(SHHH, Don't Talk About It). Grading & Stripes, The Belt Dichotomy

BJJ gradings are (in my opinion) one of the least talked about thing in jiujitsu, there is also this underlying anxiety about discussing it or asking what you need to do to progress in jiujitsu with your instructor.

If you are into Jiujitsu then you will defiantly heard the term or phrase "its not about the belt, its about the journey." I can see where this phrase in essence comes from, however as humans regardless of your background, we all strive to be better in some way.

Being a former member of the Armed Forces and coming from a sporting background as a child, I have always been quite competitive and strived to better myself physically and in my sporting skill levels. I always set myself goals that I wanted to achieved on the pitch or in the gym.

When I started BJJ back on 2014 I needed a new focus, I had to stop playing rugby due to injuries, my gym routine was becoming tedious, so I needed a new focus. After being sucked into the perilous black hole of possibilities that is jiujitsu, I/you learn about the belt system and gradings. When you look at it, its a tall order to start a sport that takes anywhere between 10-15 years as an adult to achieve a Black Belt.

The Gracie grading system says that you get 4 stripes per belt, each stripe takes 6 months to achieve. Which means you should be in each belt for around 2 years.

Now this is a great guide, but this does not take into consideration how many times per week you train, if you train once per week your skill acquisition will be slower than a mat rat who trains 6-10 times per week. Age and physical ability is another key factor plus a 40 year old will not have the same physical attributes as a 20 year old. The list goes on.

Another cliche is not to compare yourself to others, which is really difficult to do, especially when you have been training the same time as someone else and they get a stripe or belt before you do.

I know because I have been there, and it is very frustrating and demoralising at times. Don't let it phase you, jiujitsu is about community and not competing against your training partner, you should be congratulating them on their achievement. It has taken them a long time to attain a belt or stripe and is a big deal, dont take from their bucket.

If this happens to you, after class on the walk, ride or drive home let the frustration flow over you then release it when you get home, dont let it become a driving factor because you will start to hate jiujitsu and stop all together.

You are an individual, your jiujitsu is unique to you.

Here is what you need to do to progress to the next level. ASK !

Ask what you need to do to progress, and what you need to work on, dont bottle it up inside, ask the question, "..... what do I need to do to get another stripe/belt".

It is as simple as that, there is no awkwardness, BJJ coaches and instructors want you to get better, I want you to get better than me, so please ask.

At Mahara Jiujitsu, we look at everyone independently, it is noted how often you train, how you pick up techniques, how you apply those techniques, your attitude on the mat and how you roll and train. (We also keep a spreadsheet of your progress ;') ) Thats how we grade you, just enjoy the process.

BJJ is a sport of wonder but also struggle, which is why BJJ has so many correlations with everyday life.

In the words of one of my all time favourite Jiujitsu OG's Chris Haueter.

"Its not who's good, its who's left !"

"Just turn up and one day you will be a black belt"

Adz

Mahara Coach