First belt promotion after 5 years

[u/Twenty_Three_Hundred]

Before starting judo, I did 5 years of bjj. I had a miserable time because the people I trained with unfortunately were not the best. I accidentally pissed off one of the coaches with a misplaced joke when was about 15 (right when I first started) so he made sure I never got promoted. Not even after winning multiple tournaments in novice and white belt divisions. There weren't any other gyms in my area within a cycleable distance, so I just had to stick it out.

I started judo 3 months ago at a fantastic gym after moving for college. Today, I was promoted to yellow belt. After about 5 and a half years of training martial arts, this is my first ever belt promotion. I cannot even begin to explain how absolutely over the moon I am to have received this belt. I had to physically keep myself from crying while i tied it around my waist because it just felt like my efforts in martial arts we're being recognised for the first time ever.

I know a promotion to yellow belt probably isn't a huge deal, but I just wanted to share a moment that I will remember probably forever. Judo is the best! (Low quality pic for proof lol)

[u/Psychological-Will29]

4 months in still white once a week though.....

[u/Fluffy_Marionberry54 → u/Psychological-Will29]

Don’t worry about how long it takes, you’ll get there. Some clubs grade more often than others, and if you’re unsure ask your coach what you need to do to be ready.