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Hermosa · 05-25-2005, 01:19 PM

I agree that there are some people involved in the art that can and do let things slide that they shouldn't. And Carlson Gracie ...IMO, is one of those dudes. My impression of him is an angry old man who is bitter about the success of his relatives. My understanding is that Rickson, who knows that Carlson is a bit of a goon, told Vitor that he could be one of the best ever if vitor would dedicate himself to Rickson and train hard...But, under the condition that he stop being involved in any BS with Carlson. Rickson did not trust Carlson and didn't want any crap to deal with. Vitor, couldn't handle that ultimatum and thus left Rickson..IMO..dumb move!

However, I also agree alot with shamster. Royce is F'in awesome. If you think Royce doesn't know good BJJ you don't have a clue. You know, the traditional Helio Gracie basics, are still totally excellent and important for a good foundation. Royce is amazing...and I'm not totally sure that those facts are correct about Royce getting his blackbelt in 2 years after the blue...But like shamster said...Royce was "born on the mat" He trained jiu-jitsu for 16 years to get his blue...so he's gonna progress quickly. But man, Royce put in his dues teaching at the Gracie Academy for like ten years. Nothing but kudos and respect to Royce!

Also, the simple honest criteria in BJJ belt ranking has not changed...the ability to hang with others at your same rank in full out grappling. IMO..the requirements have gone up. The tournament scene is far more competitive than in previous years. If anything belts are kept longer and are becoming harder to get. I have a friend who was just promoted to blue belt and he's only been training for about 5 months...BUT...he trains 4 days and week and 2 of those days he gos twice a day. And, he already has 3 tournaments under his belt..one of them being the Pan Ams! The guy lays waste to all the other white belts and a few blues..so the standard remains.

In BJJ the blackbelt is the prize..the degrees on the blackbelt in BJJ do not really symbolize increased fighting skill. Rigan told me once that blackbelt degrees were mainly given out every 2 years or so to denote continued involvment and giving back to the art...basically if you don't quit training and keep being active and teaching and spreading the art...you get another degree every couple of years...at under the CBJJ and Carlos Gracie Jr.

But let's not allow BJJ to become McDojo-ized. Train hard, work your basics. Be honest about your abilities, don't try to short cut, Roll with the hard guys, and above all, don't be some loser, who gets a blue belt and then creates his own system but really just does substandard BJJ...come on!

Thanks,, I'm done now.

05-25-2005, 01:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hermosa Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 151 Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	I agree that there are some people involved in the art that can and do let things slide that they shouldn't. And Carlson Gracie ...IMO, is one of those dudes. My impression of him is an angry old man who is bitter about the success of his relatives. My understanding is that Rickson, who knows that Carlson is a bit of a goon, told Vitor that he could be one of the best ever if vitor would dedicate himself to Rickson and train hard...But, under the condition that he stop being involved in any BS with Carlson. Rickson did not trust Carlson and didn't want any crap to deal with. Vitor, couldn't handle that ultimatum and thus left Rickson..IMO..dumb move! However, I also agree alot with shamster. Royce is F'in awesome. If you think Royce doesn't know good BJJ you don't have a clue. You know, the traditional Helio Gracie basics, are still totally excellent and important for a good foundation. Royce is amazing...and I'm not totally sure that those facts are correct about Royce getting his blackbelt in 2 years after the blue...But like shamster said...Royce was "born on the mat" He trained jiu-jitsu for 16 years to get his blue...so he's gonna progress quickly. But man, Royce put in his dues teaching at the Gracie Academy for like ten years. Nothing but kudos and respect to Royce! Also, the simple honest criteria in BJJ belt ranking has not changed...the ability to hang with others at your same rank in full out grappling. IMO..the requirements have gone up. The tournament scene is far more competitive than in previous years. If anything belts are kept longer and are becoming harder to get. I have a friend who was just promoted to blue belt and he's only been training for about 5 months...BUT...he trains 4 days and week and 2 of those days he gos twice a day. And, he already has 3 tournaments under his belt..one of them being the Pan Ams! The guy lays waste to all the other white belts and a few blues..so the standard remains. In BJJ the blackbelt is the prize..the degrees on the blackbelt in BJJ do not really symbolize increased fighting skill. Rigan told me once that blackbelt degrees were mainly given out every 2 years or so to denote continued involvment and giving back to the art...basically if you don't quit training and keep being active and teaching and spreading the art...you get another degree every couple of years...at under the CBJJ and Carlos Gracie Jr. But let's not allow BJJ to become McDojo-ized. Train hard, work your basics. Be honest about your abilities, don't try to short cut, Roll with the hard guys, and above all, don't be some loser, who gets a blue belt and then creates his own system but really just does substandard BJJ...come on! Thanks,, I'm done now. __________________ Do your best to add years to your life, but don't forget to add life to your years. ---Deepak Chopra