This past weekend our team had the opportunity to have a few sessions with our head blackbelt from Japan, Daisuke Nakamura. Sensei Daisuke is arguably the best BJJ practitioner from Asia, a winner of multiple world titles in BJJ and submission grappling. It was an amazing experience to learn from a world class blackbelt.
Sensei Daisuke with Pato Studio - Cebu Jiujitsu Main Instuctors
The first thing you notice with Sensei Daisuke was his positive aura. He is always smiling, all through out his instruction and during sparring. It was infectious. Our friend and teammate, Hiroshi provided the translation for the instructions but most of the movements could be understood as Daisuke did them. The amazing thing was there were a lot of simple movements that blew our minds. It was eye opening how little adjustments could open up a whole new world to your game.
Sensei Daisuke sparred with every single person that attended the seminars. During my turn, I felt how I did back when I was a fresh white belt. Feeling like 10 steps behind every movement but enjoying very moment of it. As Sam Harris would put it "The pleasures of drowning."
Sam Harris - The Pleasures of Drowning
Also got a my final stripe on my blue belt, one step closer to a purple belt. I've not cared too much about stripes since my 3rd stipe at white belt. But it still felt nice to be acknowledged by your instructors.
Sensei Daisuke is a great role model. Having seen how a world-class blackbelt teach and move has changed my goals. I strive to have that mix of humility and quiet confidence that he has by the time I get my blackbelt and have movements that are as smooth and effortless as his.
