In any journey of mastery, especially in martial arts like jujutsu, our brains undergo transformative stages of learning. The Valente brothers capture this process in a video below that breaks down how our minds operate when adapting to the nuances of jujutsu techniques. Here at Self Defense Academy COS, we believe understanding these levels of competency can make training a more empowering and insightful experience.
The Four Levels of Competency: The Path from Unconscious Incompetence to Unconscious Competence
In being a personal trainer for many years and now adding Jujutsu to my skillset. It has always been a strong curiosity for me to understand how to create positive change in those that I work with. Neuroscience reveals that learning evolves through four primary stages:
1. Unconscious Incompetence: In other words "You don't know, that you don't know". This is that blank-slate moment when we believe we understand our environment, but for example the world of jujutsu is entirely foreign and unknown. Most students enter with this mindset, not yet aware of the intricacies involved. This stage often brings about a humbling realization that there’s something to learn—a key experience in the beginning of every journey.
2. Conscious Incompetence: As we start learning, our awareness expands. We begin recognizing the gaps in our skill and knowledge. The conscious awareness of these gaps often feels overwhelming, but it's also where motivation and a commitment to learn can truly flourish. At this stage, the brain is in high gear, actively wiring new neural pathways. This is when i like to plant the thought of "Allowing yourself to be in kindergarten." We don't need to be great at first, we just need to show up with curiosity and a want to learn.
3. Conscious Competence: The student starts to acquire their skills with increasing control and precision. Here, the brain’s neural pathways are becoming more solidified, with each repetition making moves feel a bit more natural. Each technique—once an effortful sequence of steps—begins to flow more easily. During this stage, positive self-talk and visualization can accelerate learning, helping students refine their movements and reduce errors.
4. Unconscious Competence: Finally, with consistent practice, students achieve a level where techniques happen instinctively. The brain, now deeply familiar with the movements, performs without conscious effort. This is the realm of true mastery—when we move in alignment with the principles of jujutsu without actively thinking about each step. Kind of like walking. When we walk we don't think to ourselves " I need to lift my foot, extend my hip." You get the picture. You just walk. This state is often referred to as being “in flow.” Here, we embody the skills, and they become an expression of our understanding, strength, and grace.
The Valente brothers point out that jujutsu practice can be a powerful tool for brain health, enhancing both mental resilience and physical acuity. Every new drill and movement rewires the brain, building faster reaction times and improving our ability to respond rather than react. As we work through the different levels of competency, we are not just training our bodies—we are training our minds to function in a state of heightened awareness and adaptability.
Understanding the brain’s journey through these levels is only part of the story. We can shape a training mindset that keeps us motivated and grounded. Phrases like “I am learning,” “I can improve,” and “I am mastering” can reinforce a growth mindset, helping us persist through the challenging middle stages. Visualization techniques also align with creating mental pathways that mirror physical ones, making new skills easier to integrate.
Come Experience Jujutsu at Self Defense Academy COS
At Self Defense Academy COS, our classes are designed not only to teach jujutsu but to support each student's unique learning journey through these levels of competency. Whether you are brand new or looking to deepen your practice, our classes will meet you where you are—and our passionate instructors will guide you through each step with patience and insight. Discover the powerful connection between body and mind that jujutsu offers, and take the first step toward achieving Unconscious Competence with us.
Ready to experience this transformative journey? Join us on the mat.
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Thought of the Moment: "The person who grasps principles can successfully handle their methods. The person who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to have more trouble" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Unlocking the Levels of Competency in Jujutsu: How Our Brains Learn and Adapt
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