Episode 5 Highlights: How Doc Chris Earned His Black Belt in 4.5 Years
I first met Doc Chris in 2021 when I covered a professional boxing event with him. A mutual friend introduced us… they needed another ringside doc, and I enthusiastically volunteered. Since then, he’s become a good friend, mentor, and even a jiu jitsu training partner. Naturally, I had to bring him onto the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Show.
The full episode is streaming now, but I want to highlight some key lessons from his story, including how he earned his black belt in just 4.5 years!
1.Begin As A Wrestler
Not all of us start this way, but Doc Chris did. He walked into his first jiu jitsu gym with a wrestling background, took down a high-level player, and promptly got triangle-choked. He was hooked and went searching for solutions. Wrestling gave him a strong foundation, especially in top control, but it didn’t exempt him from having to learn the hard lessons of jiu jitsu.
2.Consistency
Doc Chris never missed a week of training. He averaged 3–5 sessions a week, but even when traveling or on vacation, he packed his gi.
3.Focus on Your weaknesses
Early on, Chris knew his top game was solid, but his guard was lacking. So, he pulled guard every round, avoided wrestling up, and forced himself to improve from the bottom. This is called deliberate practice.
As a coach, I tell my students the same: before a roll, pick one thing you’re working on. If you say “everything,” you’re missing the point. Figure out what you’re working on and give each roll a purpose.
4.Cross Train
Chris emphasized visiting other schools and hitting open mats. I can vouch for this. When I lived in Georgia, I drove to Atlanta often to train at Atos and Team Octopus. For me, as a smaller female athlete, that exposure to different looks was invaluable.
Fun fact: the first time Chris and I ever rolled was when he invited me to his gym the day we met. Let’s just say the 100+ pound weight difference made for an entertaining round.
5.Watch Tape
Get on YouTube and watch high level matches. There are almost too many resources out there today, which is a great problem to have. Watch instructionals and competitions to see what works and what doesn’t.
6.Compete
This will expose your weaknesses. Whether you win or lose. Although losing typically brings more to light for those super competitive types out there.
7.The Intructors Matter
Having a high level, or multiple high level, instructors helps. If you want to compete, find an instructor that either competed or is still actively competing.
Some things I look for in my professors are:
Open to questions
Allow… and promote cross training
Support competition prep and travel with you for competition (when they can)
Trouble shoot problems with you
Admit when they don’t know or are wrong
Final Thoughts
Conversations like this are why I started Doctor Jiu Jitsu. If you are in the Atlanta area, go train with Doc Chris! If you are in the Atlanta area and have an orthopaedic injury, he is your guy. Work on some of these keys to success and never give up on your black belt quest.
If you missed Episode #5 with Doc Chris, catch it here: Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Stay tuned for Episode #6 dropping the first Friday of next month.
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Dr. Megan Lisset Jimenez
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