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Author: Bret Gordon
We've all heard that earning a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu takes at least 10 years. We've all heard that the degrees of Black Belt are awarded every 3 years. And you know what? We've all been lied to.
The common BJJ ranking method is broken, and has been manipulated by unscrupulous instructors for both monetary and reputation gain. Before I get to that, however, let's talk about the origins of rank in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, because that will help us understand how we ended up here and perhaps how we can find our way back. When Carlos Gracie Sr. first opened the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy, the ranking system was very different than what we know today. There were only three ranks: White, Light Blue, and Navy Blue, and they had nothing to do with proficiency. White belt was worn by students, light blue worn by assistant instructors, and navy blue worn by professors. Of course, the modern belt system was introduced later on. This of course meant that Carlos and Helio Gracie promoted themselves to Black Belt, since neither earned such rank in the parent art of Judo. 
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Author: Bret Gordon
While Judo is most known for its competition format, the complete art of traditional Kodokan Judo has an extensive self defense curriculum - most of which contained in the Goshin Jutsu kata. The self defense curriculum was largely influenced by Tomiki Kenji, who held an 8th Dan in both Judo and Aikido (when it was still taught as Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu), as well as influences from Judo's parent art of Tenjin Shin'yo Ryu Jujutsu. Unironically, many of these techniques appear in the self defense training of traditional Gracie Jiu Jitsu as well. This is the Judo we emphasize in the Seikan Judo & Jujutsu Association!
Author: Bret Gordon  For those familiar with myself and my instructor, Steven Hatfield, it is no secret we have studied and hold rank in multiple arts. On one of my other blog sites, I wrote an article on the process of cross-ranking (click here to read), that is that the skills and information learned in one art can be transferred to another and used as credit to waive time-in-grade requirements when pursuing rank in another art. I definitely recommend reading that article for a more in-depth analysis of the process and justification for the practice of cross-ranking, as this is more of an update than a new article. Of course, the student seeking rank in another system must be able to demonstrate the required material according to the standards of the new art, but as long as they can pass the same exam as everyone else, not be held to starting at white belt and working their way up with normal time-in-grade. Yesterday, the US Judo Association released an update to their promotion policies saying exactly that. Section 3 of the President's update reads:  It is refreshing to see an organization of this caliber openly share that yes, it is possible to acquire skills and information through one art that directly correlate to another and if you are able to meet the standards, you are eligible to be ranked in the other higher than a new beginner with no experience. Where the uneducated might feel this policy promotes giving away unearned rank, those that truly understand the martial arts know that this helps spread both arts and build a stronger community by removing unnecessary barriers to entry for those with the ability and desire to study multiple martial arts. Much like colleges and other institutions of higher learning award credits for past experience, so do the martial arts.
In my opinion, this is just another way the USJA is on the right track and adapting to the changing landscape of Judo in the United States. Along with their Kosen Judo competition format, changes and policies like this will help them remain a leader in the American Judo community. Author: Bret Gordon  With the end of the American Judo Alliance, the Paris Olympics taking place, and the "Big 3" all vying for power, the landscape of the Judo community is changing rapidly. For those unfamiliar, let me briefly recap it for you before I go into what this means for the American judoka moving forward.
USA Judo, the US Judo Association, and the US Judo Federation, collectively known as the "Big 3," have long been held as the national governing bodies for the sport of Judo. Under the American Judo Alliance, they operated largely as one super-organization, allowing their members to cross-rank in each group and participate in each other's events. Now USA Judo, as the official national organization of the International Judo Federation (and the IOC), is the sole provider for those with Olympic and international championship aspirations. Considering the US only sent four judoka to the Paris Olympics, that doesn't seem like the enormous benefit to the average judoka that it's made out to be. Not to mention the majority of judoka I know have been turned off by this year's competition, where the goal of the athletes seems to be winning on technicalities and penalties, and not with actual Judo. If this is the direction that the IOC, the IJF, and subsequently USA Judo want to move towards, they're going to lose the support of many judoka. While the USJA and USJF can now resume focus on their mission of promoting "grassroots" Judo, they no longer have stake to the claim of being "more legitimate" than any other Judo organization out there. Organizations such as the Judo Black Belt Association, the American Judo & Jujutsu Federation, the American Traditional Jujutsu Association, USA Traditional Kodokan Judo, and countless others have just as much right to exist, and issue legitimate rank and coaching credentials, on the same level of credibility as USJA and USJF. Author: Bret Gordon  Joining the Seikan Judo & Jujutsu Association offers a myriad of benefits for martial arts instructors seeking both personal growth and community connection. With a rich history and lineage, the SJJA is renowned for its dedication to preserving and promoting the arts of Judo & Jujutsu, fostering an environment where practitioners can refine their skills and deepen their understanding of martial arts philosophy.
All of our certified members receive their official certifications, ranks, and licenses directly from the leading national and international organizations in their respective fields. But aside from certifications, what separates us from any other organization? Why should any instructor specifically join our group? The simple answer is that it all comes down to standards. We are far from being the only source to register your rank with the organizations listed below, but our membership process is one of the most strict. There are 3 types of membership into the Seikan Judo & Jujutsu Association:
Author: Bret Gordon
Without question, one of the most popular martial arts in the world is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With such a widespread community it's only natural that certain misunderstandings and misconceptions arise, the biggest of which is that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a single art and all schools that claim BJJ teach essentially the same material.
To understand why BJJ is not a single art but rather a myriad of systems, each with their own emphasis, curriculum, and requirements, we have to dig a little into the history of BJJ and its Judo origins. The general history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is fairly well-known. Maeda Mitsuyo brought Kodokan Judo (then commonly known as Kano Jujutsu) to Brazil, where he taught Carlos Gracie, Sr., among other students (including Oswaldo Fadda, whose legacy I won't be able to even touch on in this article). Carlos would go on to teach the rest of his family, including his younger brother Helio who would be instrumental in helping the art gain notoriety. While Helio is best known for adapting the techniques of Kano Jujutsu to focus on ground fighting, widely believed to be due to his physical stature and ailments, Carlos had no such ailments and continued to teach the art in its entirety. Like Kano before him, he attached his name to the art and thus, Gracie Jiu Jitsu was born. Author: Steven Hatfield  Rolles Gracie, Steven Hatfield, Leao Texeira As the journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) unfolds, practitioners embark on a transformative path marked by dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Each belt rank represents a milestone in skill acquisition and personal growth. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the belt ranks and time requirements for adults in BJJ, shedding light on the diverse pathways that lead to the coveted black belt.
Adult Belt Ranks and Time Requirements: 1. White Belt: The starting point for all practitioners, where the emphasis is on learning fundamental techniques and concepts. Time requirement varies but typically ranges from 1 to 2 years. 2. Blue Belt: Represents the transition from a beginner to a more intermediate level practitioner. Time requirement is generally around 2 years of consistent training. 3. Purple Belt: Marks a significant advancement in skill and understanding of BJJ techniques. Time requirement typically ranges from 2 to 4 years. 4. Brown Belt: Demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency and mastery of BJJ principles. Time requirement is usually 1 to 3 years. 5. Black Belt: The highest attainable rank in BJJ, symbolizing a profound understanding and mastery of the art. Time requirement for black belt promotion varies but often ranges from 5 to 10 years of dedicated training and contribution to the community.
Author: Bret Gordon
Author: Bret Gordon  In a world where personal safety is a top priority, individuals seek effective and practical self defense methods. One martial art that stands out for its emphasis on leverage, technique, and adaptability is Judo. Originally developed in Japan, Judo has evolved into a global martial art and sport that offers a unique approach to self defense. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of Judo and how its principles can be applied in real-life situations for self defense. Understanding Judo: Judo, which translates to "gentle way" in Japanese, was founded by Kano Jigoro in 1882. The philosophy behind Judo centers on using an opponent's force against them, emphasizing technique and balance over sheer strength. Judoka learn to efficiently control and manipulate an opponent's movements through throws, joint locks, and pins. Key Principles of Judo for Self Defense:
 While Judo is a sport with a set of rules and regulations, its principles can be adapted for real-life self defense scenarios. Judoka should focus on the following aspects when applying Judo for personal safety:
Judo, with its emphasis on technique, adaptability, and efficiency, offers a well-rounded approach to self defense. By incorporating Judo principles into their training, individuals can develop the skills and mindset needed to protect themselves in a variety of situations. While Judo is not a guarantee against all threats, its holistic approach to personal safety makes it a valuable martial art for those seeking practical self-defense techniques. Remember, the true essence of Judo lies not just in overpowering an opponent but in achieving victory through skill, intelligence, and respect. Author: Steven Hatfield  Jigoro Kano Jigoro Kano, the visionary founder of Judo, was not merely a martial artist; he was a philosopher and educator who sought to transform not just the physical aspects of combat but also the ethical and moral dimensions of human interaction. Born in 1860, Kano's journey led him to craft one of the most influential martial arts, deeply rooted in his own ideals and convictions.
The Birth of Judo: A Holistic Approach to Combat Judo, which translates to "gentle way," emerged as a response to the harsh and often brutal nature of traditional Japanese martial arts. Kano envisioned a system that would emphasize mutual benefit and maximum efficiency, allowing practitioners to utilize an opponent's force against them. In his own words, Kano described Judo as "the way to utilize mind and body most effectively." The fundamental philosophy of Judo, as articulated by its founder, goes beyond the physical techniques. It encourages practitioners to strive for self-improvement, fostering not only strength and agility but also mental resilience and moral integrity. Kano aimed to create not just skilled fighters but well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to society. |
