2 Worst BJJ Belts for Imposter Syndrome after a Promotion

[@guamtek]

All it took for me to get passed my imposter syndrome was asking jocko about it at the immersion camp. When that guy is lumbering toward you, staring into your soul and tells you "SOMEONE ELSE BELIEVED YOU WERE READY FOR THIS, SO DO IT FOR THEM IF NOT FOR YOURSELF", it really puts your ass in gear

[@TaehunSeong.]

Dammit, that shit was powerful 😳

[@Nero-zq6ic]

well..... thats a good answer.

[@jtr2087]

That’s gangster

[@biggooba6706]

no if you dont think your ready your prob not

[@VinnyDoesLife]

Now I don't need Jocko to tell me this himself. Thx.

[@gannakin]

Received my black belt last July and I still feel like this. Thanks for the video, professor.

[@QuarantineVideoz]

47-year old lady here. just got my purple belt last week. I had massive impostor syndrome as a blue belt, but this time, even though I was not expecting to get promoted at all, I've decided to just trust my coach. If he thinks I'm a purple belt, then I am. I'll just continue to train 5-6 days a week and aim to get better every day. Fussing isn't going to do anything for me.

[@chcknpie04]

I can really relate to this. I got my purple belt a few weeks ago, and proceeded to cry in my car, because I felt like I didn’t deserve it. I still don’t really feel like I deserve it, especially when as a purple belt, I’m still getting tapped by big white belts and talented, blue belts, but that’s not really what it’s about.

[@CaleCoast]

I got my first stripe on purple belt in October. I felt the same way when I got promoted and was getting targeted- and smashed- by the good guys at the gym. However, that only lasted a couple months. I focused my training and got after it, and I'm now one of the better purple belts among the gyms I visit and my academy. Just use that feeling as fuel, don't compare yourself to anyone else but who you were last class.

[@Arcadianx98]

I have a harder time with the 4 stripe white belts who have 50lbs on me than the purple belts my same size. Crazy how much strength and athleticism plays a role

[@CaleCoast]

@@Arcadianx98 yeah, true. Never forget your attributes!

[@TourniquetAndDeliverance]

WBs are just unpredictable.

[@Medreg1983]

It's just jiu jitsu man

[@davidwatts8281]

I just got promoted to brown and felt this... But I wrapped my head around pretty much exactly how you explained, and now it's forcing me to take my jiu-jitsu more seriously and become a lot better in all areas, because essentially I feel a bit lazy when it comes to certain I should know through and through by now, and I'm forced to understand every aspect of a technique

[@jptothetree]

Got my brown belt this summer and definitely still fighting that imposter-syndrome-feeling. Thanks for posting, this helps!

[@arturdobrzynski6531]

I hear you, felt the same.. But in all honesty, since I got promoted to brown belt I really try to do what I can to deserve it in my own eyes and I am happy to say I do feel I have got a lot better thanks to that imposter syndrom I experienced. More so than If I stayed that decent purple belt I was. Train a lot more, learn a lot from instructionals on what I feel a brown belt should know.

[@jptothetree]

@@arturdobrzynski6531 I agree. I think the pressure of the rank is motivating me to push myself just that much more 🤙

[@Falzyapx]

Just got my Blue belt today! Watching Chewy videos got me hyped to start BJJ. Thanks for all the great content and lessons!

[@jmiahTNT]

Definitely relate to this. When I got my purple belt my immediate thoughts were "Man I'm gonna have to get purple everything and I get to skip warmups" for real though I was a blue belt for nearly three years and felt like I'm not ready for this but started winning tournaments and had some of the best rolls, matches, and opportunities up to that point. I still feel this as a Black Belt even now. Sometimes still kinda hard to believe I got it but I'm getting more comfortable with the responsibilities and challenges that come with the rank. I've spoken with other black belts including Chewie for input. It's like I tell my students have fun and don't put emphasis on the belt. Life is a rat race and people are trying to be the hare. Be the turtle instead 🐢

[@flashadney]

Chewy, it was awesome to get to meet you at Origin camp this year! That was kind of the "A-ha!" moment for me where I realized everyone has imposter syndrome. Since being back home. I more so now look at a belt as not so where you stand amongst your peers, but more your own personal journey.

[@lowreedman]

I got my Brown Belt about a year ago. Life has intervened and I haven't been able to train as much. I think because of that, I still have imposter syndrome. Hoping my life will calm a bit after the first of the year so I can start training regularly again.

[@merkins87]

Brown belt for 5 years & counting- I feel your pain, brother!

[@robcubed9557]

As a blue belt manlet pushing 40, I've felt this plenty of times since I've struggled against larger younger 3rd and 4th stripe white belts,. However on the rare instance that I roll against a newcomer or a lower white belt, I feel validated again since I can still ragdoll those students.

[@arturdobrzynski6531]

Compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with someone else. That really helps not only maintain good attitude, but prevents injuries from when you try to hold up against talented, younger, explosive lower belts :) Peace

[@overrideFunction]

@@arturdobrzynski6531 good advice, but sometimes it's hard to resist comparing yourself as it's human nature. However, I completely agree that is what people should be doing. Once I purposely stopped caring if I was a good enough/real blue belt it let me open my game up and try new things without fear of looking bad losing. My game skyrocketed fast and I also started really having fun again. However, now I'm at the cusp of purple and already feeling that imposter syndrome and comparison creeping back in!

[@RippedPantsss]

Chewy you’ve been a huge part of my Jiu Jitsu journey as well as others and I want to say thank you for all your videos and thank you for this one especially!

[@frankgarguilo2734]

Perfect timing Chewy. Thank you. 39 yo new purple belt still getting beat by stronger and bigger lower belts (regardless of age).

[@lastat10]

Coming up on my first year at purple next month. And I can relate just like everyone else. I was excited to get it and and believed that I was ready for it. And then about month after getting my new belt, I was struggling hard with this “ do I even deserve this belt” keep your head up and keep training all my purple belt kings and queens. In my experience purple belt has been by far the most fun I’ve had in jiu jitsu yet.

[@Gayngisconisgayngisconisgay]

Welcome to the club, pal. I've been at purple for 8 years. I suck and I'm pretty sure my instructor regrets promoting me now. 2:00 this part here is what I am missing that is consistent in everyone's, "it's only imposter syndrome" stories. I dont win against anyone except smaller starting white belts with limited experience. The rest of the time I am smashed or the guy gives me a charitable sub and in 5 mins I went 1 for 7 with a fellow purple, same size.

[@niclacy9066]

Imposter Syndrome is 100% real in what we do and in life. I earned my Black Belt earlier this year and have been dealing that, especially because it feels like I coach more than train these days. Still getting through it

[@jmiahTNT]

Definitely hear ya there brother. There's some nights where it's like I wanna just roll but then thinking about what our Students need. Playing the long game cause I can't get better if I just smash but giving Students the little inputs and improvements will allow us to continue getting good 🤙🏼

[@tededo]

@@jmiahTNT Still wanna roll ? What at black belt level, havent you roll long enough ??? Wow ?

[@arturdobrzynski6531]

An imposter syndrom at brown belt really motivated me to train more and train smarter. So looking back, though it's unpleasant feeling, make it work for you. I've got a lot better just trying to catch up quickly to what I felt a brown belt should know and represent. It will probably work out just fine until again I'll become the worst black belt in the world ;)

[@davidwatts8281]

New brown belt here, and that's exactly what's happened with me. And I actually think that's why my coach promoted me, because he knew it would force me to get a lot better with certain things... My rolling has completely changed and it's only been 2 weeks... Letting lower belts bash me now 😂 Not quite letting them tap me, but that's coming, because I am letting them get me in really bad positions

[@Abettergrappler]

I'm towards the end of my brown belt now and it was the only belt that made me realize i needed to truly become a student of the sport. Study film and cut out all the fluff that wont work on high level black belts. Hell, it even brought me back to my wrestling roots and what i want my "Black Belt" style to be.

[@1234cnguyen]

I can relate. I didn't think the belts mattered until I got the black. I was really emotional and I didn't know why. When I opened my school, I felt the same way, I was so nervous when a higher belt visited from another school. I felt like I needed to impress them.

[@saltminer4463]

As a smaller blue belt who got it just a year after starting I definitely felt this when I first got promoted and still struggled against some of the bigger white belts and all

[@bujindork]

Size matters. Ive rolled with blue and purple belts as a white belt but I was a lot bigger so I was able to give them a good roll. A high blue or purple my size though will cut right through me

[@radclayson]

I'm a brand new skinny purple and I'm still feeling that. Big dudes are tough

[@tededo]

You need to lift things up, and put them down.

[@stevenconnolly28]

As a skinny blue belt I feel your pain. Bigger people are a nightmare. I find IF I can get to the back then weight doesn't matter but easier said than done unfortunately

[@somla72]

Wise words Chewy. I'm a 50-year-old 3 stripe blue belt and sometimes I tap out to white belts, but I also often give purple belts a tough fight. We're having a promotion this Sunday, and I think there's a good chance I'll get my purple belt. Like this guy and most people in the comments, I feel the same way, but as you say, it'll give me reason to step up my game. Sure feels strange remembering how purple belts seemed invincible a few years ago.

[@InterstellarAdventure]

I just got my purple belt a week ago after training for almost 6 years total (took a year off when my son was born 3 years ago). And right now I’m feeling the imposter syndrome big time. But I trust my coach’s judgement. Just difficult to get over that feeling. But I know my coach knows best.

[@No_ElMinja]

With every promotion while in the military, never felt imposter syndrome...get promoted to purple belt...imposter syndrome hits me like a dump truck...thanks for the vid chew!

[@willbrooksofficial]

Great video! I’ve definitely experienced this at purple belt. It’s good to know this is probably a common emotion at this level

[@admles-au]

Damn this speaks to me so deeply! When I first got my purple I didn’t feel worthy, but I told myself to trust my coach’s judgment, but some days I don’t feel like it. Then I have days where I can hang with our best guys and not get submitted, or white and blue belts come to me for advice and I think “eh, maybe I’m too hard on myself”. I guess just keep training is the answer.

[@FR-ty5vn]

Old 2 stripe purple - that’s a great way of looking at things - thanks 🙏

[@Shrimp006]

I had this happen when I was promoted to white belt. I was walking around just beating kids up left and right. It was months before I harnessed the moose

[@overrideFunction]

I wish you had addressed age a bit more. Getting blue/purple as an out of shape, asthmatic hobbiest in your late 30s Is a new set of challenges. You feel like you need to be able to beat all those lower belt, younger monsters so imposter syndrome can really kick in. I have our coral belt telling me I'm getting my purple any day and I still feel like a fake most days. I'm at a smaller gym so I don't have too many blue and purple belts my age to compare myself to. However, I do know I would woop up on myself from two years ago no problem at all.

[@arturdobrzynski6531]

@Kodiak Combat Collective that's admirable. i like that. Slowly drift into that position myself.

[@pingislife2653]

Most of the people I've seen get their black belt just went with their coach's decision. However, I've witnessed a few guys get their new black belt, and they openly questioned it because they did not feel worthy. I chuckled with a couple of them because they were definitely OP.

[@seanmahoney90]

Sounds like you and T are humble and grateful…

[@DigiacomoDave]

Just got my purple last night... It's def not sitting right with me...at all. I needed to hear this

[@PssupplementreviewsbyPete]

I'm looking to enjoy my white belt for a long time. 😆 I'm not even sure how belts works. I'm just enjoying the ride and the art.

[@andrewsajko197]

I'm a two stripe white belt. I compete and cross train at 2 gyms . I train 7 days a week and most days 2 or 3 times a day. I think some people in my position go in the gym to the "W's". But I think it's better to go to get better and hone your craft. Don't worry about why someone is more adept or more this or more that get better. By your standards not others.

[@opinionmaximus]

I’ve been training just over 10 years (4 stripe purple) and I think you have a GREAT mindset towards your training. I see this all the time where people are looking for “taps”. My professor said something to me when I was probably a 1 stripe blue that has stuck with me for years “Just because you tapped a higher belt doesn’t mean you’re better, maybe they where working on something, maybe they started in an inferior position, maybe they just had a bad roll and you had a great one. Just because you tapped someone once in 25 rolls doesn’t mean you didn’t get handled in the other 24?.” I tell the lower belts all the time “Build your techniques and you will not have to work hard to get submissions instead of getting a tap because of “attributes” (strength, age, weight, etc) because those guys getting “taps” are probably getting them for those reasons (attributes) and 1 day they will go against someone with better techniques and even though they have those attributes they won’t “win”. I’m 50 years old and because I have good technique I toy with guys 20,30 years younger, 20, 30 pounds heavier.”One thing I will say he careful about training too much you don’t want to burn out. Good luck in your journey brother.

[@steventhomas3481]

Got my purple yesterday. I needed this

[@sarria6733]

I definitely get this. Got my blue belt today. Feel significantly overwhelmed and under-prepared. Definitely don't feel skilled enough. Especially as a woman in a very male dominated gym, I don't win a lot of rolls as I get significantly outstrengthed at times. Looking forward to seeing where I can get from here though.

[@jdt1221a]

This is great explanation and not not just for BJJ. Life in general. Excellent advice. Thank you👊😎

[@sachiokun]

Thanks Chew, I really needed this video. I'm getting my blue belt next week, and I'm shitting my pants already. Only thing I know is that shit's getting real. Big hug from Argentina!

[@kevinnguyen1664]

Resonated so much with this. Thank you so much!

[@JamesSpurgeon-w6p]

I am 61 years old. I started at 58 and have lost time due to multiple injuries that put me out for weeks at a time. I saw the guys I started with promote well ahead of me and it was mildly discouraging. I earned my 4th stripe 6 months ago and never quite felt as....dominant.....as I should have when rolling with new guys. I still feel that way now and I still feel like (know) that I totally suck. But, apparently, I suck less. That's what the OG's tell me. I had my first class as a blue belt last night and got absolutely DESTROYED by everyone I rolled with. Granted, these were a black belt, 3 purple belts and a 4 stripe blue belt, but I still did not even feel competitive. It was VERY discouraging. I think my biggest problem is "imposter syndrome." I roll with higher belts CONSTANTLY and rarely get advantageous positions, let alone the occasional (super rare) submissions. Now that I am a blue belt, I still feel like the worst guy on the mat. Last night did not help that insecurity. I try to give myself a break because I realize most of these guys are 25-40 years younger than me and it's kind of a miracle that I'm even on the mats. However, I still see the world through my "Young Man's Eyes." Hopefully, resilience, practice and continuing to "show up" will help my game. Its all I think about. I train 3-4 days a week (not counting the weight room at the gym) and still get crushed on nearly every roll. I'll never quit though.

[@DRDOOM-jl7tv]

Thank you 🙏 I needed to hear this.. 🤙 I’m a newly promoted BLUE BELT

[@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv]

As a martial artist of 46 years experience, what I would say is that you will always remain a student. Even if you achieve high belt grades there is always someone better, or new things to learn. You could line up 10 black belts of the same grade and they're all going to be subtly different. Some of it will come down to age, sex, state of health experience etc. Each of them has something to offer and they would all understand the basics of their art.

[@cahallo5964]

I feel like a weirdo for literally never caring about belts, so many questions and anecdotes of the oppisite.

[@78logistics]

I already have issues with the stripes I have. I always was like this...swimming lessons, piano exams , promotion to senior level in the military....just did not care to progress any further tangibly. Wanted to be competent at my current level, nothing more. I participate, but in late middle age, no interest in anything competitive except to participate. Other sports, track riding and ice hockey the same thing .

[@af4396]

I get how it's a big deal for people who are looking to compete or take it really seriously, but other than that I say who cares. If you got a purple belt, and it wasn't under an automatic "you were here for 3 years, have a purple" then there's probably a reason you have it. You might not be the best killer on the mats, but you might have the knowledge and technique. Maybe you lack aggression, cardio, reflexes etc. If anything, the people who take belts super serious are the problem. Those that are like "Oh I can tape a purple" and they're like a 220 pound 5.5ft white belt. Those people just don't realize, when they fight someone their own size that's a purple they're going to get demolished, but they feel good when they win against someone 80 pounds less than them. Belts are subjective, bodies are all unique. A big part is also take downs. If you're a higher belt without good take down skill because the dojo doesn't focus on it, well you might be good on the ground but not when someone that takes you down gets top position and is decent at pinning and keeping you busy for subs. Statistically, if you lose the takedown (A proper Judo/Wrestling takedown, not pulling guard) you have something like an 80% chance of losing the match or something ridiculous. To me, belts are just as much about knowledge as performance. A purple belt that gets tapped by white belts, most likely still has A LOT to teach the white belt to make them even better.

[@Arcadianx98]

Facts. People who are naturally bigger, muscular, and athletic rarely have the opportunity to deal with bigger opponents as much as the smaller guys do. Size and strength play a big role. The 4 stripe white belts who have 50-75lbs on me are way tougher to roll with than a purple belt my same size

[@reeseexplains8935]

I’m a 4 stripe white belt and don’t feel skilled enough as of now. I’m hoping I’m much better in 1 year.

[@lylejackson645]

I got my black belt 2 months ago, and didn’t have much trouble with it because I had really drilled into my head that I wouldn’t be getting it if my professor didn’t think I was ready. I also had to force myself to not compare myself to the other black belts in the gym because they had been training so much longer that of course they were ahead of me. The one that I really did feel it was brown. My professor was a purple belt when I started, and we had 3 blue belts. It was a super junior gym, so blue belt seemed so far off, and purple seemed almost unattainable. Brown felt crazy because I was ahead of where my professor was when I’d begun my journey.

[@eamonob84]

My first coach was a purple too. I’m currently a 4 stripe brown and I’ve been told black is coming soon, so it’s the same thinking of where my coach was when I first started and how even purple seemed so far off then.

[@jasonmurray8777]

Old man 4-Stripe Brown and I am no different. I am of course terrified of my pending Black Belt even though I know I can hang with several black belts and do fine with most of my fellow Brown belts. My Purple belt was also like no way in hell am I a Purple belt. Then to my surprise I won in a tourney at Purple against folks literally 20 years younger... in spite of knowing I had been doing fine with other Purples in class. I know I will get accustomed to it in time once it happens, but its still going to be a head trip for a while. (Especially until a certain murderous tourney-killer Brown Belt teammate gets his Black Belt. In his case I have watched him eat many Black Belts for lunch since he was a Purple Belt so it doesn't hurt as bad when he does it to me).

[@tededo]

I'm going to tell you something you probably havent read before. 50 here. 20 years of nogi grappling. Our instructor made a general invitation to the white belts of the class. I'm an senior blue, long time nogi, so I ask to re-do my blue belt test, to which he replied, simply memorize the blue belt curriculum, and in du time, we'll test you for the purple. Maybe my 20 years into this help me not to feel any impostor syndrome. The longer I witness and roll other students rolll, and myself, the more I see this as one grappler vs another grappler, man against man, never white belt vs brown or the like. If I roll with a purple, I never target to avoid his triangles, but rather, I make a point of honor to pass his guard, and re-pass his guard, etc, etc. Same with all other belt level students. It's more about beating the student's best move, best technique. So far, it's been working very well. By the time I've reach that 20 year mark, I would feel ashamed of myself if I had any impostor syndrome.

[@taotaoooo]

In our school the instructor and black belts line up in front and everyone else lines up in rank order along the wall when bowing out after class. The first class after I got promoted to black belt I was exhausted and lined up with my brown belt friends along the wall. Oops I forgot!

[@craigmeyers9137]

🤭 26yrs in jujitsu and I've NEVER👈 excepted a belt promotion. It's simply ridiculous.

[@claycoppinger2983]

That clap finish at 7:30 tho!!!

[@daithi1966]

I can see purple and black being the two belts where imposter syndrome would be the worst. Blue belt says you know the basics and are good enough to execute them. You can submit your peers, you can escape routinely, etc. It wouldn't matter if some new white belt with a lot of wrestling experience was able to submit a new blue belt, or even if a talented white belt with a lot of experience did so. You're still a blue belt once you know those basics and have developed some skill to execute those basic skills. However, purple is different. You have to have a certain level of talent and experience that goes beyond blue belt. When you've reached this level your flat out good. However, this isn't a problem for brown belts, because they're basically either purple belts who have put in the time, or they're black belts who just haven't been promoted to black belt yet. However, black belts are another step up, just like purple belt was a step up from blue belt. It's not just time that's been committed. It is ability that has been acquired. A black belt is better than a purple belt. This isn't to say that a purple belt won't sometimes get the better of a black belt, but there is a clear difference in skill between them.

[@dyoder16]

Hahaha. I got my purple and went to masters worlds and promptly went 0-1 two years in a row. I almost burned the thing in the parking lot of the Vegas convention center the second time. 😂

[@eamonob84]

I know you’re joking around, but remember you competed against other purples competing at world’s. Purples who win worlds are not simply purples. Coming from someone about to be promoted to black soon (but not a competitor), many of those purples could tap me.

[@brochutcheson4166]

Chewy I have a question, if I’m injured and can’t participate in class, should I still attend class? On one hand, I could attend class and keep up with the lessons but, on the other hand, I feel like I can give that time to my family while I’m healing . Coaches perspective. ?

[@percussivemaintenance7222]

I feel you, dude. Got my ribs broken at the gym by a fellow white belt who I learned has a black belt in judo. I still get face time in with the community when I bring my kids to class, but it feels almost pointless to go to class myself and sit on the mat with a dunce cap on because I want to be in there, and instead have to wrestle with the nagging concern that if I'm not rolling I am wasting time being there. Knowing myself, I run the risk of trying to jump in before the dr said I can and reinjuring, and the weeks of it hurting to breathe are not something I'd like to repeat any time soon.

[@Bobzrozrotwo]

I knew I deserved my blue (I'd been training for a 5 years prior to donning a gi and then it took me 2 years). Didn't think I deserved my purple... and even though I am on the cusp of Brown and know I am significantly better... I still worry.

[@MessianicJewJitsu]

4:00 it must rule so hard to get to say you're good or doing good in jiu-jitsu.

[@MessianicJewJitsu]

I've been purple for almost a decade. My x guard, knee shields, foot locks, guard, sweeps, passing, all suck. I had a decent Kimura and some size but my purple has been lose some, lose some more. It seems like nobody ever brings up learning disabilities in jiu jitsu and just give you belts to be kind to hobbyist.

[@Jiu-JitsuJourney257]

Just got mine and I definitely feel like an imposter. It sucks. I feel such a target on my back. But then when I let the white belts work ( ya know… as a good higher Belt should) they brag to coach “look what I just did to your new purple belt” like… wtf. I let you do that. Ugh.

[@tuomasvaihkonen1516]

sounds familiar, age 40 and when I got a blue belt I was really disappointed, in my opinion I was worthy of a white belt. in my thoughts was to compete as a white belt and the blue belt came too early in my opinion and at the same time the idea of ​​finding myself in the sport arose

[@Kuduloka]

What about a reverse issue? Yes, like many commenters, I am a purple belt, and I have been for some years now. What I've noticed is this, I'm comfortable with my belt at this point, but when I roll with newly promoted purple belts, or see those promoted who I knew as white or blue belts, it feels weird. I remember rolling with a newly promoted guy last year, and I never shared this openly, but I felt I could easily dismantle him and do as I wanted. It was very strange, because my perception of purple belts (my very own rank) was conflicted by this. I've also rolled with some, some not all, brown belts and felt I could keep up with them, and some black belts too. I'm in a weird place due to this, and I'll be honest, it is unsettling. I've had many friends tease me asking when I'll be promoted to brown, and I just wave it off.

[@eamonob84]

It’s natural that you should beat newly promoted belts at your level. I’m a 4 stripe brown and can beat our new browns, but that’s to be expected because I’ve been training longer. If you’re keeping up with browns and have been purple for a few years, you’re probably on deck, but just remember you’ve got the rest of your life to train and all those belts will come if you stick with it.

[@Lewisdovefam]

You seem like you would be super impostery chewy. Your a funny guy.

[@dgonzaga17]

Got 4 stripes in my blue belt and everyone starts implying I'm going to get promoted soon to purple. The imposter syndrome hits hard especially since I've only been doing jiu-jitsu for 2 years.

[@ninjasec]

Thanks, helped me. New purple belt

[@bmstylee]

"when you get your black belt". Yeah I honestly can't ever see getting there at this point as as 2 stripe white belt.

[@jerryh2954]

Very true and I hide from promotions, Haha! Also, every black belt I roll with in my school seems like a killer to me and I'm a brown belt, so it must mean something.

[@rns7426]

I think this all stems from the problem with BJJ promotions overall. 10 years at minimum for most people to make black belt. The whole belt system was originally created by Kano for his judo system. Of which BJJ is descended. That system today has become a 5 year journey for black belt. Not much different from the past when Kano was evolving it. A black belt simply means that you are competent in the basic fundamentals. As it should be. The equivalent of time and grade in BJJ for 5 years would be somewhere in purple belt. Perhaps it was the hubris and money marketing of the original BJJ pioneers in America that decided 10 years a black belt? I believe the equivalent in judo for 10 years would be something like 4th Dan. Either way, personally I think the ranks should mirror judo. And have a competency in the basic fundamentals. Anything past that is just degrees. Of course the gatekeepers would never want it so.

[@rickt9569]

5 years for black belt? Im glad my coach doesn't go by that bc i just hit my fourth year and i am nowhere near one year away from one lol....i feel like the ones that do that are afraid of losing students/money so constantly give stripes and belt promotions whether or not they're deserved

[@arturdobrzynski6531]

Rather be called a gatekeeper than get a participation trophy black belt. Black belt does not mean you are only competent in the basic fundamentals. That's some karate for kids bs sold by mcdojos. I am 14years in my bjj journey and nowhere close black belt (brown). I am not ready and I like that. There is no gatekeeping in bjj. Even white belts can roll with black belts and prove themselves. This stuff about getting a coloured belt early is wrong attitude.

[@rns7426]

@@arturdobrzynski6531 competency in basic fundamentals is exactly what black belt has always meant in judo in japan. That is where the belt system comes from and judo is where BJJ came from. That is exactly the time frame Mitsuyo Maeda, a kodokan judo black belt who taught judo to the Gracie’s earned his I suspect. As it hasn’t changed much from then to now at the kodokan.

[@michaellevin92]

When Islam Makhachev said that “most of their black belts need to be taken away” and Craig Jones agrees with him, what do you think?

[@Chewjitsu]

What's your definition of a Black Belt?

[@michaellevin92]

@@Chewjitsu Don’t know. I haven’t reached there, yet. When I do, I’ll know then.

[@tededo]

Even John Danaher told Lex Fridman (podcast) that lot of em out there suck (speaking of black belts). Imop, since early 2000s, BJJ has gotten much hard at any stand points. Ten years from now, the benchmarks and standards to become a blue will be similar to what's required of a purple today. Ok, cool. By the time this art reach another peak in the next 20 years, the blue bel, will be an impossible feat for most students. What is it that most academies are trying to show the mainstream. Dont do BJJ its too hard for you ? Or, you're not good enough for this art ? At this pace, it will be a fact then. However, guys like Rener and Ryron do just about the opposite, making jiujitsu accessible, even the blue belt. I dont think there is point in making stuffs harder and harder, the enemy is in the streets not on the mat. Now from Islam and Craig stand point take away many black belts. Ok cool. Make the black belt an exceptional elite milestone. Good, then what ? The brown belt isnt going to be good enough, take it away from them too. Cool. Ok now the purples. What dont you just do away with the belt system then ? And think the impostor syndrome will go away. NOPE.

[@peppertime1]

each stripe i just don't get it... just have 2 WB and im 50!! i have 100% trust in my coaches but it gets me...! my thing is i train at 6:30 am.... and at this time... almost only hardcore practionner shows up... so i traine with dude , gals 10 years above me or younger so iM use to feel useless.... to survive etc... but when i go on with my fellow WB... i feel zero stress and enjoy alot the moments!!

[@danielskrivan6921]

One thing I noticed is that Chewie pronounces the word "comfortable" as it is spelled, instead of how most people move the T and pronounce it "comftorable".

[@willdallas53]

One thing I noticed is that you’ve got too much free time on your hands.

[@danielskrivan6921]

@@willdallas53 Same amount of time as everyone else who watched and commented on this video. I pronounce it that way too. It's just something I noticed.

[@Chewjitsu]

I also say Li-brary instead of Li-bary.

[@Mithrandir69]

Chewie: getting imposter syndrome, but winning competitions and realizing he's not an impostor. Me: losing competitions 🥴

[@cj-nyc2057]

This won’t happen at my gym because the purples are Browns , the browns are blacks etc.

[@garrett08322]

Comparison is the thief of joy

[@ethicalgovernor4474]

I had imposter syndrome as a no stripe white belt 🥴

[@Siper2]

I am not a BJJ practitioner, however I have been following this channel for many years. I get a lot of inspiration and help from the teachings of Chewy. 😁 In the art I practice, I suffer from some pretty major imposter syndrome. In many aspects of my life as well. It's something that I've dealt with for decades. He is right, we are our own worst critics. The best advice you can ever give yourself is to trust your coach or instructor. You would not be where you are if they didn't think you deserved it.

[@arlesblueman1161]

What are you waiting for?

[@shevetlevi2821]

I think Imposter Syndrome can rear its ugly head with any rank, with any new accomplishment, in or out of martial arts. Some things you have to grow into.

[@hunternelson1679]

Their not just decorations.

[@drhjhulsebos]

This is why I refuse to get promoted from white belt...to avoid imposter syndrome

[@saintbenitz6291]

My advice it's not your decision. Trust your coaches judgment.

[@nicocontreras5366]

Damn I want to stay in blue forever, is my favorite colour anyway haha.

[@serafimb2319]

I miss Bob.

[@Bathaling]

T=Bob

[@gohome99]

Edge of comfort zone... when every blue belt in the gym is gunning for the new purple belt. 🤔

[@MrSightPlz]

more Wes Watson, less cupcakes. 🤣

[@awayinmymind3970]

"Ideas to chew on"

[@mattihelenius2]

I wish i would be a white belt.. still haven't dare to start 🤣

[@eprice1638]

Went down that road very recently... was finally at a point where I could afford it...best thing I've done in a long time

[@mattihelenius2]

@@eprice1638 :) ohhh so cool

[@mikeconway5040]

If you have imposter syndrome, you are, by proxy, questioning your coaches ability to promote you at the right time. He/she knows better than you when you are ready.