Aging students earning upper belts in bjj

[method115]

Agreed. The longer I train the more I realize how little the belts mean. I've seen too many undeserving people get promoted while more deserving people are left behind. Unfortunately, that often leads to the promoted people quitting because they can't "defend their belts" and/or the other people leaving because of ego or to get a fairer shake at another academy. Belts mean a lot to some people.

I used to really care when I first started. After the 5 year lay off when I came back I barely care about it. They've had 2-3 promotions since I've been back and I've missed them all. Even had one of the BB's tell me I need to go. It's just hard for me to go because I'm usually with my family (which is why I only train at the morning class before work) and on top of that I just don't care that much.

Don't get me wrong though the day I get my purple\brown\black belt will still feel really awesome.

 

[Your Noodly Master]

I started training at 15.i am now 27. I am still a white belt.

I took about 8 years off in the middle and would of been lucky to have trained 20x in that period. I have been back at it on average 2x a week now for a year and a half.

My school is comp based and the blues are legit and generally win at both local and overseas comps. I get smashed by them in the gi and go can defend ok without one.

There are a couple of schools in my city like this. They purposely delay promotions so they can sandbag and win tournaments. Not saying that's what going on at yours, but it seems to should be a blue belt at this point.

 

[thewhiterooster]

I don't know where I fit in. I got my blue Belt 7 years ago today (8/31/11) and I till actively train but I usually lose to most at the gym. I turned 69 last month and generally I roll with anyone as assigned by the Sensei. I do a lot better in no-gi than gi (like it more and have a wrestling background) . I do not compete as entry fees are way too high for me, in fact I often work as staff as some tournaments just to add to my very limited income. It is hard enough to pay the gym fee ($100), the monthly transit pass to get there ($32.50) , as well as replace equipment as it get sworn out but I like BJJ so much that I just want to keep going, even walking 1 km from the bus stop to the gym in days that sometimes reach 110 or more (Lost Wages, NV, USA), but at times knowing that a promotion is highly unlikely until I can do a lot better on the mats is discouraging. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks

yeah. a few suggestions. don't call say sensei for one. are you really 69?that's crazy if true. mad respek and forget about belts. train. have fun. jiu jitsu

 

[TheMaster]

Promotion in martial art rank is based on many factors. Dedication and knowledge of application of technique, being respectful and teaching.

'Fighting ability' or ability to apply technique in competition is only one part and may have more to do with genetics and physical health.

If it was just about that, you would for example have to 'degrade' experienced martial artists when they get old because they cant compete with the younger guys, which would be ludicrous.

Older guys can still do masters level competition.
Even if they cant compete due to health the rank can still be given due to the other factors and should not be considered 'ceremonial' or unworthy. It is legit and he should recognize this. If he is ranked and experienced in other self defence arts also then he is also doing them a service so they should he grateful to him for being there and what he adds to the art as well.

 

[fighthug]

If with all these health problems he still keeps the practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this graduation and more than deserved.

 

[xMTDx]

38 yr old purple belt with three stripes. I just show up, be the hammer and the nail and let time take care of the rest.

 

[Quebec Nick]

Promotion in martial art rank is based on many factors. Dedication and knowledge of application of technique, being respectful and teaching.

'Fighting ability' or ability to apply technique in competition is only one part and may have more to do with genetics and physical health.

If it was just about that, you would for example have to 'degrade' experienced martial artists when they get old because they cant compete with the younger guys, which would be ludicrous.

Older guys can still do masters level competition.
Even if they cant compete due to health the rank can still be given due to the other factors and should not be considered 'ceremonial' or unworthy. It is legit and he should recognize this. If he is ranked and experienced in other self defence arts also then he is also doing them a service so they should he grateful to him for being there and what he adds to the art as well.

You're right, there are many variables about belt promotion.

Everybody agrees that size matter, no one will doubt a 135 LBS man a belt just because he can't beat a 185 LBS man

It should be looked at the same way for age. You can't ask a man over 40 to roll against a 25 year old and beat him. It can happen, if there's a huge knowledge gap or if the guy is in pristine shape but age do matter.

But the older guy still need to find a way to get better and better, not just whine about him getting beat up by youngsters.

We have an older guy who just tries to avoid submissions once is guard is passed. He's acting like a dead fish in a prayer position everytime he gets passed. The coach tells him all the time that he needs to try some escapes or to reguard. I think he will get stalled there until he changes this mindset of just no getting tapped.

 

[dmwalking]

It's up to the instructor. I'm not at that level so I can't give a valid opinion. But I'm starting to notice that with BJJ, there is no universal answer. It comes down to whatever the instructor believes is best. So just trust that and keep training homie.

 

[Your Noodly Master]

We have an older guy who just tries to avoid submissions once is guard is passed. He's acting like a dead fish in a prayer position everytime he gets passed. The coach tells him all the time that he needs to try some escapes or to reguard. I think he will get stalled there until he changes this mindset of just no getting tapped.

We've got one of these guys too. He's thinks he's doing well because he's not getting tapped. Six years ago when I started he was blue, now I'm brown and here's purple. He essentially has no offense.