I mean, I thought the whole point of this was becoming an independent thing, trusted and reliable. Surely 'paid IBJJF fees' should not be mandatory for validation.

I like to look for evidence of coaching and/or competition prowess. To me, certificate or connection with only one instructor is secondary.

Just to make it clear, confirmed verified coach is just one of the factors I look at :) I guess I could say that the more time and effort they have put into building their profile and fill out everything, the more I’ll consider looking into it and voting. Competition record, videos of matches, etc definitely is a big plus. If you’re lazy with your profile, I don’t care investing in it.

Great question, Toby. As a fellow 'pendee' I've been curious as to what makes a profile seem legit. Especially as so few people here (so far) would have a clue as to your lineage based on a few photos, certs and such. One that would definitely give me confidence, is a copy of an athlete's IBJJF status. Having just submitted my credentials and been approved for membership with the IBJJF, I would have no hesitation in voting up an IBJJF member. Especially since it appears that your academy and instructor have to have been vetted by, and be members of that organization. Like anything though, I guess it can be faked online. I like your idea of the comp videos. They would be ideal for those that have competed recently. Not so much old farts like yours truly. :)

I actually didn't include my ibjjf certification on purpose. I figured if someone searched they could find it. I thought that I would try to prove my legitimacy in other ways.

Confirmed promotions and coach relationship with verified instructor profile, definitely helps.

I actually didn't include my ibjjf certification on purpose. I figured if someone searched they could find it. I thought that I would try to prove my legitimacy in other ways.

Are you all more willing to pull the trigger to verify a blue than a brown or black belt. I am. If I see enough to think that a school is legit and a blue belt had pictures to prove they were promoted there I would give them the thumbs up, but a brown or black I'd want to see more, I'd do digging of my own, and I'd like to see video of rolling out competition.

Are you all more willing to pull the trigger to verify a blue than a brown or black belt. I am. If I see enough to think that a school is legit and a blue belt had pictures to prove they were promoted there I would give them the thumbs up, but a brown or black I'd want to see more, I'd do digging of my own, and I'd like to see video of rolling out competition.

Are you all more willing to pull the trigger to verify a blue than a brown or black belt. I am. If I see enough to think that a school is legit and a blue belt had pictures to prove they were promoted there I would give them the thumbs up, but a brown or black I'd want to see more, I'd do digging of my own, and I'd like to see video of rolling out competition.

I think most black and brown belts have some form of online presence even if they aren't the ones putting it out there.

What has become standard and regular would have been thought of as weird when I was growing up, and I still find it weird.

Lineage, beyond who promoted them.

Lineage, beyond who promoted them.

Being a bit of a lineage snob, I'd like to see an official spot for that in the profiles.

I suggested this feature, and Christian's reply was that one can just put it in the 'Description' section.

Is that the 'Wall' section? I was wondering whether that would be the appropriate spot.

Nope, you can find it from the ”Edit profile” options. Then it will show under the information about your gym, affiliation & social media links. (You can type any text in there, take a look at my profile for an example.)