate ...