Rules for main forums
- Be nice
- No advertisement
- No events
- No fundraisers
- No topics asking for votes
- Only posts related to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Did Black belt still compete ?
4 year(s) ago • 6949 views • 49 replies
BZBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
Hi,
I was looking on smoothcomp, to find good Black belt competitions not to far, like 2hours plane, but saddly it seems that People stop compete when they archive the Black belt, in Belgium i think we have maybe around 200 Black belt in BJJ but when you look at the competitions only a few take part....and it seems to be the same in other countries, do you feel the same?
Is it about reputation or because of age or injuries ?
Hi,
I was looking on smoothcomp, to find good Black belt competitions not to far, like 2hours plane, but saddly it seems that People stop compete when they archive the Black belt, in Belgium i think we have maybe around 200 Black belt in BJJ but when you look at the competitions only a few take part....and it seems to be the same in other countries, do you feel the same?
Is it about reputation or because of age or injuries ?
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
That's the only way to stay an undefeated blackbelt ;)
OHBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
i think jorgen made a point.
i'm no black belt , but with 20 years of grappling,...... i can smell the Ego in the answer i would give even if injuries and aging is a reality
i'm no black belt , but with 20 years of grappling,...... i can smell the Ego in the answer i would give even if injuries and aging is a reality
Edited 4 year(s) ago
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
i think jorgen made a point. i'm no black belt , but with 20 years of grappling,...... i can smell the Ego in the answer i would give even if injuries and aging is a reality
I do think there's a fair point to be made that at some point, life just happens and it's very few people who can keep competing forever. In my own career, I competed quite intensely in my 20s and up through my early 30s at all colored belts. This was 10+ years of active competing. Then comes kids, career and life and it's simply not a priority any more to keep spending money and time on it. I don't think I'm the only one with a story like this. Most people start young with plenty of time and energy for it. Eventually after approximately 12 years, 2 months and 7 days (according to Beltchecker statistics), they become black belts, but at that point, how many of them are in the same situation to keep competing? It's only a fraction of people who become Jiu Jitsu instructors as a profession and does nothing else in their life. I would guess the vast majority at that point are injured and busy with other things.
I love competing and I will do it at every opportunity I get. It's just not a priority for me in life anymore.
I love competing and I will do it at every opportunity I get. It's just not a priority for me in life anymore.
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
I've only competed once as a blackbelt and even then it was not a blackbelt division... But we've had this pandemic thing going on past 2 years also so...
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
Hi, I was looking on smoothcomp...
I think that's the thing: you're looking on smoothcomp. Fortunately or unfortunately, if you want to find black belt divisions with more than just zero or one person in them, you have to compete in ibjjf tournaments. I just competed this past weekend and had 7 other old, crusty dudes in my division. I even had 3 opponents in my nogi division.
The chances of me finding ANY black belts, let alone black belts my age/weight in anything on smoothcomp just isn't that likely.
The chances of me finding ANY black belts, let alone black belts my age/weight in anything on smoothcomp just isn't that likely.
BZBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
I think that's the thing: you're looking on smoothcomp. Fortunately or unfortunately, if you want to find black belt divisions with more than just zero or one person in them, you have to compete in ibjjf tournaments. I just competed this past weekend and had 7 other old, crusty dudes in my division. I even had 3 opponents in my nogi division. The chances of me finding ANY black belts, let alone black belts my age/weight in anything on smoothcomp just isn't that likely.
As i write on another post, around 2007-8 i did compete in european and other ibjjf competitions, it didn't require any licence or belt validation on that time, you can register only by paying the fees. Then they change the rules and the racket thing start...obligation to be in official academy, Black belt diploma, licence,....if i want to register i have to pay around 600€ and wait two years of aproval, doing the curse again because i did it in 2010 and is not validation anymore....then you can start registration with 100€ fees every competition....like Christian says, I have two childs, a house to pay, charges,... i'm not the crazy dude who work 100hours/week to put enough money to travel in brazil back then.
Just had motivation to do a few more fights
Just had motivation to do a few more fights
Edited 4 year(s) ago
CBBrown beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I do think there's a fair point to be made that at some point, life just happens and it's very few people who can keep competing forever.
I personally think this is the much bigger factor. I'm a Masters 4 purple belt and I recently started registering for younger age groups just so I can be sure there'll be more than one opponent. You generally see a huge drop off on participants across all divisions once you pass 30 and that just gets worse as you age up. Honestly, most people with kids in my gym are just happy to be able to train twice a week.
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
Honestly, most people with kids in my gym are just happy to be able to train twice a week.
This.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: kids ruin everything.
CBBrown beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: kids ruin everything.
Soooooo happy my now wife stated very clearly when we first started dating that she never wants to have kids. :-D :-D :-D
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
ADCC Estonian Open is coming up in a bit more than 2 weeks, come do it, then stay for Spring Camp :D
https://adccestonia.eu/
https://adccestonia.eu/
TPBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
Yes I think big part of it is competing and especially the training for a competition increases the chance of injury. Just did some refereeing at a tournament and they do happen (saw two ACLs go, one shoulder, one rib...).
When one reaches black belt (at least around here, where it's still not super common, and happens at a relatively old age) they likely have more responsibilities in the gym, instructing and coaching the others. Training yourself properly might be challenging if it's not for some small for-fun type of a local tourney, and risking injury may not be so attractive with family, work and gym commitments.
When one reaches black belt (at least around here, where it's still not super common, and happens at a relatively old age) they likely have more responsibilities in the gym, instructing and coaching the others. Training yourself properly might be challenging if it's not for some small for-fun type of a local tourney, and risking injury may not be so attractive with family, work and gym commitments.
CBBrown beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
ADCC Estonian Open is coming up in a bit more than 2 weeks, come do it, then stay for Spring Camp :D https://adccestonia.eu/
I'm actually already signed up for the German Open in April. Had to write the Organizer to ask if I could compete in the +35 group instead of the +45 one. Didn't feel like driving to Herrenberg for one fight.
I'll let you know how it turns out. ;)
I'll let you know how it turns out. ;)
TPBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I'm actually already signed up for the German Open in April. Had to write the Organizer to ask if I could compete in the +35 group instead of the +45 one. Didn't feel like driving to Herrenberg for one fight. I'll let you know how it turns out. ;)
ADCC often allows people to compete in multiple divisions (such as Adult + Masters), just have to pay the fee for both. At least in the Finnish Nationals/Opens it works like this.
CBBrown beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
ADCC often allows people to compete in multiple divisions (such as Adult + Masters), just have to pay the fee for both. At least in the Finnish Nationals/Opens it works like this.
Yeah, my problem was Smoothcomp wasn't allowing me to register for anything except the +45 division. After emailing the Organizer back and forth for 2 weeks, I didn't feel like trying another division.
CBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
If you want matches at black belt you need to go sign up for IBJJF. Seems like most black belts don’t want to risk losing to lower belts, as most of these small tournaments don’t have other black belts competing.
JJBlack beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: kids ruin everything.
Just had one of those 20 days ago.
My attempted sleep schedule is the best it's ever been.
My actual sleep and recovery is the worst it's ever been.
My attempted sleep schedule is the best it's ever been.
My actual sleep and recovery is the worst it's ever been.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
CBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
If you want matches at black belt you need to go sign up for IBJJF. Seems like most black belts don’t want to risk losing to lower belts, as most of these small tournaments don’t have other black belts competing.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
Com[petition is a funny thing as truthfully it is artificial .
I have had 3 competitive careers from 15 to 26 when I broke my neck.. I LIVED to compete and in stupid youthful fashion wanted to be the BEST and the baddest guy out there. I was very successful as a kick boxer but honestly it was such an obsession / compulsion I did not really enjoy it.
It took me 10 years to get medical clearance but I came back at 37 and fought until 44... KB , MMA and also compered in grappling honestly I was trying to prove the doctors and anyone who told me I would never do it again wrong. I did well but it was a hollow feeling and once again chasing something that wasn't real. Also the training and competing got in the way of life so I retired and was 100% done with competition.
At 48 was diagnosed with cancer and at one point was unable to even train. I got my health back, starting training and teaching again and really found a joy in being back on the mats. Thought I should give a tourney a try and remembered what I love obout competing and realized I had piled all sorts of stupid stuff on something I liked and had turned it into a project.
In my 50's I am having the time of my life because I don't really care about the results I love the process win or I lose but the key is I am able to do. Life is funny the way it flows
I have had 3 competitive careers from 15 to 26 when I broke my neck.. I LIVED to compete and in stupid youthful fashion wanted to be the BEST and the baddest guy out there. I was very successful as a kick boxer but honestly it was such an obsession / compulsion I did not really enjoy it.
It took me 10 years to get medical clearance but I came back at 37 and fought until 44... KB , MMA and also compered in grappling honestly I was trying to prove the doctors and anyone who told me I would never do it again wrong. I did well but it was a hollow feeling and once again chasing something that wasn't real. Also the training and competing got in the way of life so I retired and was 100% done with competition.
At 48 was diagnosed with cancer and at one point was unable to even train. I got my health back, starting training and teaching again and really found a joy in being back on the mats. Thought I should give a tourney a try and remembered what I love obout competing and realized I had piled all sorts of stupid stuff on something I liked and had turned it into a project.
In my 50's I am having the time of my life because I don't really care about the results I love the process win or I lose but the key is I am able to do. Life is funny the way it flows
CBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
If you want matches at black belt you need to go sign up for IBJJF. Seems like most black belts don’t want to risk losing to lower belts, as most of these small tournaments don’t have other black belts competing.
JCPurple beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
I agree with the others that say life priorities have changed by the time people reach black belt and that you need to go to a more reputable organization for matches. Most people that are still competing at black belt have done their time at the lesser organizations and have decided it isn't worth it to go to those. The drama and lack of professionalism they often display just isn't something they want to deal with. Another thing is the disparity of experience in black belt divisions. If I ever get my black belt, I'll probably be at least 50 years old with 11 years of grappling experience when it happens. If I were to sign up to compete at that time I could easily be competing with another 50 year old black belt that has 30 years of grappling experience. We would never expect a blue belt to compete with a brown belt, but we expect that exact thing in the black belt divisions. A lot of people look at that situation and don't want to mess with it.
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
I managed to compete last weekend at a small, local tournament in Guadeloupe. While the level was not very high, at least I got a few matches and it was a fun trip with my friends/students. Also, very importantly, it's always a big inspiration for a team when the coach is competing. I'll keep doing it at every chance I get, as long as I train Jiu Jitsu (knowing that it won't be many chances).
FBBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
I still try to compete 2 or 3 times per year, but as I grow older it is just a little bit harder every year to stay in shape, get comp ready, manage your weight AND carry on with your life, family , school, students etc.
BZBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
I agree with the others that say life priorities have changed by the time people reach black belt and that you need to go to a more reputable organization for matches. Most people that are still competing at black belt have done their time at the lesser organizations and have decided it isn't worth it to go to those. The drama and lack of professionalism they often display just isn't something they want to deal with. Another thing is the disparity of experience in black belt divisions. If I ever get my black belt, I'll probably be at least 50 years old with 11 years of grappling experience when it happens. If I were to sign up to compete at that time I could easily be competing with another 50 year old black belt that has 30 years of grappling experience. We would never expect a blue belt to compete with a brown belt, but we expect that exact thing in the black belt divisions. A lot of people look at that situation and don't want to mess with it.
my first match as a black belt, i was like 4 month graduated black belt, i had to face Omar Salum, a 5th degree black belt under Royler Gracie who was black belt world champion the exact same year i start to train jiujitsu..... in black belt, you enter in deep water....
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
My first match as a black belt... I went against a whitebelt... was physically intense, got safe win on points. In my 2nd match I faced a purple...and lost on points...
This was early summer 2019 and I haven't competed since (mostly due Covid). There's ADCC Estonian Open coming up but I'm going to referee and corner this time around...
This was early summer 2019 and I haven't competed since (mostly due Covid). There's ADCC Estonian Open coming up but I'm going to referee and corner this time around...
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
Another thing is the disparity of experience in black belt divisions. If I ever get my black belt, I'll probably be at least 50 years old with 11 years of grappling experience when it happens. If I were to sign up to compete at that time I could easily be competing with another 50 year old black belt that has 30 years of grappling experience. We would never expect a blue belt to compete with a brown belt, but we expect that exact thing in the black belt divisions. A lot of people look at that situation and don't want to mess with it.
It's not like the football teams that just moved up to Premier League has much of a chance against the top 5-10 clubs :)
It is what it is and there's nothing unfair about it. Black belt is black belt. Step up, compete and grow into it!
It is what it is and there's nothing unfair about it. Black belt is black belt. Step up, compete and grow into it!
JCPurple beltVerified
4 year(s) ago
It is what it is and there's nothing unfair about it. Black belt is black belt.
That's really easy to say when you're going to be the 50 year old black black belt with 30 years of experience competing against the new black belt with 10 years. Regardless of what you think, all black belts are not the same.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
4 year(s) ago
It is what it is and there's nothing unfair about it. Black belt is black belt. Step up, compete and grow into it!
This is the way.
I've competed at 3 tournaments so far as a black belt, and I can confirm that it's a whole other ball game. That being said, I also don't feel as though even the most experienced guys in my division are totally unbeatable (even though I usually lose to them).
The way I look at it, I'm losing to some of the best in the world at my weight/ age/ level, so there's really nothing to feel bad about, or have some sort of fear that my students will abandon me or something.
For reference, I just got my black belt less than 6 months ago.
If anything, I feel encouraged and motivated to work toward improving my game so one day I can start beating these guys more often.
I've competed at 3 tournaments so far as a black belt, and I can confirm that it's a whole other ball game. That being said, I also don't feel as though even the most experienced guys in my division are totally unbeatable (even though I usually lose to them).
The way I look at it, I'm losing to some of the best in the world at my weight/ age/ level, so there's really nothing to feel bad about, or have some sort of fear that my students will abandon me or something.
For reference, I just got my black belt less than 6 months ago.
If anything, I feel encouraged and motivated to work toward improving my game so one day I can start beating these guys more often.
