What if there's no black belt around to promote you?

Some readers commented on my previous post, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt promotions. You can check out the comments for yourself in the entry. I wanted to bring up the question as a separate blog, just in case some of you don't get to read the comments.

So, do you think a lower belt, let's say a purple or brown, should be able to promote if a black belt isn't around? The answer depends on who you ask and whether there are special situations that require a lower belt to promote. Did you know that most people who answer, "it's okay" are lower belts? I find that amusing--just thought I'd share that with you. Personally, I think it's better to get promoted by a black belt: it follows tradition, generates more respect for your rank, and it helps ensure that a promotion is genuine (of course, there are some black belts who just give belts away).

Sometimes, if it's impossible for a group of students to visit their black belt or for the black belt to visit, then in special circumstances, I think a brown belt could promote, but there are some conditions. First, the black belt must really know the brown belt and be confident in his or her abilities. Second, the black belt must know the person the brown belt wants to promote (i.e. has seen the person move, knows how the person performs, etc.). Third, the black belt must give the brown belt his/her blessing. Fourth, the brown belt doesn't ask to promote someone. Rather, the brown belt indicates to the black belt that he/she thinks this person is ready and waits to hear what the black belt has to say. Yes, even with this all done, I still think only black belts should promote. Now, if the black belt can visit or the students can visit the black belt, then they should wait until that time comes.

A belt is a belt. Don't be too pre-occupied with it. If you deserve it, it will come.