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.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
What if there's no black belt around to promote you?
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5 comments:
This only seems to be an issue with BJJ & none of the other Budo arts. Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, created the belt/obi system which spread to other martial arts. http://www.judoinfo.com/obi.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_belt_(martial_arts)
"McDojos" are usually what people refer to as "black belt factories." Pay your money, pay for your belt test & get your belt. No competition required.
Within a style/system there should be some uniformity in giving out rank/belt which would help if there is a national/international organization. But like churches, where money or politics becomes an issue somebody leaves that organization and starts a new church/dojo in order to not pay the up-line fees or membership to the governing body.
If you don't get your rank from at least a black belt, I would question the validity of the rank. Why not have teaching assistants handing out university diplomas, almost the same thing?
Belt, Rank, whatever??? Doesn't matter! Either kick ass or get ass kicked.
"Style is a crystallization." - Bruce Lee
I agree.
Does it mean that, if for example there is no BJJ black belt here in the Philippines, one has to actually travel to the US or Brazil just to get promoted?
There are also competition-oriented BJJ/Judo guys that need belts and promotions to compete in certain tournaments, not just to "move up in the ranks" so to speak.
This article also brings up a follow up question, should non-black belts be encouraged to teach BJJ?
James,
In my opinion, generally yes.
In regards to the comment about non bjj black belts teaching, I don't think there is anything wrong. Many schools have even non-ranking people teach. As long as people learn, that's all that matters to me. Now of course, some people are better than others and generally, training with a legit black belt will provide excellent training. Likewise, there are a lot of people who teach who really don't know what they are doing, yet, students believe them because they don't know any better. It's just how the world operates so make sure you do your research.
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