BJJ Testing

[TANK21]

Thanks for the reply. I heard somewhere that a purple and black belt in BJJ know about the same number of technique, it's just that the black belt has cultivated their timing and execution to a higher degree. I was just wondering in the lower belts what distinguished their "level." I suppose the three purple belts are the ones that dominate the rest of class on the ground as well. Thus distinguishing themselves from the others.

Though I was wondering, like the previous post, if I stuck to maybe two good submissions; guillotine and rear naked choke, would that inhibit me from gaining rank because of my lack of an arsenal?

[Shelt]

"Though I was wondering, like the previous post, if I stuck to maybe two good submissions; guillotine and rear naked choke, would that inhibit me from gaining rank because of my lack of an arsenal?"

I would say YES it would inhibit you.  Now if you're talking about those two techniques as your "go to" techniques for tournaments/winning, rather than only knowing two techniques that would be different.

A high ranking BJJer should have an understanding of the concepts that make the positions and techniques work. With this understanding they would be able to grasp the "how to" of a technique and more efficiently apply it.  

For example a blue might know how to perform a technique and make it work well enough to get the "tap" by powering it ,etc. A purple or higher should get it to work with superior technique and timing.

I suppose if I had to define the differences b/w a blue and purple I'd say that a blues should know the basic positioning and major techniques. He or she would be able to apply those techniques in sparring in a somewhat step-by-step manner; sort of "I'm here,what could I go for from here" approach.  A more advanced person should more smoothly "flow" through the positions to setup what they want according to a "gameplan" or at least  be able to apply techniques in combos according to the actions/reactions of their opponent using thier superior timing, sensitivity and number of techniques.

I think a good blue is a very dangerous person because the have enough understanding of positions and techniques to as Yuri metioned, capitalize on their opponent's openings/mistakes.

All that said, today's bluebelts seem to have a much more "complex" game in some respects than when I first received my blue in Jan'97. Also Tank21, speaking for myself, I wouldn't say I "dominate" the blues in sparring. I tend to work my own "game" that suits my personal goals, which may not be to get the "tap." I actually don't like to do many popular techniques (although I understand and can do them for the most part) because I don't like the way they make me move, etc.

[Burton]

Good questions, great response Shelton.   If you watch our purples train in class, you might see someone of less experience actually get on the purple's back, pass their guard, etc.  Why?   Because the purple is working on new stuff that makes them vulnerable.  Or, the purple wants to practice from bad positions.  Training is not always about dominating your partner.  The goal is to improve.  If I start using a brand new technique, I may be a "white belt" at that move.   That means that I may miss the move countless times before I get the hang of it.   If I only am concerned about "winning", I won't take the time to practice new techniques and my game won't expand.
   As far as your two best techniques, if you play with very good partners you may never even get near them.  If that is all you have, you will find yourself in trouble.  It is best to have a few favorites that you rely on, but then have lots of back up!

[TANK21]

A more advanced person should more smoothly "flow" through the positions to setup what they want according to a "gameplan" or at least  be able to apply techniques in combos according to the actions/reactions of their opponent using thier superior timing, sensitivity and number of techniques.

Thanks for the reply Shelt. I hear what you're saying, the advanced guys know how to plan their work then work their plan. I've gotten a better understanding this last week when a purple was demonstrating his combinations on me. Attributes, techniques, timing- they're all just words, it wasn't until I was rolling around did I really "get it." And brother I got a long way to go! But I'm having fun along the way.

I wouldn't say I "dominate" the blues in sparring. I tend to work my own "game" that suits my personal goals, which may not be to get the "tap."

That's cool. I suppose having game allows you to greater freedom to devise different plans to work when you're rolling.

And I see what you're saying Burt, to have a couple of backups along with your favorites to develop a well rounded game. Life works the same way. "If at first you don't succeed.."

[Burton]

As long as you are having fun with it you will keep getting better and better.   It takes time, so might as well enjoy the process.  Just as in life.   Aloha!

[yamadin]

Hi, I remember Burton told me that guys like Baret and Egan use to experiment new techniques with full resistance against lower belts to perfect their techniques and chose to spar higher belts as they master the techniques for better resistance.

Did you guys read the posts in mma.tv? Go to underground and go to JKD forum. Go to Burton Richardson post as well as New Blue and Purple by Burt.  It seems that someone has been consistently disrespecting us in relation to our credibility for our blue and purples as well as our fighting skills.

We need to help Burt and Morne against this. What can we do?

[Shelt]

We need to help Burt and Morne against this. What can we do?

I think it's handled well enough. No sense getting into an internet war-of-words.  This incident illustrates ONE reason why I was hesitant to be ranked higher than blue.  Too many differing opinions on rank criteria. Should it be tourney/sport BJJ skill, Vale Tudo, both? Does it include the self defense curriculum? Old-school techniques or latest and greatest evolutions? GJJ or BJJ? BLAH,  BLAH, BLAH

[JKogas]

I agree with Shelt, there really isn't any point in fanning the flames.  

You can't please everyone in life.  Those you can't, just ignore and focus on what's really important.

Burton doesn't need to prove anything, nor does any of the SBG because they're all stand up guys (and gals).  Although I've never met Burt, it's pretty obvious that he practices what he preaches. Hell, just being involved in the Dog Brothers fights ought to show that.  That's really good enough for me.  Besides, the SBG and JKDU guys are friends for the most part.  Lets keep it that way.  


-John

[Jeff Rockwell]

Jkogas is correct, nice post.

[yamadin]

Great post Shelton. Thanks. That is one reason why I hardly post there.

[JKogas]

Jkogas is correct, nice post.

Thanks bro!

Jeff, weren't you orginally planning to attend the Matt Thornton seminar at my good friend Scott Lowther's gym in West Virginia, when he was there around the first of August last year?  Scott had said something about you when mentioning some of the people he'd planned on being there.  Hate I missed you.  

However it's good to make your aquaintance here.  Keep up the great work with your jits/submission wrestling career!  Apparently it's going pretty well.  Kudos's to you from an SBG "family friend".

Cheers!

-John Kogas

[Jeff Rockwell]

Hi John,

Yup, I was planning on attending that WV seminar - I try to make all of Matt and Burt's seminars that I can, since they don't make it out this way too often.  I was bummed that I missed that one.

"Keep up the great work with your jits/submission wrestling career! Apparently it's going pretty well."

Didn't go so well last weekend, lol, but I didn't come with my game face on.  Now I'm feeling hungry, and there are a bunch of tournaments coming up in the next few months.  Redemption will be mine very soon!  

[Burton]

Nice post John.  Thanks for the support.  No matter what we do, there will be people who criticize.  That is fine, as long as we just keep doing what we are doing and avoid focusing energy on the detractors.  Too many positive things to discuss!
   I know that Jeff will continue to climb to the top of the submission wrestling hill.  Keep up the great work!