BJJ For Street Self Defense
The new Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Street Self Defense curriculum is now being tested with our headquarters students.
The idea behind the program is simple: provide top level BJJ training both with and without the gi, but add strikes to all targets and groom the tactics for street self-defense. Currently, people train sport BJJ as the base for much of their ground work. But training only in the sport creates very bad habits for street self-defense. Striking is not taken into account, and much of the gripping is gi-dependant. By always adding strikes, including street strikes, and also training without the gi, the student will be prepared for ground fighting in a street situation, regardless of the attacker’s attire. Thus, I call it BJJ For Street Self Defense.
I have the entire curriculum for attaining the purple belt level ready to go, and we have already had one pair at our Honolulu Headquarters (Jerry Chang and Brandon Bosworth ) pass their test blue belt as well as three people (Creighton Hatico, Jarlo Ilano and Walker Langley) pass their test for purple belt.
I will make more info available soon. Aloha, Burton Richardson.
PRINCIPLES OF RANKING
First and foremost, advancement through the ranks is based upon performance. This means that proficiency in rolling is mandatory. Knowing the material is not enough- being able to perform the techniques against a resisting opponent is the main criteria for advancement. Conversely, the ability to dominate an opponent is not the only factor. Just because a person can pass the guard, dominate position, and get a submission against a higher rank does not make that person deserving of the same rank. A strong, athletic wrestler with six months of BJJ may be able to control and submit a brown belt, but that doesn’t mean that the wrestler has the wide range of technical skill necessary to achieve the rank of brown belt. It may just mean that the wrestler has one strong pass, can hold the side control position very well, and has the strength to force a bent arm lock on the brown belt. Would it be correct to promote a strong athletic grappler to a high rank although he doesn’t know how to do a triangle or omoplata? No. So the ranks are performance based, but that is not the sole criteria for advancement. The student must be well-rounded and technically proficient in sparring in relation to the next rank in order to advance.
The third and essential trait for advancement is good character of the individual. In competitive schools, poor character is often overlooked as long as the fighter shows promise in winning future competitions. Not for us. A person who is not in control of his or her emotions will not advance, and will actually not be allowed to continue training. We must take care of our partners, and anyone trying to inflict unnecessary pain or injury will be expelled. We are here to help each other to become better people and fighters. Also, anyone found to be abusing the training will be expelled. If a person looks for fights outside of the training hall, he or she will no longer be allowed to practice. Our training is for self-defense, not for bullying others. Let’s enjoy our training and help one another to be our very best. If you want to test yourself, do so in a tournament or in the cage.
PROGRESSION of BJJ FOR STREET SELF DEFENSE
WHITE BELT, NO STRIPES
WHITE BELT, 1 STRIPE
WHITE BELT, 2 STRIPES
WHITE BELT, 3 STRIPES
WHITE BELT, 4 STRIPES
BLUE BELT, NO STRIPES
BLUE BELT, 1 STRIPE
(Instructor Candidates eligible to become a BJJ FTS instructor level 1)
BLUE BELT, 2 STRIPES
BLUE BELT, 3 STRIPES
BLUE BELT, 4 STRIPES
PURPLE BELT, NO STRIPES
PURPLE BELT, 1 STRIPE
PURPLE BELT, 2 STRIPES
PURPLE BELT, 3 STRIPES
PURPLE BELT, 4 STRIPES
BROWN BELT, NO STRIPES
BROWN BELT, 1 STRIPE
BROWN BELT, 2 STRIPES
BROWN BELT, 3 STRIPES
BROWN BELT, 4 STRIPES
BLACK BELT