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IBJJF black belt degree certification fees?
6 year(s) ago • 34716 views • 217 replies
TPBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I don't wear ranks on my black belt anyway
This makes me sad, because Robson borrowed my tape for your 1. degree promotion. It was my good Swedish Leukotape too.
As Christian has stated here, promoting oneself to the black belt degrees by time served is indeed ”the IBJJF way”. Certain criteria must be met (mostly payments), but no senior black belt professor is needed in the process to get the degrees officially recognized by the Federation.
This of course leads to the other discussion on the forum, ”BB degrees are bullshit”, if one thinks they should represent something else than active time at rank.
As Christian has stated here, promoting oneself to the black belt degrees by time served is indeed ”the IBJJF way”. Certain criteria must be met (mostly payments), but no senior black belt professor is needed in the process to get the degrees officially recognized by the Federation.
This of course leads to the other discussion on the forum, ”BB degrees are bullshit”, if one thinks they should represent something else than active time at rank.
JGPurple beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
It just seems like something more than a straight auto promotion system would be superior. Perhaps a committee of black belts representing the desired rank and above should approve the promotions when that time served date comes around. That same committee could even hear appeals from those seeking retroactive honors, so that those who lost time in non-promotion limbo can get back on schedule.
TPBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
You are not wrong.
But that would require said committees in every country/area to have even some kind of connection to the promotee, and also quite a lot of work. And no way that the process/standards could be even remotely unified or fair across the globe.
Traditionally it’s of course your own ”master” who promotes you, but this requires that you actually have such a master, and even then it’s just an opinion of one single person, and most probably a biased one.
But that would require said committees in every country/area to have even some kind of connection to the promotee, and also quite a lot of work. And no way that the process/standards could be even remotely unified or fair across the globe.
Traditionally it’s of course your own ”master” who promotes you, but this requires that you actually have such a master, and even then it’s just an opinion of one single person, and most probably a biased one.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
I only pay the $35 bucks to stay current. My Black Belt Cert from my instructor is good enough. Although I have JJGF Cert through the academy I teach at.
Doesn't do anything for me so it only matters when I need to show credentials otherwise who cares.
Doesn't do anything for me so it only matters when I need to show credentials otherwise who cares.
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
It just seems like something more than a straight auto promotion system would be superior. Perhaps a committee of black belts representing the desired rank and above should approve the promotions when that time served date comes around. That same committee could even hear appeals from those seeking retroactive honors, so that those who lost time in non-promotion limbo can get back on schedule.
I think there's a fundamental difference here. What you're asking is to vote for the validity of the guidelines (as set by IBJJF; promotion based on time), not on the promotion itself. I don't think it makes a lot of sense for everyone to vote if they agree on the guidelines every time someone is up for a new black belt degree based on time. It is different from verifying that an actual promotion is legitimate.
Since this is 100% community based, a committee of black belts is free to form and enforce any guidelines they seem legitimate. It is only a matter of gathering enough people who agree on something, and then they can start voting accordingly. So this committee can exist, but it will be decentralized and based on community opinion. Not on picking "elders" in the hierarchy who rule (based on their own time served). We already have that and it is called IBJJF certification.
I honestly think you're overthinking this and making it much more complicated than it is. Black belt degrees are based on time. That's it. Unless we all had problems counting, nobody needs a committee to check up on that.
Since this is 100% community based, a committee of black belts is free to form and enforce any guidelines they seem legitimate. It is only a matter of gathering enough people who agree on something, and then they can start voting accordingly. So this committee can exist, but it will be decentralized and based on community opinion. Not on picking "elders" in the hierarchy who rule (based on their own time served). We already have that and it is called IBJJF certification.
I honestly think you're overthinking this and making it much more complicated than it is. Black belt degrees are based on time. That's it. Unless we all had problems counting, nobody needs a committee to check up on that.
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Doesn't do anything for me so it only matters when I need to show credentials otherwise who cares.
Curious, when do you ever have to show credentials? I think I remember I got a certificate for my black or brown belt at some point, but it disappeared in a drawer probably and I've never seen it since, nor has anyone asked to see it.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
On this site.. When Roll Junkie had their lineage list set up.. thats it so far. I am sure it will become more common after this experiment
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
You do not post your certs in your academy? Ours are up on the wall along with a bunch of other crap
WMBlack belt 5th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Tatu, I don’t know if we should call a recent IBJJF rule change in reaction to several very large teams breaking up, the “IBJJF” way.
It was not that way from my black belt up to and including my 3rd degree.
That new rule, could easily be brought back the other way,
Once the IBJJF feels there are again enough 2nd and 3rd degree certified black belts to sign paperwork again, especially in emerging areas.
This rule was partially to address the same pre-verification issue this site and Christian faced / faces, after opening up some new markets, and some very large team break ups in their established markets.
It may have been overkill, it may be temporary, it may be in place permanently.
It was not that way from my black belt up to and including my 3rd degree.
That new rule, could easily be brought back the other way,
Once the IBJJF feels there are again enough 2nd and 3rd degree certified black belts to sign paperwork again, especially in emerging areas.
This rule was partially to address the same pre-verification issue this site and Christian faced / faces, after opening up some new markets, and some very large team break ups in their established markets.
It may have been overkill, it may be temporary, it may be in place permanently.
Edited 6 year(s) ago
WMBlack belt 5th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Christian,
Regarding credentials, the IBJJF membership card has come in handy when tournaments verify coach status, even at non-IBJJF tournaments.
Every once in a while it comes in handy in other contexts.
The weight to utility ratio of an ID card is pretty high.
Regarding the certificates themselves, they are kind of like college diplomas.
Some people get the framed and hang them on a wall, some people throw them in a box, and some people in essence throw them out or otherwise don’t care.
Parents love their kids school and sport diplomas and trophies.
Maybe people should give their certifications, diplomas, medals, and trophies to their parents, as I think about it...
Regarding credentials, the IBJJF membership card has come in handy when tournaments verify coach status, even at non-IBJJF tournaments.
Every once in a while it comes in handy in other contexts.
The weight to utility ratio of an ID card is pretty high.
Regarding the certificates themselves, they are kind of like college diplomas.
Some people get the framed and hang them on a wall, some people throw them in a box, and some people in essence throw them out or otherwise don’t care.
Parents love their kids school and sport diplomas and trophies.
Maybe people should give their certifications, diplomas, medals, and trophies to their parents, as I think about it...
Edited 6 year(s) ago
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
You do not post your certs in your academy? Ours are up on the wall along with a bunch of other crap
No, I always personally found that a bit weird. But I'm also from a different culture :)
JFBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
We are in a unique time where were trying to take an old school way and merge it with a modern age, I agree certificates don't make you a Black Belt, however if your running and academy in North America, everyone is used to seeing your qualifications on the wall before making a decision. As much as I believe a piece of paper doesn't mean jack, we also must keep in mind that to the outsider they have no idea, so this gives them piece of mind until we can form a student teacher bond and they trust us with their martial arts journey. If you do not have an IBJJF certificate or membership, It doesn't mean your not a legitimate Black Belt at all, No one said the IBJJF was the all seeing power of BJJ. I Always say if someone questions my legitimacy then they ca come to my academy and we can fight. Not roll, but fight, I may loose but Ill still fight, no gloves, but bring a mouth guard, were not animals after all ;)
That being said, In Ontario (and Canada) to an extent, there has been to much High school Drama that if your certificate isn't posted then your not a legitimate Black Belt LOL, Then the argument was it HAD to be IBJJF or you weren't a REAL Black Belt. We tend to stay out of the Drama of this, unless the aforementioned questioning of our Black Belt comes up.
That being said, In Ontario (and Canada) to an extent, there has been to much High school Drama that if your certificate isn't posted then your not a legitimate Black Belt LOL, Then the argument was it HAD to be IBJJF or you weren't a REAL Black Belt. We tend to stay out of the Drama of this, unless the aforementioned questioning of our Black Belt comes up.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Oh my god. I hope I never become a black belt.
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Of course we can all discuss this till we are blue in the face while we are members of a site that asks for your credentials or however you’d like to call it to get verified right out of the gate... Lol
JFBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
Oh my god. I hope I never become a black belt.
lol its not meant to deter by any means friend, its more so to remind that we come from an art thats about fighting, matches used to be bare knuckle on the beach haha, were far removed from those days but people need to be reminded that what we do is not a game, its a Martial Art with Honor and respect.
JGPurple beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I honestly think you're overthinking this and making it much more complicated than it is. Black belt degrees are based on time. That's it. Unless we all had problems counting, nobody needs a committee to check up on that.
Perhaps I am. But the fact remains that you granted yourself credentials independently. I'm confident that the community would gladly back your second degree status (and you could argue that it absolutely has--4,875 pts!), but doesn't being the adjudicator of your own rank feel strange for you? Yes, I get that the IBJJF has this exact time standard in place, but wouldn't you feel better to have that degree bestowed on you? Maybe you don't. I guess I'm just finding the concept of DIY promotions a bit odd. I think a lot of people wouldn't be able to bring themselves to do that.
Please know, I am most certainly not coming from a place of disrespect. I think you are a wonderful ambassador of the art, and I hold your mat skills and community leadership in the highest regard. It's just that what you have done/are doing regarding your rank is unique and it has interesting implications. Perhaps a thread that invites the community to specifically discuss the beltchecker black belt degree system would better gauge attitudes on this topic.
Please know, I am most certainly not coming from a place of disrespect. I think you are a wonderful ambassador of the art, and I hold your mat skills and community leadership in the highest regard. It's just that what you have done/are doing regarding your rank is unique and it has interesting implications. Perhaps a thread that invites the community to specifically discuss the beltchecker black belt degree system would better gauge attitudes on this topic.
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
but doesn't being the adjudicator of your own rank feel strange for you? Yes, I get that the IBJJF has this exact time standard in place, but wouldn't you feel better to have that degree bestowed on you?
I couldn’t care less - I see zero difference between doing it here or with IBJJF.
I also don’t really give any value to black belt degrees from the beginning, so maybe that makes a difference. I would never go around and tell anyone I’m x degrees black belt. It’s literally only on this website it will ever say 2nd degree, not even on my belt.
I also don’t really give any value to black belt degrees from the beginning, so maybe that makes a difference. I would never go around and tell anyone I’m x degrees black belt. It’s literally only on this website it will ever say 2nd degree, not even on my belt.
Edited 6 year(s) ago
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
I think a lot of people wouldn't be able to bring themselves to do that. It's just that what you have done/are doing regarding your rank is unique and it has interesting implications.
I doubt it’s very unique as I’m pretty sure there are MANY doing that through IBJJF, but no one can ever check it since it’s not public (unlike here)
Edited 6 year(s) ago
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
who cares guys.. we are all so fortunate to be doing what we do. I have a useless left leg that cramps up and goes limp during training (back surgery) and I still feel so lucky to just grip up and move in the game. Regardless of outcome. I am a lucky man and so are all of you who continue to train, teach and compete. Don't lose sight of that. All the politics and team stuff can be great in certain ways but can also make this great art less fun. You live on a beautiful island and travel to train all the time Christian. That is awesome!
WMBlack belt 5th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
who cares guys.. we are all so fortunate to be doing what we do. I have a useless left leg that cramps up and goes limp during training (back surgery) and I still feel so lucky to just grip up and move in the game. Regardless of outcome. I am a lucky man and so are all of you who continue to train, teach and compete. Don't lose sight of that. All the politics and team stuff can be great in certain ways but can also make this great art less fun. You live on a beautiful island and travel to train all the time Christian. That is awesome!
David Gonzales, Well said.
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
David Gonzales, Well said.
I must have had one of them Dark Lagers we were talking about ;-)
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
who cares guys.. we are all so fortunate to be doing what we do. I have a useless left leg that cramps up and goes limp during training (back surgery) and I still feel so lucky to just grip up and move in the game. Regardless of outcome. I am a lucky man and so are all of you who continue to train, teach and compete. Don't lose sight of that. All the politics and team stuff can be great in certain ways but can also make this great art less fun. You live on a beautiful island and travel to train all the time Christian. That is awesome!
I agree, I personally couldn’t care less about these degrees but I think the debate is interesting and I always really like to shake up preconceived notions about things are done in general, so I’ll play along for a bit :D
TPBlack beltVerified
6 year(s) ago
I don’t think ”self promoting” oneself to a BB degree after the time is served (whether through the IBJJF, here, or with a roll of tape) is even worth controversy.
It’s gonna be interesting when we have the first case of somebody (without a nominal intructor) seeking verification through Beltchecker to a self-promoted colored belt rank...
It’s gonna be interesting when we have the first case of somebody (without a nominal intructor) seeking verification through Beltchecker to a self-promoted colored belt rank...
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
By the way... what's the historical background in BJJ black belt stripes?
I know under IBJJF it used to be 2 years for a stripe but now it's 3? Was it 1 year at one point for first 3 and then 3 years for following 3?
When did black belt striping begin?
I know under IBJJF it used to be 2 years for a stripe but now it's 3? Was it 1 year at one point for first 3 and then 3 years for following 3?
When did black belt striping begin?
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
By the way... what's the historical background in BJJ black belt stripes? I know under IBJJF it used to be 2 years for a stripe but now it's 3? Was it 1 year at one point for first 3 and then 3 years for following 3? When did black belt striping begin?
That would be interesting to hear some more background about. I was always told back in the days that it was every two years.
Maybe we should have a new topic for this?
Maybe we should have a new topic for this?
JMBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
to remind that we come from an art thats about fighting, matches used to be bare knuckle on the beach haha, were far removed from those days but people need to be reminded that what we do is not a game, its a Martial Art with Honor and respect.
I want to poke that a bit Jason :)
What is that "honour" ? What is "respect" ?
And how does BJJ as an art inherently contain/facilitate these two? And how and why is that better/worse than any other game we play as a pastime?
What is that "honour" ? What is "respect" ?
And how does BJJ as an art inherently contain/facilitate these two? And how and why is that better/worse than any other game we play as a pastime?
WMBlack belt 5th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
For all of you IBJJF haters,
My student Josh Leduc, who runs the Sapateiro purse invitational tournament, has just registered to the site and ID verified.
He is the one wearing the "Fuck the IBJJF" shirt in his promotion picture at the beach just to vex me while I was tying his black belt around his waist.
Feel free to vote on him, if you like:
https://beltchecker.com/p[...]php?id=773
My student Josh Leduc, who runs the Sapateiro purse invitational tournament, has just registered to the site and ID verified.
He is the one wearing the "Fuck the IBJJF" shirt in his promotion picture at the beach just to vex me while I was tying his black belt around his waist.
Feel free to vote on him, if you like:
https://beltchecker.com/p[...]php?id=773
RDBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
6 year(s) ago
For all of you IBJJF haters, My student Josh Leduc, who runs the Sapateiro purse invitational tournament, has just registered to the site and ID verified. He is the one wearing the 'Fuck the IBJJF' shirt in his promotion picture at the beach just to vex me while I was tying his black belt around his waist. Feel free to vote on him, if you like: https://beltchecker.com/p[...]php?id=773
Done
