Promoting my "little brother" to BJJ Black Belt

The speech and Black Belt promotion starts at 3:20
This video came from our promotions last night and was by far one of the most powerful and meaningful moments I've ever had as a coach.
Promoting not only a crop of tough people to Purple and Brown Belt. But also promoting my "little brother" Chad Hardy to Black Belt.
I've known Chad since he was 11 years old. I've had the pleasure of removing his original White Belt and have had the pleasure of tying on the belts he's received after. I've also had the pleasure of getting to know him incredibly well over the last 10+ years. We even lived together for a while.
As a coach there is no more satisfying a feeling then to see the fruits of your labor realized in front of you. I've watched Chad grow as a person. From a young kid to a surprisingly mature young man.
He's battled and won more competition than I can count. As a competitor he's always been amazing to watch and an inspiration to the people inside the gym.
And as an instructor and a fixture in our gym he's turned into someone that is all about building up those around him. Something equally impressive and admirable.
This will certainly not be one of my more popular videos but it is a glimpse into our gym ( Derby City MMA ) and what we are all about.
We all love competition. But at the end of the day we are in this because we feel apart of a team and want to grow with each other.
And for those of you who follow me. I know I ramble on in my videos a lot. As I do in person. But you can at least be sure that anything I say in the videos is what I believe. Regardless if you disagree with my philosophy in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I assure you it's 100% genuine.
- Chewy
-----------------
Free Ebook: www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-...
Video Courses and Products: www.chewjitsu.net/products
T shirts: www.chewjitsu.net/shop/
/ chewjitsu
/ chewjitsu
/ chewjitsu

[@doctordilanka]

WHO IS CUTTING DAMN ONIONS NEAR MY COMPUTER

[@D4ReeKLPS]

I know that feel, same over here

[@-Macx]

dilanka Damn Ninjas chopping onions.

[@AndrewDecember_]

lol!!!

[@cgm0826]

XD

[@winereviewforkids3463]

Ha

[@BirdPlan]

Made a man shed a tear ,no shame in my game,what a great moment

[@gibbacool2009]

I cried here in Japan watching this ! I’m a Brazilian who has an old dream (jiu-jítsu) but due to too much work only recently at 36 I started my dream journey,and I won’t stop ! Although I started late I am a fast learner,and I will do my best to absorb everything my Brazilian Black belt Sensei is teaching me here in Japan and one day I will have the honor to have that belt around my waist along with all the knowledge,don’t know how many years it will take but I ain’t gonna give up !!!! OSS

[@sz.797]

It’s never late

[@Satchamo_Jones]

You've got a head start on a lot of people! Keep grinding brother!

[@VitoMurillo123]

I teared up too. That black belt means so incredibly much, the amount of sacrifice, blood sweat and tears that gets put on the mat everyday for years upon years. And to then have that invaluable belt be placed around your waist by your brother...priceless.

[@ReeBOZ]

@@gibbacool2009 Yes, I cried too. I have black belts and am instructor in Karate and Taekwondo so I know what it is like to receive the honour of earing the black belt after years and years of dedicated training and sacrifice. Hang in there. I am now 51 and a white belt again, this time in BJJ, so I have started extremely late. If there is one thing that I am learning from BJJ is that it is not about the destination, but to enjoy the journey. Keep up the training OSS!!!

[@mikeyduke10]

You triangle choked my feels.

[@SPcapx]

🤣

[@Papson_Does_Jiujitsu]

Best comment ever 😂

[@CasualCarlosBJJ]

As iron sharpens iron, man sharpens man.

[@Chewjitsu]

Good men! And we have some awesome men in our gym. You're one of them.

[@bazileus123]

Is this bjj canelo?

[@HarbingerTheHorseMan]

Marked man

[@notpinky9259]

Also man hardens man if you know what I meant...

[@kabloweey3981]

@@notpinky9259 no homo i promise

[@CognitiveSurge]

It's a shame that there's not more BJJ coaches like this guy, too many coaches now just care about the money that their gym brings in, shame really.

[@n0bler624]

Cognitive Surge there can be those guys. I however train under two coaches Shane and Dave who care alot about their students and the people who attend training.

[@danasmileyfaceonthebackofm1026]

Cognitive Surge i agree, im very thankful for my bjj and muay thai coach

[@fuloran1]

So true. The first gym I went to the guy wanted me to pay for a year that day (offered a "special deal" if I would) and when I didn't, called and texted non-stop for days continually bringing his price down.

[@QuanshengQwin]

Our Professor at 301mma in MD has chats with us all the time on the mat are a session.

[@disagreewitheverything1474]

fuloran who was the professor?

[@truecrimejungle]

I cried like a little bitch when he knew you were gonna promote him.

[@truecrimejungle]

I paused to write this comment, then he gave his speach...I cried like a little bitch once more.

[@justinrivera8637]

sensai dhumal I did too man haha I didn't expect that at all but I'm not even that embarrassed by it.

[@thebarrochannel]

sensai dhumal wow man youre either very soft or very hungry for thumbs up

[@truecrimejungle]

thebarrochannel you're an idiot. "you're either soft or hungry for likes". you'd only think i was hungry for likes if i said something extremely relatable to a wide audience, you could probabaly even relate to it yourself which is why you came to the conclusion i was looking for likes by saying something a lot of people would obviously agree on. you are a shit troll.

[@thebarrochannel]

sensai dhumal ok you answered my question, youre a lonely person

[@lekoneje]

Jiu Jitsu saves lives.

[@Chewjitsu]

Man does it ever.

[@6flanker9]

changed my life!

[@friendsclose-enemiescloser8551]

Roberto Martínez in and out of the gym literally

[@theevilasylum9364]

Roberto Martínez Krav maga saves life's since it's militarized combat . But man bjj is awsome . Love boxing & mma.

[@Fireballs00]

Has helped me start to change my life.

[@rocc05rx8]

This is literally the most heartwarming thing I've seen in a while. Damn son. Bravo.

[@Chewjitsu]

Appreciate the comment brother.

[@ryanscottnix]

It took a *LOT* of courage for Chad to openly share his story of depression and a suicide attempt. He has my complete respect. I'm a total stranger who lives in California, but let me say: thank goodness for his strength to pull through, and for all of the good people who he surrounded himself with. The BJJ community is one of the best.

[@AnGhaeilge]

Damn man - that hit me. I struggle deeply with depression too and you can see your friendship meant a lot to him. Congrats on the promotion!

[@Chewjitsu]

Thanks Sean! Many of us deal with it man. You're definitely not alone.

[@AnGhaeilge]

Thanks buddy!

[@JesseWolfboy]

Wow man, so moving. That's like graduating med school and law school at the same time! All that work, all that determination... Awesome.

[@NoBody-tz4fb]

New Rule Media lol nah

[@gregortheoverlander4122]

@@NoBody-tz4fb I mean... yeah it is. It takes 8+ years to become a black belt. It really does take about the same amount of class hours to become a doctor as it does to become a BJJ black belt.

[@twemas3737]

@@gregortheoverlander4122 but bjj is fun at least haaha

[@gregortheoverlander4122]

@I know I’m gay when I say this but It's just really, really hard to learn this stuff. You CAN do it faster than 8 years, but you still have to do so much work. Some schools it takes 12 plus.

[@dramaticreaper]

And then you have 12 year old karate/taekwondo kids

[@kirk1110]

Chewy look at the difference you made in his life. Awesome and moving. Thank you for sharing!

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome.

[@oflex1735]

these are grown man tears that I'm shedding, I might have to go watch some baseball after this one

[@adamkeylon2194]

No, watch more Jits, Wrestling, boxing, etc. lmao

[@adamkeylon2194]

This is for real so fucking awesome though haha.

[@asapchronic6770]

O Flex grab a beer and have a steak for dinner

[@mikkelgosch9347]

This was the Chad that Chewie winked to once, to roughen up some MMA guy.

[@ChadtheBeastHardy]

Slongu YT that’s me 🤙

[@mambisquickRob]

@@ChadtheBeastHardy You don't know me but I want to say congrats on earning your black, and your life. It can't be easy to share a story like that with a bunch of strangers, let alone friends. Thank you!

[@Daniel-jp6vm]

@@ChadtheBeastHardy you da man

[@shazamfromgbtx5853]

@@ChadtheBeastHardy what a legend 🙌🏼

[@Maxwaehrens]

0:00 - 1:34 Speeches like this really define a good instructor, especially at the 0:57 mark.

[@Chewjitsu]

Thanks!

[@justinrivera8637]

Chewjitsu you're the bests Chewy

[@soundsidecolour]

clicked on this as it was a suggestion, and I found myself clapping along when he got his black belt? Wtf! haha nice video and congrats!

[@Chewjitsu]

Haha, was anyone around you?

[@soundsidecolour]

Chewjitsu no I was alone in my room haha!

[@Chewjitsu]

I had this mental image of you in a room with other people with them looking at you with a "wtf" stare.

[@soundsidecolour]

Chewjitsu haha that would have been better, I'd have shown them the video then and they'd understand 😂

[@evangelistjoaquinorosco3391]

That's funny I almost started clapping as well.

[@rherdansantanna4796]

Holy shit, i fuckin cried! Much respect chewie!

[@Guywithair2]

Aw man, I was not ready for the feels. What a good group. I know I am 6 years late, but congrats on your black belt and making it in life man.

[@jorgep1]

This is why BJJ is so special to me...stuff like this.

[@hopeigetthere]

I still don't think much about the belting system. (Being a wrestler at heart) But I can certainly appreciate what the young man is saying and what Chewy did for him. May very well have saved his life. I think how wrestling saved me. However it was tied to school and although there were plenty of kids who Ioved and needed wrestling, if they couldn't keep up the grades they lost the opportunity and safety of training daily. This story really sheds light on the possible need for adult classes that just let children in. Before you know it your giving them black belts! congrats and great job.

[@andrewandrew5489]

hopeigetthere what I live about jiu-jitsu is how much we all love it. how spiritual it seems to everyone who loves it. and how many , many of us have a story about jiu-jitsu, and what it's done for us. And finally, how our learning doesn't stop at blue belt techniques, but we learn about our body, our mind ...LIFE... and many things I didn't mention. thanks for sharing your story his, and this ceremony chewjitsu.

[@Chewjitsu]

I totally agree. I came from a wrestling background. The belting system is helpful for matching people for competitions. But what you can do is always more important than what you wear. Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@harambae7014]

I've never even seen Chad in a video before and I have tears watching him get his belt. You can really feel how much this meant to him, all the hours, days and weeks of pushing himself to be better.

[@sfcxxv8319]

Such an honor to be a member of this school and doubly blessed to be surrounded by the best people in the world.DERBY CITY!

[@LegendJ0e4]

Do u still train and where is he located

[@sfcxxv8319]

@@LegendJ0e4 yes. Chewy is in derby city KY

[@scotthar]

What a great story - very glad I watched it all the way through. Inspiring to see someone who battled through some demons with the help of a great jiu-jitsu family.

[@theticoboy]

I did not expect the story at the end. That was beautiful. So inspirational how Chewy Helped a young boy fight dark demons to become a man. Simply an amazing video.

[@dontbeadrone]

Awesome. Chewy, look how you and BJJ may have saved this young man's life!

[@Chewjitsu]

It saved me. I'm happy it can help others and that I can be a part of it.

[@fartsare2023]

Great video. Great instructor. I like how he said he doesnt want to be called master or be worshipped. Respect is earned and his students are motivated to train because of his humility. Thats pure awesomeness. Those students are lucky to have him.

[@JohnGrowKnows]

these are what good bjj schools are made of. Your ment to cry all the way through your blackbelt promotion , from it being put on you, to the words you had no idea you were gonna say. thats family right there. I love this..

[@Daddy-xh4gk]

This is such a great occasion, man really love this. And I love whoever contributed to the channel.

[@muhammadmustafiz8040]

chewy you are an awesome teacher and human being. i wish you every success.

[@Chewjitsu]

I appreciate that. I'm lucky enough to have some amazing people with me.

[@Nurzhigit]

Really touchy

[@josephcornally4797]

So glad I got to see this. Love all your videos

[@lakers991000]

Major respect ! Always good to see someone open up a new chapter!!

[@BigBenH18]

Man, this was heart breaking. Going through depression at such young age is really hard. Now building him up to become a black belt in BJJ - the upmost respect to you, Chewy. And of course much respect to all martial arts which were developed centuries ago to defend ourselves from enemies but today still save our lifes although they help us more for getting through life than for actual fighting. I don't find better words to explain since english is not my first language but I hope you're all getting my point.

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

Great post thanks for sharing this emotional event;)

[@ric0surf]

very touching! Priceless

[@wooshco]

wow inspiring and you can see a well deserved promotion!! great job as a mentor and coach for both!

[@cayamadrums]

impossible not to cry. inspiration all over.

[@hazzmvm]

This made me tear up, I can relate a bit. You guys are awesome and a huge motivation for me not to skip out on my BJJ.. Thanks a lot, wish I could train with people as humble and as awesome as y'all

[@MultiPlaneApprentice]

Such an emotional moment, the level of compassion is so deep. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@rodster3600]

That was amazing to see, been watching your videos non-stop and cant wait to begin my jiu-jitsu journey

[@timothybrown6358]

This is one of the most beautiful, and most real things I have seen. Congratulations Chad. This made my day.

[@MrOffshore]

Wow, what an incredibly emotional experience, I can’t even imagine. Amazing how a group of people can make such a difference in your life. I wish this guy nothing but the best!! Congratulations!

[@mohamedaminebenhamida5880]

This just made my day, really heartwarming and touching, god bless you and i hope you guys are still rocking it in 2019.

[@bucken131]

Gave me chills badass. Love this channel

[@RaulRamirez-qq4td]

he has that familiar look in someone like me who has gone through a hard part in his life. it's amazing how he overcame his struggles but still battles with them as it seems by the look on his face. fortunately he has a family to give him hope and I wish him nothing but the best!

[@mason2376]

Don't stop the long videos and rants Chewy. I love what you have to say!

[@pkraus02]

Best video I've seen from you. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@PkersDemise]

This really hit the spot man. You're a legend Chewy!

[@Jameswashbrook1988]

Just beautiful, congratulations to him. Thanks for sharing that special moment.

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome James.

[@mike2011989]

thank you for sharing this. I got emotional watching this, it reminded me of my sparring partners, coaches. They didn't just teach me martial arts, they were my mentors. Please keep up the high quality content.

[@brandoferr1343]

This is beautiful! I love that you were able to promote your brother..Great video!!

[@ultimAvalon]

That's beautiful, his genuine reaction! well done and keep up the good work!

[@chriscorros3298]

juijitsu kept me alive by pulling me out from the depths of depression. congrats brother on your black belt promotion. enjoy the new journey in the world of black belt in BJJ. thanks chewy for sharing

[@kninsh]

This is absolutely beautiful!

[@rpedra2000]

What a fantastic story. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesmattingly7678]

Man this awesome ! Very real emotion from you guys !

[@kee7678]

THIS.....is an amazing testament to Jiu jitsu....and to brotherhood, commitment and mentorship. DANG do i love videos like this and do I love Jiu Jitsu ! Nicely done Chewy.

[@matthewlintott741]

Wow. I have just started jujitsu and randomly found my way to this video. Very moving. Such an impressive attitude from the coach. He sets the tone that others will follow. Massive respect for you Chewy as a teacher and a good human. Maybe one day i might get to roll with you guys!

[@midnightrider6611]

Man , had to watch this twice. Makes me want to give it a go lol. Mad respect guys.

[@frowlandong2207]

Good thing I watched it till the end. I remember moments like this with my big brother. Thanks for the inspiration. Congratulations.. 🤝🥋

[@octavbarbu5554]

Man I thought it was silly crying a bit,but then the video ended and I saw you guys were feeling the same.This bjj world is full of awesome people,I am so gratefull for that.Currently a 4 months,being smashed type of white belt,hope I`ll enjoy this amazing sport for ever.Chew you seem like a great teacher,the fact that you helped the guy out through his worst time is just amazing,hope you`ll roll together for the rest of your lives.Good thoughts from Romania!

[@DavidLopez-vg7gr]

very appreciative towards the marathon analogy, i find myself mentally trying to find a way to sprint towards belt progression without injury, im on my fourth session today but now i feel as if my goals have changed from wanting to progress so i can have a show piece to wanting to flow for the remainder of my life. my true goal is to be present in the moment and stay healthy enough to continue on my journey in the bjj world regardless of the color of the belt around my gi.

[@sammydodgers121]

That made me cry.... that's the heart of a leader right there, thanks for sharing this moment with us

[@ayjay7425]

Bloody awesome. I’m in tears.

[@bluefrenchfries]

congrats Chad! i've only been rolling about a year so i can only imagine how great that's gotta feel to hit a milestone like that. HUGE props Bro. that's gotta feel amazing!

[@ChadtheBeastHardy]

paranoid survive thank you!

[@mustafamohammed4078]

If we all had someone like this as an instructor. Good man

[@twan5555]

Cried when I first watched this two years ago, crying now. Wow man- that's just wonderful. Thanks for that.

[@BarChordA]

I've watched this video at least four times, and it will never get old. If this doesn't touch your heart, I don't know what could.

[@jaimefilho2041]

Emocionante, parabéns dude!!!

[@laja6108]

So cool of you guys to share this moment! I was trying to sort out when Chad became a black belt because I noticed he has lower belts in many of the videos. Didn't expect such an epic and heartwarming story behind it

[@Chewjitsu]

You're welcome! It was a pretty amazing day for both of him and he's continued to impress the hell out of me. :)

[@Wawinator]

Great video an inspirational moment really. Congrats on achieving your black belt and chew is definitely a humble man and great mentor. All the best

[@Stacker_Actual]

I watch a lot of you videos man. But this one, this one is gold.

[@matthewposter6226]

Such an incredible group of people! Stoked our paths crossed and look forward to rolling with you again.

[@Chewjitsu]

Likewise Matt! It was good meeting you up in Wisconsin!

[@MikeVieira]

Amazing! Got my emotions rolling! Congrats! Chewy....you are a great person!

[@Chewjitsu]

Just a person brother!

[@maxcreo88]

inspirational stuff... a new favourite channel for sure.

[@v_g147]

This was beautiful and so touching, the way you speak says so much about you as a coach. You are a true leader and wonderful role model. What an incredible moment among brothers.

[@rogeliogonzalez2958]

Brothers in arms...some martial artist respect

[@sethwinstead5643]

Wow! Very moving and motivating. Thank you for sharing such a special moment. (WTH?!?! Why am I crying???)

[@Chewjitsu]

Haha you're crying because you understand the meaning of the emotions in the video.

[@sethwinstead5643]

Chewjitsu - No doubt! It's so inspiring to see the product of dedication and hard work.

[@chadalicious374]

Nothing makes me smile more than seeing honest hard work be commensurately rewarded. Good for you brother!!

[@zachhinkle2045]

What an amazing moment shared with the world... Congrats to Chad! Thanks for sharing Chewy!

[@tomzablee]

The principle of a black belt is so beautiful, and he explains it really well. You grind for years and years to rank up through the different belts,until you finally reach the black belt. Once you're there and there is no more belts to chase, you are left simply with nothing to practice the art for other than for the love of it, and in the pursuit of unreachable perfection in it.

[@LegendJ0e4]

There's red belts tho

[@aq3121]

@@LegendJ0e4...and coral belts

[@monkmode2739]

ain't gonna lie brought a tear to my eyes.

[@danielsiriphongs]

Awesome video! This should be your most popular video because it shows your true heart and why you do what you do. Thank you!

[@truelightpoolsllc4441]

I totally teared up, that was special. Really great honor and respect shown in this video among the people at this gym! Great job Chewy and great job being a real friend to your Chad when he really needed it!

[@LucasKingPiano]

Great video.

[@colorblindphotographer]

This is why I love Jiu Jitsu and the people involved with it.

[@blakeharris9705]

My favorite video on KZbin. I come back and rewatch this every couple of months. I love the relationship these guys have and hope one day I can mentor someone the way Chewy has for Chad.

[@voiceofreason5893]

Very touching video. You Sir are a good man.

[@noahnguyen3317]

Dan bilzarian is that you?

[@doctordilanka]

LOL -- yeah, he looks exactly like Bilzerian.

[@Chewjitsu]

. . . . . . .

[@noahnguyen3317]

Thats a compliment sir!

[@tomgregory6838]

It's a fair one..

[@armageddon4125]

Wasn’t dan blitz a SEAL?

[@scottw1602]

Awesome

[@nissanjon3034]

Ugh, I felt that. Got something in my eye. I'm not crying!!

[@icecubes4528]

Congratulations! I'm so happy for him!

[@danielcho3270]

Wow, I think something got in my eyes.... strange, they keep watering...

[@deliaowens3556]

Damn....those pictures at the end with the white and yellow belts got me 😭😭😭

[@nv-camanagement192]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@Kwm-ur8qh]

Emotional..what a great story so glad he's turned his life around from when he was 16...You sound like a great coach and person.Well done all of you.

[@ChowChow414]

What a magical moment!

[@andrewandrew5489]

Josh Leland jiu-jitsu's seems full of those ;). join if your debating.

[@ChowChow414]

Been training since last January!

[@andrewandrew5489]

Oh man! That's awesome , so how are you doing?

[@ChowChow414]

I am really enjoying it. It's incredibly deep! Lots of tapping, but I still notice improvement. Just keeping at it! The place I train is a Gracie Academy CTC so it was all self defence until I got into the advanced class in September. Really loving it.

[@andrewandrew5489]

Hmm... Nice yeah I tap ALL THE TIME. that's good for us! Lol. Well your jiu-jitsu journey now begins .. I quit a long time ago or I'd be a black belt by now! So.. ....... ......damnet.... I just rejoined a few weeks ago.. now that I'm older I was struggling with a few injury including the lower back and basically felt like broken ribs. But if u get a back injury then don't over stretch it , instead Dona downward dog but instead of focusing on the legs, bend them, and focus on the back, and spinal alignment and spinal lengthening... So basically , instead of stretching your back , your relaxing it....I injured it worse stretching it....sorry for the rant, just food for thought. :)

[@Hexspa]

Are you promoting people or chopping onions. Tearjerker!

[@Chewjitsu]

Both?

[@Hexspa]

***** No. I'm only a blue belt. Plus I was kidding because it was emotional ceremony and I didn't way to say, "Bro, you made me cry."

[@1962jrl]

That was awesome. Thank You for sharing this.

[@durtydeedsREI]

A great and heartwarming video. The power of family who go through and overcome struggles.