An Open Letter to Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

To my Fellow Grappler:

I want to share a bit of my journey with you. For over a decade, I dedicated myself to the jiu jitsu lifestyle, navigating the highs and lows that come with training and competing. Like many of you, I’ve faced the challenge of balancing intense physical training with the mental demands of competition.

I remember my early days of competition, standing on the edge of the mat, heart racing, feeling a knot in my stomach, wondering why I chose to subject myself to such a thing as competition. My nerves were overwhelming. There were moments when I knew I was technically capable, but my mind got in the way. I felt like I was letting myself and my coaches down.

I competed as early as a one-stripe white belt, just throwing myself into the local tournaments. I loved the whole experience of spending all day with my training partners putting it all on the line with each other's support, and feeling important as I braved the competition mats. Winning felt euphoric. Losing wasn't great, but I didn't have a lot of expectations. Until the expectations grew.

As I got more serious with competition, so too did my nerves. I put pressure on myself to make it to the podium, then I developed a need to win. Over the years I had realized that winning meant more positive attention, more respect, more promotions, more self-confidence. I took it as winning equals doing what I'm supposed to do, and anything less is not acceptable. Losing, then, felt like a public failure, leading to shame for my mistakes and resentment towards myself for not performing at my best. And this is where my self-worth became synonymous with my results.

This inner frustration led me to question my capabilities regularly. Once I researched sports psychology, I began to understand that mental preparation was just as crucial as physical training. I attempted to learn how to control my nerves with self-talk and visualization techniques but was still met with inconsistent results. There were moments when I was able to reach the podium and there were times I lost my first match. I could frequently medal but I'd choke once I knew I had the chance to win.

Years later I entered graduate school (something I never thought I'd do) to study Sport and Performance Psychology. I earned my Master of Science degree, learned from top coaches and research professors, and worked with over 60 jiu-jitsu athletes as a mental performance consultant to get to where I am now. Through extensive research and feedback from my clients, I've developed mental preparation strategies that really work.

My path in Jiu Jitsu began in 2009. I earned my blue belt under Romulo Barral, my purple belt under Rubens Cobrinha Maciel, my brown belt under Marcelo Garcia, and my black belt under Rubens Cobrinha Maciel. Each step of this journey was marked by intense training and competition. I've competed at numerous elite tournaments around the world, and I've faced the pressure of high-stakes matches.

I remember one particular match where I froze, unable to execute my guard pull, even though it was my go-to move, because my mind was clouded with anxiety. I wasn't able to face the opponent in front of me because I was too busy in my head. Guess how that match ended?

Through my studies in sport and performance psychology, I have since discovered effective methods to manage anxiety and improve focus. I applied these techniques in my own training and saw significant improvements. However, my true calling emerged when I started sharing these strategies with other combat sports athletes. Their positive feedback and success stories confirmed the effectiveness of my approach.

These experiences culminated in the development of a structured pre-match routine that addresses the psychological barriers athletes face. This routine isn’t a collection of generic tips; it's a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to help you manage anxiety, build confidence, and perform at your best.

My course, "Master the Pre-Match Routine: A Readiness Plan to Perform at Your Best," encapsulates these principles. It's practical, research-backed, and filled with actionable tools that have proven successful for many athletes. This course is about equipping you with the mental edge necessary for competition.

I created this course to share these strategies with you. It’s designed to help you build a pre-match routine that prepares you mentally and physically. This isn't just about following steps; it's about developing lasting skills that will support you throughout your Jiu Jitsu journey.

I’ve been where you are, feeling the weight of expectations and the pressure to perform. But I’ve also seen how a solid mental game can transform performance. This course is my way of helping you achieve that transformation.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. I’m excited to see where this journey takes you and to be a part of your success.

Talk soon,

Erin Herle
Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
Mental Performance Consultant