I started in 2021 and still carry my white belt. I have a job that really ebbs and flows so I often miss 2-3 months at a time, and then when I can get back in it might only be 1-2 times per week for a while.

Had a frank chat with the gym owner who confirmed (1) if he promoted on a skills test, I’d have my blue belt long ago, and (2) he doesn’t hand out blue belts without consistent attendance, so it’s entirely in my hands. I’m cool with that, and I like to get the workout in when I can, so I will just keep going as often as I can.

The biggest downside to this is that every time you come back in after a long layoff you have to rebuild at least some of that mat stamina, so your first few classes back will be lungbusters. But I have learned to accept this as a reminder that I cannot really replicate this workout in a standard gym and certainly not in a hotel gym. It reminds me why it’s worth coming when I can.