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At what point could you call yourself a professional grappler?
2 year(s) ago • 14062 views • 9 replies
ZPBlue beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
I've been competing a lot here recently and at my last Goodfight Tournament, a coach recorded my matches with his student. When he went to upload the videos he titled them (His Student vs Pro Blue Belt) I've only done one super fight event. Although I have more lined up here within the next few months, I know that's not the only thing that would make me a "professional blue belt" so what exactly does that entail?
DKBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
When can someone put on the title of professional grappler? When you beat Gordon Ryan.
I am not sure if there is really ANY true definition of a "professional" grappler. However, I have always looked at it two-fold: 1) You can make a livable income off grappling; 2) you have become the subject-matter-expert.
I am not sure if there is really ANY true definition of a "professional" grappler. However, I have always looked at it two-fold: 1) You can make a livable income off grappling; 2) you have become the subject-matter-expert.
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
When it’s your job.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
As I understand, you don't officially earn the title of "professional blue belt" until your third stripe as blue belt. Until then you're merely "amateur blue belt".
JFBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
The definition of any profession is when you are being paid for it. So once you start getting a check from your matches, no matter how small you are technically a professional.
JBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
Here is Merriam-Webster’s definition of “professional”: https://www.merriam-webst[...]ofessional.
Their second definition seems to be the standard “you get paid to do something” use of the term. By this definition, if you make a living (or a significant portion of your income) off of BJJ, you are a professional.
The first definition is interesting because it indicates that there are technical and ethical components to professionalism. To be a professional Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, you would need to meet certain standards with regard to fighting ability, technical knowledge of the art, teaching ability, and character. This makes sense since we grade practitioners with belt ranks based on these criteria.
The third definition seems to indicate that if you get obsessed enough with Jiu-Jitsu, you’re a professional. This may be the only way in which I qualify. :)
Their second definition seems to be the standard “you get paid to do something” use of the term. By this definition, if you make a living (or a significant portion of your income) off of BJJ, you are a professional.
The first definition is interesting because it indicates that there are technical and ethical components to professionalism. To be a professional Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, you would need to meet certain standards with regard to fighting ability, technical knowledge of the art, teaching ability, and character. This makes sense since we grade practitioners with belt ranks based on these criteria.
The third definition seems to indicate that if you get obsessed enough with Jiu-Jitsu, you’re a professional. This may be the only way in which I qualify. :)
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
I think a lot of people "want" to be professionals so they opt to use the I got paid to compete definition.
Look at MMA a lot of fighters who turn pro do so way too early and let's say get 500 to show 500 to win. They lose a couple fights and have little option other than fight for spare change but they are now deemed pro and locked in.
To me if you don't make enough to live on you are not really a professional. I have actually gotten several fairly decent purses at grappling shows and yes they were pro shows but if I was doing it for the money it would have been stupid as I am in a fortunate position at even with a decent purse it is a bad ROI time wise for me plus I donate the purses to charity. (I don't like Martial arts for money personally I like to keep it for enjoyment)
I would say if you have competed for money yes you have competed professionally but are not a professional but I don't even know if that makes sense to anyone else my thinking process tends to be a little off
Look at MMA a lot of fighters who turn pro do so way too early and let's say get 500 to show 500 to win. They lose a couple fights and have little option other than fight for spare change but they are now deemed pro and locked in.
To me if you don't make enough to live on you are not really a professional. I have actually gotten several fairly decent purses at grappling shows and yes they were pro shows but if I was doing it for the money it would have been stupid as I am in a fortunate position at even with a decent purse it is a bad ROI time wise for me plus I donate the purses to charity. (I don't like Martial arts for money personally I like to keep it for enjoyment)
I would say if you have competed for money yes you have competed professionally but are not a professional but I don't even know if that makes sense to anyone else my thinking process tends to be a little off
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
I think a lot of people 'want' to be professionals so they opt to use the I got paid to compete definition. Look at MMA a lot of fighters who turn pro do so way too early and let's say get 500 to show 500 to win. They lose a couple fights and have little option other than fight for spare change but they are now deemed pro and locked in. To me if you don't make enough to live on you are not really a professional. I have actually gotten several fairly decent purses at grappling shows and yes they were pro shows but if I was doing it for the money it would have been stupid as I am in a fortunate position at even with a decent purse it is a bad ROI time wise for me plus I donate the purses to charity. (I don't like Martial arts for money personally I like to keep it for enjoyment) I would say if you have competed for money yes you have competed professionally but are not a professional but I don't even know if that makes sense to anyone else my thinking process tends to be a little off
So, what you're saying, is that you are NOT a professional blue belt.
PDBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
2 year(s) ago
I just can't hang at the professional Blue Belt level
JFBlack beltVerified
2 year(s) ago
The definition of any profession is when you are being paid for it. So once you start getting a check from your matches, no matter how small you are technically a professional.
I never said they were good at it. Lots of people suck at their job:)
