My experience was a bit unusual, since Jiu Jitsu became a dominant activity in our daily lives from a very early age. To be sincere, the initial pressure to perform was real and did prevent me from fully enjoying its practice until I became more grown up. I evolved from someone who wanted to please others, primarily my instructors and peers, to a person who wanted to find another meaning for my reason to train and continue to be dedicated wholeheartedly. I realized that losing doesn't mean much as long as you try your best and continue to learn from your mistakes. I also understood that when you start sharing what you know, you become more masterful of the skill you are sharing. It is a constant recycle and refinement of your knowledge. So the true equation of growth becomes, instead of holding back and hiding your secret moves, the real desire to show all you’ve got, in the hopes that those you share with can help you back in the evolution of the art. In summary, the better your partners, the better you will become. 

And finally, a lifetime in the martial arts cannot be fully worthy unless your experience and knowledge can be passed on many many times to many many people, and if you do it right, to many many generations yet to come. A Good student will form will become a testament into the future. We are not here to teach, but above all to change people’s lives thru the martial arts. That was by biggest realization, and without a doubt, my most profound lesson!