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Do I deserve my belt? Imposter syndrome in bjj
2 year(s) ago • 22338 views • 51 replies
JBBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
This is something we all struggle with, do I deserve my belt? Understanding just how individual Jiujitsu is and we cannot compare ourselves to other practitioners. There are so many variables to take into consideration. My wife Sara (a purple belt) & I discussed on our Podcast. You can see/hear the entire conversation on YouTube or Spotify. I posted the link, I don’t know if it’ll work or not, but it’s Rolling Conversations Bjj. We would really love to hear you thoughts & stories on the topic.
https://youtu.be/QouhHHFv[...]-tIhZNXbkK
https://youtu.be/QouhHHFv[...]-tIhZNXbkK
JABlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
This is something we all struggle with, do I deserve my belt? Understanding just how individual Jiujitsu is and we cannot compare ourselves to other practitioners. There are so many variables to take into consideration. My wife Sara (a purple belt) & I discussed on our Podcast. You can see/hear the entire conversation on YouTube or Spotify. I posted the link, I don’t know if it’ll work or not, but it’s Rolling Conversations Bjj. We would really love to hear you thoughts & stories on the topic. https://youtu.be/QouhHHFv[...]-tIhZNXbkK
I'll check this out, thanks for sharing.
RBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Definitely a commonly faced dilemma. I'll check out your video to hear your insights. I've encountered imposter syndrome at every single rank after being newly promoted - but it felt far heavier at black belt than previous levels. My current belief is that it's a lifetime journey representing that belt.
CBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Never felt like I didn't deserve my promotions. Black belt was close though, as I got smashed by everybody during that camp. But I had plenty of injuries (means excuses, lol) going into that camp. And I had been at brown for 6 years at that point.
Used to suffer from the impostor syndrome when I started getting paid for teaching, but that went away as soon as the students started showing improvement.
It can be difficult to track progress in this sport/martial art for sure.
Used to suffer from the impostor syndrome when I started getting paid for teaching, but that went away as soon as the students started showing improvement.
It can be difficult to track progress in this sport/martial art for sure.
JJBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Wearing a belt is easy.
Teaching is the hard part.
Teaching is the hard part.
JBBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Great ins thank you
HSBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
I have always felt that as soon as I was getting somewhat comfortable with my rank they would promote me and the imposter syndrome cycle would start again! I certainly feel it but at the same time understand that it is human natire to downplay our strengths. For instance I only have a rudimentary knowledge of some guards that dont fit my body type and game yet have very well developed skills in other positions, as well a good feel for the 'invisible' stuff of base, balance, timing etc. I definitely feel the heaviness of wearing a black belt now and regardless of rank, there is always someone who will make you feel like its your first day on the mats of you are in the game long enough.
DKBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
As of right now, my current rank (brown belt) I have felt the most insecure about. It did not help that the moment I started to feeling strong and confident in my rank some twit blows out my pcl and acl during practice. (Said twit gets social media notoriety by throwing a competitor into the judges booth stand. 🙄) I am sure I will probably feel the same way whenever I receive my black belt. Jordan Peterson talks about imposter syndrome with Chris Williamson and it is a good listen. I believe it happens in every new sport and career progression you take on. It is just the nature of the beast.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Honestly I never feel like I "deserve" my belt. It's a weird paradox for me as I don't really have a thing with belts to me they allow you
to compete at that level but at the same time I see what they mean to others and at times feel lacking
to compete at that level but at the same time I see what they mean to others and at times feel lacking
SEBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Yes, I did not feel ready for each of my BJJ-belts.
But every time all the peers told me that it was the right time and I should all my doubts let go.
Well, I think, that for some reason it is not me to decide about my own belt-level.💁🏻♂️
But every time all the peers told me that it was the right time and I should all my doubts let go.
Well, I think, that for some reason it is not me to decide about my own belt-level.💁🏻♂️
ARBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Get this through your head. You only deserve your belt if Lord Jonah says so.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Can we get a badge verified by Johan (not the whale)
JBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Upvoted. James Upvoted. I hereby issue him a licence to chill (and not feel like an imposter).
I can't remember ever hearing of a subpar Carlson lineage BB. It is easier to be critical of yourself and even very successful people can feel like imposters at times, but it might be easier to look around you at the standards of the other BB:s of your instructor as compared to BB:s of other instructors. Are his other BB:s of a high level then probably so are you.
The better you get, the more you also realise how much you don't know (basic Dunning Kruger effect - google it if you haven't heard of it). That insight might actially be a sign of maturity and not a sign of being an impostor. Best way to know is not to shy away from exposing yourself and placing yourself in situations when your skills meet and can be compared to the skills of high level practitioners. That's also the best way to continue evolving.
I can't remember ever hearing of a subpar Carlson lineage BB. It is easier to be critical of yourself and even very successful people can feel like imposters at times, but it might be easier to look around you at the standards of the other BB:s of your instructor as compared to BB:s of other instructors. Are his other BB:s of a high level then probably so are you.
The better you get, the more you also realise how much you don't know (basic Dunning Kruger effect - google it if you haven't heard of it). That insight might actially be a sign of maturity and not a sign of being an impostor. Best way to know is not to shy away from exposing yourself and placing yourself in situations when your skills meet and can be compared to the skills of high level practitioners. That's also the best way to continue evolving.
JJBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
Upvoted. James Upvoted. I hereby issue him a licence to chill (and not feel like an imposter). I can't remember ever hearing of a subpar Carlson lineage BB. It is easier to be critical of yourself and even very successful people can feel like imposters at times, but it might be easier to look around you at the standards of the other BB:s of your instructor as compared to BB:s of other instructors. Are his other BB:s of a high level then probably so are you. The better you get, the more you also realise how much you don't know (basic Dunning Kruger effect - google it if you haven't heard of it). That insight might actially be a sign of maturity and not a sign of being an impostor. Best way to know is not to shy away from exposing yourself and placing yourself in situations when your skills meet and can be compared to the skills of high level practitioners. That's also the best way to continue evolving.
Call me crazy but I don't think being a being a high level practitioner is a black belt requirement.
If a qualified black belt makes you a black belt then your a black belt. That is the only requirement.
If a qualified black belt makes you a black belt then your a black belt. That is the only requirement.
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
What I've often said - it's not about if you trust YOURSELF to be up to the standard.
It's if you trust your coaches.
If you think your coaches are imposters - that's a real problem now (AND BELTCHECKER POLICE CAN HELP YOU :D )
If you think they're legit - just go train :)
It's if you trust your coaches.
If you think your coaches are imposters - that's a real problem now (AND BELTCHECKER POLICE CAN HELP YOU :D )
If you think they're legit - just go train :)
Edited 2 year(s) ago
JBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Call me crazy but I don't think being a being a high level practitioner is a black belt requirement. If a qualified black belt makes you a black belt then your a black belt. That is the only requirement.
According to IBJJF criteria, meeting the time frames in each belt and a qualified BB promoting you (along with some dough to IBJJF of course) makes you a legit BB.
How many have you ever met yourself who has a legit lineage and BB promotion but isn't a high level practitioner? Perhaps not a top level competitor but with high standards never the less? I sometimes hear about bought subpar BB:s from legit lineages but I've never actually came across such a BB. If it were to happen, i surely hope the word spreads fast and it shouldn't be difficult for other nearby BB:s to reach and communicate a concensus that the lineage in question has devaluated itself.
How many have you ever met yourself who has a legit lineage and BB promotion but isn't a high level practitioner? Perhaps not a top level competitor but with high standards never the less? I sometimes hear about bought subpar BB:s from legit lineages but I've never actually came across such a BB. If it were to happen, i surely hope the word spreads fast and it shouldn't be difficult for other nearby BB:s to reach and communicate a concensus that the lineage in question has devaluated itself.
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
And now I will derail the thread... :p
https://m.facebook.com/fa[...]600400139/
In my opinion, that's not a way a BJJ blackbelt should do nor demonstrate ways to pass guard in the Lord's year 2023.
But that's like...just my opinion man...
https://m.facebook.com/fa[...]600400139/
In my opinion, that's not a way a BJJ blackbelt should do nor demonstrate ways to pass guard in the Lord's year 2023.
But that's like...just my opinion man...
JBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
And now I will derail the thread... :p https://m.facebook.com/fa[...]600400139/ In my opinion, that's not a way a BJJ blackbelt should do nor demonstrate ways to pass guard in the Lord's year 2023. But that's like...just my opinion man...
The sloppy execution or the choice of techniques? Even if standing passes are favoured now adays, there are still good principles and use to be found in the sitting passes (everything is not the mundials). I actually think everyone should know about them. Especially if you're heavy, old and/or limited in your movements, these passes still have merit, IMHO.
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Sloppy execution, choice of details, opening guard "I just press and they open" etc
GJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
I feel like i don’t deserve my rank a lot. When starting thinking that way I catch myself and consider the people I’m comparing myself to. If compared to the elite competitors out there, I don’t fit in at all. When I look at people like myself, I think I’m doing alright. Also, my Professor and his Professor (who is a pretty legendary figure in the BJJ world) promoted me so there’s that…..
JJBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
And now I will derail the thread... :p https://m.facebook.com/fa[...]600400139/ In my opinion, that's not a way a BJJ blackbelt should do nor demonstrate ways to pass guard in the Lord's year 2023. But that's like...just my opinion man...
His head look down and his eyes down just annoy me.
Your opponents number one goal is normally to break your posture down. You don't even need to look at your opponent when escaping a closed guard. You should be able to do it with a blindfold on.
Simply keeping your head up and your eyes up make it so much harder for your opponent to break down your posture. The only time I will ever break down my own posture is in a triangle defense. I can't stand Rener Gracie but he has one of the best Triangle defense video's I have ever seen that actually works.
@Johan A lot of people today are getting their Black Belts in 7 to 8 years that are not what I would call high level. Several are at a level where they maybe would have a purple belt at most from some academies. Is what it is. I would rather face a brand new black belt my age than a young purple belt when competing. Some places pushing the belts out to try to make more money from affiliates and seminars. But again being amazing at jiu-jitsu I don't think is an actual black belt requirement like I use to. I think being a good coach and your ability to teach and general understanding of everything overall is a better reflection. And as people get older they just generally suck more and by the time some people get their black belt their bodies are broken and their desire is gone.
Your opponents number one goal is normally to break your posture down. You don't even need to look at your opponent when escaping a closed guard. You should be able to do it with a blindfold on.
Simply keeping your head up and your eyes up make it so much harder for your opponent to break down your posture. The only time I will ever break down my own posture is in a triangle defense. I can't stand Rener Gracie but he has one of the best Triangle defense video's I have ever seen that actually works.
@Johan A lot of people today are getting their Black Belts in 7 to 8 years that are not what I would call high level. Several are at a level where they maybe would have a purple belt at most from some academies. Is what it is. I would rather face a brand new black belt my age than a young purple belt when competing. Some places pushing the belts out to try to make more money from affiliates and seminars. But again being amazing at jiu-jitsu I don't think is an actual black belt requirement like I use to. I think being a good coach and your ability to teach and general understanding of everything overall is a better reflection. And as people get older they just generally suck more and by the time some people get their black belt their bodies are broken and their desire is gone.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
And as people get older they just generally suck more and by the time some people get their black belt their bodies are broken and their desire is gone
A sad truth at times
JJBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
A sad truth at times
I'm always impressed by the 50 year old black belts that still always try to roll with anyone. Even when they know some lower belt about to try to show out on them for no reason at all.
Edited 2 year(s) ago
CBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
And now I will derail the thread... :p https://m.facebook.com/fa[...]600400139/ In my opinion, that's not a way a BJJ blackbelt should do nor demonstrate ways to pass guard in the Lord's year 2023. But that's like...just my opinion man...
Black belt in awkward... oof.
ARBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
And as people get older they just generally suck more and by the time some people get their black belt their bodies are broken and their desire is gone.
Yep. If (and that's a big if) I were to be awarded my bb, I don't know how I would feel. Sometimes I think I might deserve it, but mostly not. After 18 years of training consistently, if I haven't been told, "you deserve your bb", there's probably a reason. On top of that I can't train as much anymore. That's partly my fault. I can't make myself not roll with the 20 year old beasts or the 250lb giants. But we'll see I guess. :)
ARBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
I'm always impressed by the 50 year old black belts that still always try to roll with anyone. Even when they know some lower belt about to try to show out on them for no reason at all.
Happens to me daily, but I f$&king love it. Lol
Although, I did lose my cool a few weeks ago and almost got into a real fight with a younger training partner. It’s a long story. I won’t be inviting him over for beer and burgers, but it’s all good now.
Although, I did lose my cool a few weeks ago and almost got into a real fight with a younger training partner. It’s a long story. I won’t be inviting him over for beer and burgers, but it’s all good now.
SEBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
I'm always impressed by the 50 year old black belts that still always try to roll with anyone. Even when they know some lower belt about to try to show out on them for no reason at all.
At the moment it is o.k. , cause im still not 50.☝🏼
SEBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
And now I will derail the thread... :p https://m.facebook.com/fa[...]600400139/ In my opinion, that's not a way a BJJ blackbelt should do nor demonstrate ways to pass guard in the Lord's year 2023. But that's like...just my opinion man...
I think Your intention is, to point out that beltchecker isn‘ t a trustworthy source for the question if someone deserves a BB. Right?
[the linked vids showing the No.5 most trusted BB on beltchecker]
Well, there should be no doubt for me:
Neither beltchecker nor IBJJF or any other platform or organization is able to verify the content. In best cases they are useful to give some hints. But generally it’s all about the form.
The truth about the content, about the quality, about what really works is finally always and only on the mat.
So from my point of view You did not derailed the thread.💁🏻♂️
[the linked vids showing the No.5 most trusted BB on beltchecker]
Well, there should be no doubt for me:
Neither beltchecker nor IBJJF or any other platform or organization is able to verify the content. In best cases they are useful to give some hints. But generally it’s all about the form.
The truth about the content, about the quality, about what really works is finally always and only on the mat.
So from my point of view You did not derailed the thread.💁🏻♂️
Edited 2 year(s) ago
EMBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
I am apparently due for my first degree having been promoted in 2019. Time flies. I am absolutely more technical than I was 4 years ago. Competing as a black belt, teaching many lessons, and training with some of the best in the area have all added to the experience. It's hard to think that I've now held a black belt longer than any other rank. I'm grateful now to be teaching my small classes and giving back some of what Jiu-Jitsu has given to me.
I do have a hard time assessing how to go about my first stripe. Should I ask some other local black belts if they mind promoting me? Do I tape it on myself? That doesn't feel right at all. Do I schedule a test for myself to demonstrate techniques be shark tanked similar to Roy Dean's crucibles to make it more ceremonial and feel like I have truly earned it?
What do you all think? How should a practitioner earn their stripes if they are no longer associated with the person that gave them their black belt?
I do have a hard time assessing how to go about my first stripe. Should I ask some other local black belts if they mind promoting me? Do I tape it on myself? That doesn't feel right at all. Do I schedule a test for myself to demonstrate techniques be shark tanked similar to Roy Dean's crucibles to make it more ceremonial and feel like I have truly earned it?
What do you all think? How should a practitioner earn their stripes if they are no longer associated with the person that gave them their black belt?
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
What do you all think? How should a practitioner earn their stripes if they are no longer associated with the person that gave them their black belt?
AFAIK, the closest thing we have in our art/sport to "earning" stripes on our belts is by continuing to remain above ground for the required amount of time (i.e. 3 years for you and your first stripe).
I'm in a similar situation to yourself, as I will be coming up on 3 years, next year. I've decided that I will claim my "time served" stripe here on beltchecker, as well as jump through the hoops necessary to get my first degree certified by ibjjf.
I, like you, also feel weird actually physically putting a stripe on my belt myself, so even though I will claim my "time served" degree, I'll hold off on wearing the stripe until my promoting black belt has a chance to come out and award my stripe, as we're still on good terms.
Honestly, the only time the degrees actually matter is when you promote someone to black belt (when you have 2 stripes). I will likely not worry about continuing to reapply tape to my bb once it falls off, except for formal/special occasions.
I'm in a similar situation to yourself, as I will be coming up on 3 years, next year. I've decided that I will claim my "time served" stripe here on beltchecker, as well as jump through the hoops necessary to get my first degree certified by ibjjf.
I, like you, also feel weird actually physically putting a stripe on my belt myself, so even though I will claim my "time served" degree, I'll hold off on wearing the stripe until my promoting black belt has a chance to come out and award my stripe, as we're still on good terms.
Honestly, the only time the degrees actually matter is when you promote someone to black belt (when you have 2 stripes). I will likely not worry about continuing to reapply tape to my bb once it falls off, except for formal/special occasions.
