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What Should a Black Belt Know?
1 year(s) ago • 2420 views • 31 replies
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
I think most of us can agree that a BJJ black belt should have:
1) strong, practical application (ability) in BJJ sparring, competing, fight/defending, etc.
2) Some "time in grade", or training time.
OR, from my observations, most folks feel that there should be, at minimum, some combination of these two retirements.
I'm wondering if you all think there should be further requirements, in addition to ability and/or training time?
Some examples might include: should a black belt know some "self-defense" kata of some sort? What should be their level of knowledge of BJJ history? Should they have to know a certain amount of techniques? Should they be competent at running class?
Etc...
In another ~2.5 years, I'll hit 2nd degree, and will henceforth be able to promote to bb. I have my own ideas on this topic, but am curious what everyone else thinks.
1) strong, practical application (ability) in BJJ sparring, competing, fight/defending, etc.
2) Some "time in grade", or training time.
OR, from my observations, most folks feel that there should be, at minimum, some combination of these two retirements.
I'm wondering if you all think there should be further requirements, in addition to ability and/or training time?
Some examples might include: should a black belt know some "self-defense" kata of some sort? What should be their level of knowledge of BJJ history? Should they have to know a certain amount of techniques? Should they be competent at running class?
Etc...
In another ~2.5 years, I'll hit 2nd degree, and will henceforth be able to promote to bb. I have my own ideas on this topic, but am curious what everyone else thinks.
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I know my coach has talked about belt levels representing independence as much as anything else, where a black belt should be an "adult" who can continue to practice BJJ on their own and be responsible for helping others to do so.
But what do I know, I'm just a grade schooler who thinks I'm independent just because I can put my shirt on all by myself.
But what do I know, I'm just a grade schooler who thinks I'm independent just because I can put my shirt on all by myself.
SEBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Years ago I defined that for (my) Judo what meant:
What should someone know to be promoted to BB under me?
I promoted only 1 person to BB under that circumstances in 20 years.
Aside all the technical knowlege and practical skills, the ability to teach, competition experiences and all that stuff, that guy spent a year in Japan, learned japanese language and studied the history of Judo.
It was cool to promote a guy like him and that made me proud.
But the dark side of a standard like this is, that You find a student matching it maybe once in a lifetime.
So I had to scale down.
Today I would say it is a individual decision in each single case if a student who has all the technical skills over and beyond is ready to be a BB.
What should someone know to be promoted to BB under me?
I promoted only 1 person to BB under that circumstances in 20 years.
Aside all the technical knowlege and practical skills, the ability to teach, competition experiences and all that stuff, that guy spent a year in Japan, learned japanese language and studied the history of Judo.
It was cool to promote a guy like him and that made me proud.
But the dark side of a standard like this is, that You find a student matching it maybe once in a lifetime.
So I had to scale down.
Today I would say it is a individual decision in each single case if a student who has all the technical skills over and beyond is ready to be a BB.
Edited 1 year(s) ago
JSBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I’m not a BB yet but I have lots of thoughts about this. You will probably get as many different answers as reply’s on this.
All I know is that I have 2 paths when I think of promotions and that is regardless of belt color. The time path and the competition path. Sometimes they mix but usually you have more people practicing BJJ than competing in BJJ if you look at your students in general.
All I know is that I have 2 paths when I think of promotions and that is regardless of belt color. The time path and the competition path. Sometimes they mix but usually you have more people practicing BJJ than competing in BJJ if you look at your students in general.
MGBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Sadly, I know a lot of black belts who have done well in competition, but are extremely lacking in both knowledge and teaching skills. And in general, if they do end up teaching, their students tend to have a high incidence of injuries and a generally poor attitude. So while I think competition can be an important part of the learning journey, I think way too much emphasis is placed on it. In judo, for example, I would never promote anyone to black belt who hasn't learned the most basic kata of throwing techniques.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
So while I think competition can be an important part of the learning journey, I think way too much emphasis is placed on it. In judo, for example, I would never promote anyone to black belt who hasn't learned the most basic kata of throwing techniques.
Right. In judo, you would expect, at very least, that a bb would know things like: basic, universal terminology, the first 3 throws of the nage-no-kata, how to count to 10 in Japanese, etc.
And that's just for the FIRST black belt (typically awarded at roughly 4-6 years of regular training). This is like purple belt in bjj.
For nidan, you would be expected to know even more.
This is why I like progression in judo as a model for bjj: you actually have to be doing some stuff and know some stuff, and more or less everyone's on the same page.
So, would you also expect a bjj black belt to know certain kata, or to have taught for certain hours, or know the rules to competition really well, etc... Basically, all things that would add toward my judo advancements in rank?
BJJ = "Basically Just Judo" after all 😅
And that's just for the FIRST black belt (typically awarded at roughly 4-6 years of regular training). This is like purple belt in bjj.
For nidan, you would be expected to know even more.
This is why I like progression in judo as a model for bjj: you actually have to be doing some stuff and know some stuff, and more or less everyone's on the same page.
So, would you also expect a bjj black belt to know certain kata, or to have taught for certain hours, or know the rules to competition really well, etc... Basically, all things that would add toward my judo advancements in rank?
BJJ = "Basically Just Judo" after all 😅
WMBlack belt 5th degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
How to disinfect the mats, and other hygiene protocols related to grappling, etc.
CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed.
How to perform ukemi (technically, not just sloppy rolling).
Basic athletic science, regarding hydration, common injuries, and common health conditions that might contraindicate some parts of training.
The ability and willingness to tap to white belts, and lower belts, so as not to spread weak mental status while training, with the newer people.
The basics of the style of grappling, etc, one has been promoted in, whether that is BJJ, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, etc.
How to take a serious beating(s), and survive.
How to grapple newbies and spazzes and old people, and injured people, without injuring them, and without having to crush them.
Most even new black belts have one to a few games or sets that they can hit very well, against a wide variety of opponents.
The ability to lose in training in order to learn new things. For instance, there is nothing more ridiculous than a brown belt, submitting a white belt or blue belt with a triangle choke in training...Nobody learns when one hunts tame ducks with pliers...
CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed.
How to perform ukemi (technically, not just sloppy rolling).
Basic athletic science, regarding hydration, common injuries, and common health conditions that might contraindicate some parts of training.
The ability and willingness to tap to white belts, and lower belts, so as not to spread weak mental status while training, with the newer people.
The basics of the style of grappling, etc, one has been promoted in, whether that is BJJ, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, etc.
How to take a serious beating(s), and survive.
How to grapple newbies and spazzes and old people, and injured people, without injuring them, and without having to crush them.
Most even new black belts have one to a few games or sets that they can hit very well, against a wide variety of opponents.
The ability to lose in training in order to learn new things. For instance, there is nothing more ridiculous than a brown belt, submitting a white belt or blue belt with a triangle choke in training...Nobody learns when one hunts tame ducks with pliers...
Edited 1 year(s) ago
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
How to grapple newbies and spazzes and old people, and injured people, without injuring them, and without having to crush them.
This is the best point yet. The head coach at my gym is one of those guys who grew up doing judo and BJJ since before he could walk. He lives and breathes the stuff, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for his ability to inflict exactly the amount of suffering he means to on anyone who walks in the door.
When I injured my shoulder but before I knew it needed surgery, I rolled with coach and at no point was his grip, or his weight putting any load into the bad arm, not at any point did I feel forced to put my own weight on it or use the arm to defend myself. It was an incredibly fun and engaging round.
Contrast the gym owner who is one of those guys who started BJJ as an adult and got his black belt in about 8 years by smashing everybody in competitions with the same handful of moves. He passed my guard three times to the same side and I had to tap because I couldn't frame with my bad arm, and even went for an Americana on my bad arm. The injury I had made the very position painful, so I tapped before he even had it locked in.
So yeah, there are different types of black belt out there.
When I injured my shoulder but before I knew it needed surgery, I rolled with coach and at no point was his grip, or his weight putting any load into the bad arm, not at any point did I feel forced to put my own weight on it or use the arm to defend myself. It was an incredibly fun and engaging round.
Contrast the gym owner who is one of those guys who started BJJ as an adult and got his black belt in about 8 years by smashing everybody in competitions with the same handful of moves. He passed my guard three times to the same side and I had to tap because I couldn't frame with my bad arm, and even went for an Americana on my bad arm. The injury I had made the very position painful, so I tapped before he even had it locked in.
So yeah, there are different types of black belt out there.
![Slideyfoot [jun]](userimg/5e25cf311adfd.jpg){kind=small}
SJBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
1. Is not an arsehole.
2. Can hold their own sparring other black belts.
3. Has plenty of mat time at brown belt.
That's it for me.
2. Can hold their own sparring other black belts.
3. Has plenty of mat time at brown belt.
That's it for me.
BZBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
It's something special, when you award the rank to one of your students, It's because you feel his/her hips are ready to wear it. It's all about you guys already says before, but it all begin with the professor feeling that the student can fly by himself from now.
It is always a very emotional moment
It is always a very emotional moment
TJBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I think you need to spend time at each belt and know the basic techniques thoroughly, the game is now very fast moving and you cannot expect every black belt to know every technique, don't ask me to teach a buggy choke. Also, you should be the type of character that your academy would want to have representing them, internally and externally. Beyond that, I think every black belt brings something different to the table, that's why schools are different and it's important to find one that best suites you.
Edited 1 year(s) ago
DCBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I could give you a list of things I consider for promotions but they will all be ticked off in other lists. I haven't had the privilege of considering anyone for BB due to my rank currently, but will change (hopefully).
At the end of the day this has always been my deciding criteria:
If I was unable to represent myself, my club and my affiliation at a gym function. Be it a class, beginners session, seminar etc... (At their level)
Would I be happy for them to represent me in my absence... In every respect.
Dealing with people, cunducting themself, running a class, dealing with an issue, rolling with people, injuries, cleanliness... I not saying to copy paste myself by any stretch but am I happy with how THEY do it (they may do it better than me).
I realize that this is a big ask and there are other things I condider as not everybody can or wants to meet this requirements... But as a BB you're essentially signing off on them spreading YOUR reputation.
Are you happy for them to do that?
At the end of the day this has always been my deciding criteria:
If I was unable to represent myself, my club and my affiliation at a gym function. Be it a class, beginners session, seminar etc... (At their level)
Would I be happy for them to represent me in my absence... In every respect.
Dealing with people, cunducting themself, running a class, dealing with an issue, rolling with people, injuries, cleanliness... I not saying to copy paste myself by any stretch but am I happy with how THEY do it (they may do it better than me).
I realize that this is a big ask and there are other things I condider as not everybody can or wants to meet this requirements... But as a BB you're essentially signing off on them spreading YOUR reputation.
Are you happy for them to do that?
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Thanks for your feedback, everyone. I suppose I'm a little surprised that nobody included anything about BJJ history, including lineage.
In fact, it appears as though the only folks who chimed in regarding what a bb should KNOW (independent of character/ability/maturity/etc) were the judo guys.
I appreciate that BJJ, for the most part, puts heavy emphasis on measurable practice vs theory, but shouldn't black belts actually know some basic facts and stuff too? Or is that not important?
I remember when I first started training in 2004, my instructor (Saulo Ribeiro) had a poster on the wall with some Portuguese phrases, numbers and lineage facts that you had to know to test for BLUE belt.
Does anyone train somewhere where their coach does something like this for any belt level?
In fact, it appears as though the only folks who chimed in regarding what a bb should KNOW (independent of character/ability/maturity/etc) were the judo guys.
I appreciate that BJJ, for the most part, puts heavy emphasis on measurable practice vs theory, but shouldn't black belts actually know some basic facts and stuff too? Or is that not important?
I remember when I first started training in 2004, my instructor (Saulo Ribeiro) had a poster on the wall with some Portuguese phrases, numbers and lineage facts that you had to know to test for BLUE belt.
Does anyone train somewhere where their coach does something like this for any belt level?
JABlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Thanks for your feedback, everyone. I suppose I'm a little surprised that nobody included anything about BJJ history, including lineage. In fact, it appears as though the only folks who chimed in regarding what a bb should KNOW (independent of character/ability/maturity/etc) were the judo guys. I appreciate that BJJ, for the most part, puts heavy emphasis on measurable practice vs theory, but shouldn't black belts actually know some basic facts and stuff too? Or is that not important? I remember when I first started training in 2004, my instructor (Saulo Ribeiro) had a poster on the wall with some Portuguese phrases, numbers and lineage facts that you had to know to test for BLUE belt. Does anyone train somewhere where their coach does something like this for any belt level?
That is interesting. You would think knowing where our martial art comes from and the sources of it would be important, and it has been for me in the past when you are talking to prospective customers/students.
For Kenpo Karate knowing the history of where Karate and Kenpo come from was part of the Black belt test we took, and the same for Judo. I guess as you said BJJ stresses practicality and skill over everything else, but I agree knowing where the martial art comes from and why it is effective to tell someone else is important.
For Kenpo Karate knowing the history of where Karate and Kenpo come from was part of the Black belt test we took, and the same for Judo. I guess as you said BJJ stresses practicality and skill over everything else, but I agree knowing where the martial art comes from and why it is effective to tell someone else is important.
Edited 1 year(s) ago
PKPurple beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Most people don't know where BJJ (or Judo comes from).
You read everywhere something like "Jigoro Kano took the dangerous stuff out of traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and formed a sport named Judo. Than a student of him came to Brazil, taught the Gracies the so called kano jiu-jitsu. The smallest of them - Helio - adapted the techniques to fit his physique and thats when BJJ was born that we learn today".
I suppose the majority of people would either repeat something like that or do not have any clue or simply do not care.
Imho that shouldn't be a criteria.
(well maybe if you at least know your lineage and know who the origins of your lineage are, that might be something somebody should know)
You read everywhere something like "Jigoro Kano took the dangerous stuff out of traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and formed a sport named Judo. Than a student of him came to Brazil, taught the Gracies the so called kano jiu-jitsu. The smallest of them - Helio - adapted the techniques to fit his physique and thats when BJJ was born that we learn today".
I suppose the majority of people would either repeat something like that or do not have any clue or simply do not care.
Imho that shouldn't be a criteria.
(well maybe if you at least know your lineage and know who the origins of your lineage are, that might be something somebody should know)
JSBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Most people don't know where BJJ (or Judo comes from). You read everywhere something like 'Jigoro Kano took the dangerous stuff out of traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and formed a sport named Judo. Than a student of him came to Brazil, taught the Gracies the so called kano jiu-jitsu. The smallest of them - Helio - adapted the techniques to fit his physique and thats when BJJ was born that we learn today'. I suppose the majority of people would either repeat something like that or do not have any clue or simply do not care. Imho that shouldn't be a criteria. (well maybe if you at least know your lineage and know who the origins of your lineage are, that might be something somebody should know)
Reply to your last comment but also comments above and in general. :)
I disagree about the lineage, I mean sure, it ”was” important or if you can brag about if you got it directly from a famous person. But today there are a few bb’s down the line, how many names are you suppose to remember?
I have yet under my 10ish years of doing this sport met a person who has cared enough about a persons lineage.
I disagree about the lineage, I mean sure, it ”was” important or if you can brag about if you got it directly from a famous person. But today there are a few bb’s down the line, how many names are you suppose to remember?
I have yet under my 10ish years of doing this sport met a person who has cared enough about a persons lineage.
Edited 1 year(s) ago
JABlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
... I have yet under my 10ish years of doing this sport met a person who has cared enough about a persons lineage.
Agreed. I have always found it interesting, but where you got your belt from has always been interesting. This was probably a bigger thing when folks were trying to find all the "imposters" - shit I remember like a whole episode in The Ultimate Fighter where a dude said he was a black belt but his story kept getting more and more convoluted as to who gave him his belt.
JABlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
You know what would be interesting is from all the folks who have promoted a black belt, what their criteria is. To me as a lifelong martial artist (kenpo, judo and bjj) I find stuff like that fascinating.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
I disagree about the lineage, I mean sure, it ”was” important or if you can brag about if you got it directly from a famous person. But today there are a few bb’s down the line, how many names are you suppose to remember?
As irrelevant as it may be, I don't think it's too tough a task to just know a few names. Most of us come from a Carlos/Helio line, plus everyone knows who their promoting instructor is, so there's 3 names already.
But would I question someone's legitimacy if they don't know it? Also no.
I can tell you that from a personal and professional standpoint, learning more about BJJ/Judo history has definitely enriched and improved my understanding of exactly wtf we're all doing, and why, but should I require my future bb's to have at least some basic knowledge like this? I don't know.
Most likely it will be, like most things, on a case-by-case basis.
But would I question someone's legitimacy if they don't know it? Also no.
I can tell you that from a personal and professional standpoint, learning more about BJJ/Judo history has definitely enriched and improved my understanding of exactly wtf we're all doing, and why, but should I require my future bb's to have at least some basic knowledge like this? I don't know.
Most likely it will be, like most things, on a case-by-case basis.
JCPurple beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I don't know how you could make it to black belt without knowing your lineage at least a few generations deep. If you did manage to do it you should probably be asking yourself some questions about why that is. I've only got 5 generations above me, so it's not that much to know and I've only got to go up two levels to get to a household name. It's not so easy for some that have a lineage twice as deep.
Edited 1 year(s) ago
JPBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
The journey to a black belt in bjj transcends mere technical proficiency, competition records, or time invested. While these elements matter, they're only part of the story. A black belt embodies leadership, teaching capabilities, and mentorship; they're a cornerstone of the BJJ community.
Consider this: most practitioners aren't pursuing world titles or competition experience. They step onto the mats seeking personal growth, confidence, meaningful connections, and a healthy outlet for life's challenges. As instructors and leaders, we have a responsibility to nurture these aspirations and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
When evaluating black belt candidates, we must look beyond physical capabilities. Essential qualities like communication skills, leadership ability, and emotional intelligence deserve equal consideration. By focusing solely on technical prowess, we limit not only our students' potential but also the growth of our communities and schools.
becoming a black belt lies in the ability to guide, inspire, and elevate others; creating spaces where transformation happens both on and off the mats. (along with all the skills and technique on the mats)
Consider this: most practitioners aren't pursuing world titles or competition experience. They step onto the mats seeking personal growth, confidence, meaningful connections, and a healthy outlet for life's challenges. As instructors and leaders, we have a responsibility to nurture these aspirations and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
When evaluating black belt candidates, we must look beyond physical capabilities. Essential qualities like communication skills, leadership ability, and emotional intelligence deserve equal consideration. By focusing solely on technical prowess, we limit not only our students' potential but also the growth of our communities and schools.
becoming a black belt lies in the ability to guide, inspire, and elevate others; creating spaces where transformation happens both on and off the mats. (along with all the skills and technique on the mats)
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
So, what you're saying is, that black belts should know chatGPT 🤣
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Oh, I remembered one! The impression I get every time I hear the question asked is that my coach promotes solely on vibes, but I have now remembered something concrete that needs to be known by any brown and black belt: they need to be able to form grips on the gi without pinching their partner.
JABlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Oh, I remembered one! The impression I get every time I hear the question asked is that my coach promotes solely on vibes, but I have now remembered something concrete that needs to be known by any brown and black belt: they need to be able to form grips on the gi without pinching their partner.
but the baby fat grip makes SOOOO many friends!
SLBrown beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Solid understanding of all positions.
Ability to troubleshoot scenarios.
A good team player.
A good work ethic.
A good ethical compass.
I think some competitive experience would be good.
An understanding of the self defence aspects of the art.
Can hang with higher belts in the gym consistently.
**But I’m just a lowly brown belt and my opinion doesn’t count for shit really.**
Ability to troubleshoot scenarios.
A good team player.
A good work ethic.
A good ethical compass.
I think some competitive experience would be good.
An understanding of the self defence aspects of the art.
Can hang with higher belts in the gym consistently.
**But I’m just a lowly brown belt and my opinion doesn’t count for shit really.**
ANBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Way way, way too subjective. I never compare my experience to anybody else’s. I also don’t compare my knowledge to anybody else. There is a mass knowledge difference between one black belt and another, But in the end of the day, they’re both black belts
So what should a black belt know? Exactly what he knew before his instructor promoted him.
So what should a black belt know? Exactly what he knew before his instructor promoted him.
HBBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
TONS of different aspects here but best way to think about it in my opinion (and how i think of it) is anyone i give a black belt to, represents me, the school, the affiliation, and the art. Some are great at teaching, some great competitors, some casual but know how to use moves in different situations, etc.
The first sentence added to any of those, i believe they are ready for the belt.
The first sentence added to any of those, i believe they are ready for the belt.
JPBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
So, what you're saying is, that black belts should know chatGPT 🤣
You missed the point completely.
Hopefully you don't shut your students down for engaging with you in real life.
Hopefully you don't shut your students down for engaging with you in real life.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
You missed the point completely.
Yeah? What point was chatGPT trying to make in that last post? 🤣🤣🤣
You didn't even ask chatGPT the right question lmao. I'm purely interested in what a black belt should KNOW (not "do", "act", "how to behave", etc.)
I gave some examples such as lineage, history, "self-defense" moves, etc. There were some other really good responses as well, written by actual human beings.
You're a black belt. Surely you have your own opinion on this?
You didn't even ask chatGPT the right question lmao. I'm purely interested in what a black belt should KNOW (not "do", "act", "how to behave", etc.)
I gave some examples such as lineage, history, "self-defense" moves, etc. There were some other really good responses as well, written by actual human beings.
You're a black belt. Surely you have your own opinion on this?
KSBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
I think that a black belt is not only one who wins tournaments, a black belt should move in all planes of bjj, know its history and most importantly train in GI. We have many black belts who have never had a Gi on. I think that NoGi and Gi fighting are two different games. Not every black belt has to be a teacher or competitor. But they should wear different black belts, a black belt who is a teacher with a red bar, a black belt who is not a teacher with a white bar. A head instructor with shoulder straps on the top and bottom of the red bar. I think that training time alone is not enough to nominate for BB. I know many competitors who do not develop, do not go to classes regularly, and do not pay attention, do not look for a new game. A tournament does not verify either. Someone can have one technique perfectly developed and finish everyone with it.
