Closing the Gap
In Jiu-Jitsu we believe that he who manages the distance, manages the damage. There are only 2 places you want to be as a jiu-jitsu fighter…
Too far away to get hurt. Which basically means you are just out of reach.
In too close to get hurt. Which means you are Clinching to and controlling your opponent in some fashion.
In order to transition from Point A (being out of reach), to point B (The Clinch), you have to learn to safely & effectively “Close the gap”. Likewise, when you are Clinching you have to learn to safely & effectively create distance when necessary.
This is an ongoing process in jiu-jitsu. If you learn to master distance management, you are essentially in control of the fight.
Closing the gap is a vulnerable action because you have to cross the danger zone in order to do so. The danger zone, or the gap, is the area where your opponent has the ability to possibly inflict serious damage on you. It’s the area between point A and point B. It’s the area you don’t want to be in. It takes proper skill, timing, confidence and follow through to do this safely and effectively.
This relates to life and growth in so many ways! Anyone who has a desire to grow or to set and reach goals has to learn to effectively identify & “Close the Gap”.
In the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, John Maxwell reveals 8 traps in our growth that he translates into 8 Gaps in our Learning.
The Assumption Gap - I assume that you will automatically grow.
The Knowledge Gap - I don’t know how to grow.
The Timing Gap - It’s not the right time to begin.
The Mistake Gap - I am afraid of making a mistake.
The Perfection Gap - I have to find the best way before I start.
The Inspiration Gap - I don’t feel like doing it.
The Comparison Gap - Others are better than I am.
The Expectation Gap - I thought it would be easier.
In order for us to grow or reach a goal, we have to travel from point A to point B. There is always a “Distance Gap” that needs to be closed in this process. Depending on the goal, the gap may be smaller or larger. We learn to effectively close this gap by developing a game plan for action and implementing it. On top of the ability to close the “Distance Gap” we have to identify and close the “Prevention Gap”. The prevention gaps are the 8 gaps I just listed above. These gaps prevent us from growing because they keep us stuck in a space that causes us to hesitate. In jiu-jitsu, the last thing you want to do when closing the gap, is hesitate. Hesitation will get you hurt.
In life, hesitation can prevent you from ever taking that next step, reaching your goals, and enjoying the many blessings that come with closing the gap.
Take a moment to reflect on what some of your current goals and dreams are.
What do you wish you were doing or could do?
Are you working towards that goal?
Who do you wish to become? (What kind of person do you want to be?)
Are you working towards this? How?
What’s preventing you? (Which prevention gap is keeping you from working toward it?)
How are YOU going to close the gap?