Continuing the constant search for knowledge and putting yourself in the position of a student is fundamental to staying up to date as a teacher. This is what black belt Jonathan Renan, leader of GB Jardim Guanabara in Rio de Janeiro, believes. Jonathan Renan has considerable experience as a teacher, but challenges himself daily and is always willing to learn from everyone on the mat. “Continuing to be a student is the biggest secret to staying up to date. I think it’s a big mistake to become a black belt and think you already know enough or that what you do in training is enough. To put yourself in the role of a student is to always be willing to learn from everyone around you. Today we also have the internet to help with this learning. However, in my opinion, this is only possible if you understand that, even if you are a black belt, the ideal is that you are always looking for more knowledge,” explained Jonathan, in an interview with Almada Fight Media. The teacher as an example to their students Professor Jonathan Renan emphasized that he has worked hard to be an example to his students. That’s why he believes he needs to be a reference both inside and outside the academy. “I’ve become more and more responsible. Responsibility is something I’ve been paying more attention to since I became a black belt,” said JR. Renan pointed out that it is also the teacher’s role to make the student understand their limits. In addition, he stressed that the student’s posture on the mat is a reflection of his posture in life. As such, they need to know themselves in order to evolve both in Jiu-Jitsu and on a personal level. “I try to get them to be honest with themselves! And make them understand. What they show themselves to be on the mat in some way is a sample of what they are off it. So I try to show that the ‘weak’ can become strong as long as they are honest with themselves and understand that this honesty is their starting point for being a better person on and off the mat,” said the black belt at the head of GB Jardim Guanabara. Each teacher is nourished by a daily motivation to teach. Jonathan’s fuel is to transform the lives of people with no sporting background through Jiu-Jitsu. “It’s amazing to see that guy who arrived at the gym with no aptitude for anything, evolving. The person arrives at the gym knowing nothing, with his self-esteem down and changes completely because of Jiu-Jitsu. That’s our goal with the school. We trust in the success of GB Jardim Guanabara because we are focused and willing to do our best for the school,” concluded the black belt.