Many of us have heard the saying: “There is no “I” in team!” And as many of us have heard the response of individualists: “Yes … but there is an “I” in win!”

Leaving aside the response of the aforementioned individualists, the value of working together as a team is immeasurable.

Is it really immeasurable?

To try to answer this question, we can use the recent history of the Las Vegas Open held this past weekend. It was an important event on the competition calendar of Jiu-Jitsu and Gracie Barra was there in search of winning another championship. As usual each athlete competing at the event can dispute its category. Many Gracie Barra champions were at the event representing the red shield… renowned athletes like Flavio Almeida, Philipe Della Monica and AJ Agazarm.

Gracie Barra athletes put their names into history at the event as well as the champions of other teams.  However, The Gracie Barra athletes mentioned above, who defended the red shield and podium, still took home the satisfaction and recognition from their peers for their contributions to the movement of Jiu-Jitsu for everyone and strengthening of a legacy passed down from Grand Master Carlos Gracie, and other jiu-jitsu legends such as Hélio Gracie, Rolles Gracie, Carlos Gracie Jr.

“It’s like the popular saying goes ‘I’ll accomplish more today being part of a team than I’ll ever accomplish alone.’
I want to emphasize to you that there is a huge personal benefit in developing a team mentality.”

Today let’s talk about team mentality and the learning opportunity the Las Vegas Open brought us. Whenever we participate in any activity where we are interacting or depending on the performance of others, we have a great opportunity for personal growth and learning – i.e. assimilate and put to use the information and experience that we were exposed. If our first reaction being part of a team is that the other team guys bring us down, or we are the “star” and the rest of the team is not … we are not demonstrating the maturity and wisdom to work in a team.

The union of the team depends on individuals working together to achieve a common goal, in the case of Las Vegas Open this union was reflected in the ability of different individuals contesting their individual categories while scoring the necessary points for the team bringing home the Championships for Gracie Barra. No matter how well the team members relate, if they do not work for a common goal, it make things difficult to be successful. We do not have to like every member of our team to achieve the goal, but it certainly helps. What is more important is that there is respect, if we accept the differences and the strengths and weaknesses of each team member.

“If you want to develop a better team mentality, you need to strive to have a positive attitude. Look for the strengths of each member of the team and see how they contribute to the common goal. “

A strong team starts with the confidence that they will be able to complete the tasks at hand. When anyone doubts this the team’s strength decreases.

We learned a lot from successful teamwork that made Las Vegas great. Here are some tips selected by our instructors to develop a strong team mentality:

1) Look for the strengths of others. Take the initiative to do it deliberately and it will change your attitude towards others. When you change your attitude, change your actions and responses that you receive from other people on the team and it will be encouraging.

2) Find the common goal. If there isn’t a goal, you are part of a group. Teams want to achieve something. Understand what that something is and make a plan. If there is no plan, there is no focus.

3) Ask your teammates which task can help them. This is a great way for others to comfortably share the areas that they need help or to demonstrate their skills to achieve their recognition. They will also do the same for you. At least you can use that time to appreciate the strengths of their teammates and build relationships that produce confidence.

4) Put personal feelings aside… then share their personal feelings. While this may seem confusing, believe that demonstrating that you can put your emotions aside to add the team makes your opinion more relevant. If you simply say, “I do not like you!” Or visibly demonstrate frustration, it can be interpreted as immature. A simple “Can I talk to you about what I thought of his attitude?” This can do a lot for you and others.

5) Try to be close to those who know more than you. Humility is the key to becoming a star. We’re not talking about false humility … but a correct assessment of oneself. If you surround yourself with older people that you respect and who know more than you … automatically you will be more likely to sympathize with teammates and recognize their strengths.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the achievement of the a team tittle securing the 2nd place at the Open in Las Vegas! We’re still in the month of August and Gracie Barra has won titles in Lisbon, Houston, New York, California, Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis and the list of cities where we fight this year continues. Already more than 20 titles won in the name of Master Carlos and his vision of bringing Jiu-Jitsu for everyone.

Respectfully,
Team GB Brazil.

Over 20 titles in 2013

♫ Uh is Gracie Barra Aha Uhu ♫

Gracie Barra is the team with the most titles in 2013

GB Competitors will continue to set winning ways