By Laina Giselle, LCSW
The Problem with the Concept of "Potential" in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the idea of "potential" is often thrown around to describe someone's future in the sport. Whether it's a new student who picks up techniques quickly or a seasoned competitor who's been grinding away for years, we've all heard the phrase:
"They have so much potential."
While well-intentioned, the concept of potential can be problematic in BJJ, both for those who are praised for it and those who aren't.
The Pressure of "Potential"
When someone is labeled as having potential, it often creates an invisible pressure to live up to an idealized version of themselves. The concept suggests that the person is capable of achieving something great in the future, which can easily become an expectation. This can lead to frustration and self-doubt if progress isn't happening as quickly as anticipated.
BJJ is a marathon, not a sprint, and progress can be inconsistent. You might dominate one week, only to hit a plateau or even regress the next. For someone who's constantly been told they have potential, these normal fluctuations in performance can feel like personal failures. The narrative of "I'm not living up to my potential" begins to overshadow the small, incremental gains that make up real, lasting improvement in BJJ.
The Trap of External Validation
The concept of potential can also reinforce a dangerous dependency on external validation. Students who are frequently praised for their potential may begin to rely on the feedback of others, or wins in competition, to gauge their worth.
This can lead to burnout or a lack of intrinsic motivation when the external praise fades, gold medals don’t come or coaching feedback doesn’t align with their personal progress.
Over time, the pursuit of being seen as "the next big thing" can overshadow the core of what makes BJJ so rewarding: the personal journey of learning, growth, and mastery.
Potential vs. Hard Work
Another issue is that "potential" often ignores the importance of consistent effort. In BJJ, natural talent can help in the beginning stages, but it's far from the most important factor in long-term success. Hard work, persistence, and mental toughness are the true keys to advancement. People who are not labeled as having potential may feel overlooked, but they may very well be the ones who outlast their "naturally gifted" peers because they have the grit to push through adversity.
Focusing on someone's potential can downplay the importance of putting in the hours of hard, sometimes tedious, work required to improve. It places too much weight on an imagined future and not enough on the value of showing up and grinding it out day after day.
The Allure of Potential as a Future Escape
Potential often operates as a kind of "future escape hatch" for people who aren't performing at their desired level right now.
The idea that "one day I'll unlock my potential" can be comforting, but it can also prevent people from facing their current limitations and taking the steps necessary to improve.
Rather than engaging fully in the present moment—embracing the struggles and small victories along the way—the focus shifts to a hypothetical future version of themselves that may or may not come to pass.
A Shift in Focus: From Potential to Process
Rather than focusing on potential, we should emphasize the process. BJJ is a journey, and the most rewarding part of that journey is often the struggle itself—the hours spent on the mat, the countless repetitions, and the ability to overcome setbacks. Instead of telling people they have potential, we can focus on acknowledging their hard work, resilience, and commitment.
By reframing success as a process of continuous improvement rather than a destination marked by potential, we free ourselves and our teammates from the pressures of living up to some imagined ideal. The joy of BJJ comes not from what we might achieve someday, but from what we’re achieving right now—one roll, one technique, one submission at a time.
In the end, it's not about who has the most potential; it's about who keeps showing up and doing the work.
About the Author:
Laina is a clinical supervisor with the New York City Psychotherapy Collective and an avid BJJ competitor based in Beacon, NY. she blends mental health expertise with martial arts discipline. With a unique blend of clinical insight and Jiu-Jitsu experience, Laina embodies the resilience and discipline that define the sport, making her a compelling figure in the Jiu-Jitsu community.
