Are You Really Teachable?

Talent alone will only carry you so far. The rest comes from how willing you are to learn—not just techniques, but the mindset of growth. So ask yourself: Are you really teachable?

Are you open to other people's ideas, or do you dismiss them because they come from someone else on the mat?True learning begins when ego takes a backseat and curiosity leads, allowing you to learn from anyone.

Do you listen more than you talk? It's easy to demonstrate knowledge, but real progress comes from absorbing what others are showing you, even when it challenges what you think you know.

Are you willing to change your mind when presented with new information? You might resist at first, thinking your way is fine. But then you try the new approach, and suddenly the technique works better than ever. Changing your mind isn't easy, but it makes you better.

Do you readily admit when you're wrong? Every mistake is a lesson waiting to be learned. Denying it only keeps you from evolving.

Do you ask questions? And more importantly, are you willing to ask questions that expose your ignorance? Vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the gateway to understanding.

Finally, how do you respond to criticism? Do you get defensive, or do you take it as a mirror reflecting what you need to see? The mat has a way of showing you truths you might not want to face, but facing them is how you improve.

Being teachable isn't about being perfect. It's about being honest with yourself, listening deeply, and letting the lessons reshape you. If you can do that, every roll, every drill, every class becomes a chance to grow.