Positive Sociology

In my experience, there are two kinds of students.   The first kind are eager to learn.  They are full of questions and are like sponges, ready to soak up whatever you are willing to share with them.  I love working with these students.  They make teaching rewarding and fun.  And they needn't be the most polished or well-versed. In fact, I find that some of the very best students I've mentored over the years are somewhat green. But, what they lack in polish and preparation, they make up in their earnest attempts to learn.  You cannot underestimate this student.  They improve dramatically over time and become excellent students because of how teachable they are. The second student is a closed book. They come across like a "know it all." Instead of embracing new perspectives, they retreat to those that are familiar to them and are openly hostile to others who don't share their ideas. As a result, they're often not engaged, talk down to their peer...

Starting jiu jitsu at age 30 was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I was at a new job, had gained a lot of weight (from all the great beer and bar food in Philly), and was feeling tired all the time.  Luckily, I had an RA who was training jiu jitsu in Philadelphia.  He was super pumped about it and was always so alert and energetic (and ripped). I wanted to feel that same way and decided to go with him one day to the dojo.     That was 6.5 years ago. The rest is history.  Since then, I've been training 5-7 times per week for 1-3 hours at a time.  My daily writing routines are often broken up by an afternoon training session.  I carry a gi with me whenever I travel and have trained in places far and wide like the Azores and Prague.  And many of my best friends as an adult have come through the global jiu jitsu community; by and large, jiu jitsu people are some of the most humble and chill folks on the planet.   But, above...