Does Rickson Gracie Deserve his Red Belt? The Black Belt Advancement

[@jonathanwiggins5366]

Jesus, if Rickson doesn't deserve it, who the hell does?

[@ThrasherDge]

Renato Laranja

[@catchwrestler3532]

Eddie bravo

[@MoooseBlood]

You do Jonathan, congratulations you did it son.

[@shabbii296]

@@catchwrestler3532 😂😂 he will need it in order to see the world is round

[@hueroski]

@Pill Cosby wrong

[@stephenreilly8024]

I still can't wrap my head around the idea that someone would actually be ballsy enough to question Rickson Gracie about anything nevermind questioning the belt he's wearing.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Exactly.

[@39Hundred]

Stephen R The only person that can question Rickson’s credentials is 27-time World BJJ Champion Renato Laranja.

[@kalikaputra]

Everyone should be questioned lets not get culty.....except Rickson red belt.

[@michaelhutchinson3901]

Stephen R This is EXACTLY the right response.

[@yuranideuht1261]

Stephen R IKR!! Of ALL people to question about *anything* relating to BJJ, Rickson is a god of the martial arts world and knows what's what ... On another aspect, his humility when questioning whether or not he 'deserved' a red belt! ~OMG~ Again, Rickson is a god among men.

[@zombieguitar]

I heard that Rickson once played Russian roulette with a fully loaded gun and won

[@rv1251]

Its chuck norris mate. Dont confuse people.

[@roycostilla3104]

@@rv1251 yeah and got chocked by Rickson right after that 😅

[@sajjadsadeghi2779]

R V rickson Gracie would put a blonde wig on chuck norris and call him Stephanie and there’s nothing chuck could do about it.

[@yaasiel777]

Chuck was the one holding the gun, Rickson grappled and choked him out, when he came to, the first thing he said was ....."Red Belt".

[@lawrencehamm1478]

I am a 61 year old white belt, who just attended his 2nd class. Consequently, I have no opinion on any of this stuff!! I just know that my body feels weird and I need to go to bed, so I can be well rested for my 3rd class. I do have an opinion about belts. As far as I am concerned, I'd be happy to stay a white belt forever. Of course, I want to be in better shape with plenty of skills and knowledge one day.

[@Fenglang1]

Hi Lawrence, how is your journey coming along?

[@nihilist1680]

@@Fenglang1 He probably died already lol.

[@Hannibal54689]

@@nihilist1680 He threw in the white towel along with his white belt.

[@jesussotelo4775]

If you had a choice between being stung by a scorpion or fight Rickson Gracie what kind of scorpion would you get stung by?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

😆

[@oogabooga6299]

A big one cause they’re less dangerous

[@419buckeye7]

The little clear looking ones the fight for my life might be exciting

[@cryogenixoldskool5803]

Think I'd sooner take the choke

[@j.campbellscmb1740]

I will happily get submitted by GM Rickson

[@TheMass33]

I believe he does. He’s a rare human being. Who focuses on Self defense. And I love that. Oh btw I love and respect your videos

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Thank you 😊

[@Hannibal54689]

Rickson is the face of Brazilian Jujitsu and has been for decades. if anyone deserves the red belt its him.

[@ProLookout]

That man was a grandmaster a long time ago already, he is my favorite Gracie. If I could I would follow him everywhere to train with him.

[@prodigalbrock]

As someone who trains directly under the Valente Brothers I can 100% confirm that they wear the navy blue belt. They wear it with absolute reverence and humility in tribute to Grand Master Helio. Never been more proud to learn anything more than jj from Pedro jr., Gui, and Joaquim.

[@jesusthroughmary]

but can you 100% confirm that Joaquim is dating Gisele

[@Ninjaturtles199]

Yup agreed I love being under the valente brothers there great professors .

[@ECV13XPBC]

What really strikes me, and really inspires me, is the humility that I hear in your presentations, and can see in your demeanor. Kudos, sir!

[@KevinDeVriesbjj]

people should be slapped for even asking.

[@lutsencorentin2372]

Shok better :D

[@jayceeinvincible]

The Red Belt looks perfect around Rickson waist.

[@sugenight9634]

Rickson Gracie is a legend. His legacy is more important than a belt.

[@iheelhookday1whitebelts22]

When you have been training consistently at the frequency of Rickson you can wear whatever belt you want in my opinion

[@hapkidocharlie2009]

30 year martial artist but just now discovering the subtlety GJJ. One of the best things I have done on this new journey is stumble across your channel. Love your stuff brother. Keep up the epic videos and thanks for keeping it real.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Thank you, Charlie C. Very much appreciate the feedback!

[@thedreamsoldiers]

He not only deserves a red belt, he deserves one more than any one else in the world

[@salami7992]

Always a pleasure listening to your videos. It is a stark reminder of how privileged we all are to be sharing opinions, the history, and the wisdom of GJJ from sources like yourself and those surrounding the GJJ circle. I couldn’t agree with you more, and you’re right, the belt is nothing but a color. Your attitude/approach towards being promoted/demoted is one that I share. I just wish (but I really don’t care) that all practitioners of this Art had that mindset. We quickly forget that this is a Martial Art. It should be honored as such, and there shouldn’t be any emphasis in feeling “unworthy” because of a demotion. I’m just grateful to be sharing time on the mats, and to share it with those in the GJJ circle would be a true joy. So Ryan, Dave, Kama, and everyone in the GJJ arena - thank you.

[@salami7992]

I’ll add that when I saw Rickson get promoted to Grand Master my eyes shifted ever-so-slightly to the side like “wait, I thought he kept that belt at home.” Lol I remember being genuinely happy for him when the video surfaced on web. And it’s something to see when a Legend like Rickson gets emotional in that moment. Just awesome

[@Drwcorner]

I was a blue belt yesterday but Amazon is shipping my black belt with professor stripes. My contribution will be all online. who do I call to start production on my coral belt?

[@truthsayer2310]

Shawn Williams. Lol

[@wut3358]

I trained at a Rickson seminar about 2 months ago and he was wearing his coral belt. I believe he only wore it the day he received it.

[@garywilliamson1859]

I'm not a BJJ artist but a huge fan of the system and Rickson Gracie.I have some friends that practice the system have worked out with them in the past. Grand Master Gracie is not only an excellent teacher. He's a truly excellent person and mentor to thousands of martial artist around the world. I congratulate him on his promotion and hope to attend a seminar in the future.

[@voicenews1]

This man has done more in and for the martial arts than many of the masters and grandmasters of any styles of old that we naturally give the same respect or more period.

[@omilu808]

What’s the issue number on the magazine? I’d like to read the article. Thank you

[@thehansmemling]

Ricksons issue is he doesn’t want to be the guy that says: Don’t do as I do. Do as I say.

[@LH74]

Rickson is the living and breathing expression of Jiujitsu, an exception to all the rules.

[@nicholascowsert5373]

Of course he does. He LIVES Jiu-Jitsu!

[@felipe0102031]

the most amazing thing is that he still turned down, by his recent prictures he still with the koral belt

[@Tentacl]

Who cares. Rickson was considered world's best fighter for half his adult life. He was widely considered the best Gracie. Belts are just belts, but if they have any association with combat capacity, Rickson is a grand master.

[@tjl4688]

@Great Lakes Funaki. Rickson hasn't fought since 2000 anyway.

[@FergusScotchman]

Master Rickson is in my lineage, and he has taught at my school twice. My professor received his 5th degree from Rickson recently. (He was the sparring partner in the article.) I believe Master Rickson believes in tradition and not watering things down. Yet he is an advocate for his new federation, and a red belt goes a long way. He has technically earned the rank of grandmaster in knowledge and teaching, but I agree with not fully embracing the red belt until the time criteria is met... that is all about having a healthy ego.

[@Xoliduz]

Oh thank God I thought we were having a debate on this video. No one deserves it more.

[@AamirTime]

Grandmaster Hickson is super humble. His standard, deep understanding and dominance is on another level.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Way, way higher.

[@AamirTime]

Yes. Would be an honour to meet him.

[@gregstokes7117]

I so agree with you man ! Rickson is the best there ever was. He is so deserving. He defeated anyone and everyone.

[@plcustodian]

Kama, if you're reading this, I want to say, all respect to you and I enjoy your views and insights on BJJ. Thank you for sharing.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Thank you 🙏

[@jimmyalderson1639]

Black belts should be a matter of skill and activity not of age

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

So once your skills begin begin deteriorating once you pass middle age, then you go back to brown, then purple, blue, and hen white?

[@truthsayer2310]

Kama Jiu-Jitsu partially

[@truthsayer2310]

Kama Jiu-Jitsu but I like the way it's setup now

[@AstrotominChina]

It's age and skills together...Continuous commitment and something else that it's hard to define... Ricskon has it all...But then again...Just my personal opinion...

[@Trading-Freedom11]

My coach is a 5th degree black belt under Carlson Gracie and his system goes , 1-3 degrees 3 years each , then goes 5 years up to 5th degree and 7 years for the rest I believe

[@kingwilly8041]

One way to look at it is as a measure of seniority. Carlson Gracie Jr. said degrees on a black belt don't have much to do with skill but instead time teaching. A black belt is a black belt and some are always going to be better than others skill-wise. At one point, there were men who outranked Rickson even though he'd wipe the floor with them (like Helio). I (and I'm sure even Rickson himself) would think it would look silly for him at the age of 35 to stand next to an 80-something year old man who has dedicated his whole life to the art while having the equivalent rank of Grandmaster.

[@rickdiaz100]

Is a belt based on years in the sport or abilities?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Well, we’ve answered this before here! - “When to Earn a Jiu-Jitsu Belt - Kama Vlog” kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5vQlKeoZtJpbMU

[@Ethereal_Sun]

Excellent video!!! Questions? I’m currently a White belt 2 stripe. I was wondering if I should wait until Blue belt or not, to compete? I would love you here your insight and advise about competitions in general??

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

If you do, I would wait to 4th stripe. But that’s just me.

[@Ethereal_Sun]

I'll just might do that. Big thanks!

[@nordiclion8885]

The real question is does he feel like a red belt, everyone else can stay in there lane. I felt same way earning my blue belt! Like my teacher Luiz Fihlo & son Kroyler Leao Gracie said "I'm tired of explaining to my new students" "why this white belt is tapping colored belts" "You are a blue belt, wear it with pride" I didn't agree that I deserved it, because I didn't test. But if critique is correct who is student to question teacher. Rickson should "wear it with pride", he above all had truly earned it. I am humbled & grateful to be part of his lineage teachings.

[@bong9476]

Belts were initially used to hold up the pants until Jigaro Kano introduced the colored belt system when he created Judo from Ju-Jitsu which he had learned. There were only 4 colors which are white, blue, brown and black!

[@DanGonsalves]

no matter your rank, you come in and train. you get promoted and the next day, you come in and train. just train.

[@marcelofonseca6985]

Hello! Thank you for this video. I think what is important here is Rorion´s decision. If I am not wrong, Rickson said that he sees Rorion as his leader, therefore, Rickson does not “recognizes“ Carlos Gracie Jr´s rules as the ones to be followed. In this sense, Rorion´s decision to award Rickson with the red belt was something he understood should be respected.

[@aqdjbcr]

After a certain point do the promotions become based on years rather than techniques and application? I don't mean this as a slight to Rickson or anyone I'm just curious because of the way they talk about it when talking about coral and red belts. I'm just a lowly blue belt.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Generally, one who is a coral belt “retires” from fighting/competing. So they need other criterion for promotion once that happens.

[@cabalofdemons]

Grandmaster Relson earned his red belt on April 6, 2013 when he was 60. His birthday is March 28, 1953.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

I stand corrected.

[@josepinheiro292]

This man is a legend. He deserves red, gold belt, or maybe the true white belt.... In fact, he doesn't need any belt. This guy is a monster, a hero of jiu-jitsu and mma.

[@joeslife1435]

I had a Seminar with hoyce this last year and he was wearing a dark blue belt.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Like his father.

[@hawaiianjw9]

Navy belt

[@darwin5763]

Where whatever belt makes you feel comfortable

[@joethomp7968]

If RICKSON doesn’t deserve it who the hell does?

[@alwaysness1174]

So I'm not sure if you ever heard but there's another system called us kodokan which is an Aiki-jui-jitsu system that's also wears the Navy blue belt as an alternative black belt.. they do not use black belts in that system at all..

[@myamionfire6393]

What about the Valente brothers? How do they play into this? I’m curious because they are local to me.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

I would go there.

[@Sambo_Shorts]

I went to a Royce seminar in April 2019, he was wearing the Helio Gracie blue belt

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Yep

[@randyvillegas8610]

Let's ask Grand Master Eddie Bravo what he thinks!

[@vagabond4576]

The earth is flat

[@pittcrunch8787]

This is why Helio Gracie wore a Blue Belt

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Exactly!

[@padialjiujitsu]

Good video as always... Rickson follow 1967 rules and all the other brothers. Rickson is the man, he must take the leadership of the JiuJitsu world.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Profs Dave Kama, Jack Taufer, and Carlos Gama just informed me the pic was taken in Las Vegas just after receiving Red belt. He’s back to wearing coral belt. Now, every red belt should be demoted to coral belt, too!

[@tusccountyjiujitsu]

Royce only wears a navy blue belt as well but yes be awards black belt with a blue bar.

[@momentum8640]

Rickson deserves a red belt. Period.

[@DanT288]

What's the black belt with the blue bar ? Thanks for the video

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Same as the black belt with the red bar, except that black/blue is for the Royce/Valente Bros association black belts.

[@DanT288]

Kama Jiu-Jitsu thanks

[@jdmitchell2]

Isn't it about the journey & not the destination?

[@iwilrage]

How about rickson finally puts on his deserved red belt....the most deserving red belt in history.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

That’s what I’m sayin!

[@tellitlikeitis5045]

Just be happy to be a black belt. That’s my take on it. Just be happy 😃

[@randomryu9117]

Been doing martial arts since a baby, The rule I go by is old school , It is 1 year per Dan minimum so if your up for 3rd dan its 3 years minimum 4th 4 years minimum ect. And that is minimum comes down to the teacher if you should go up in level, Also there is a limit it don't mean you train for 55 years your a 10th dan don't work like that.

[@TopLevelJiuJitsu]

It's a very different standard in Gracie Jiu-jitsu

[@johnlammons9352]

who's dan?

[@larreamma1519]

The belt don’t mean squat ! It’s all about the skill on the mat!

[@39Hundred]

Larrea MMA “A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. You have to cover the rest.” -Renato Laranja

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

That was actually Royce.

[@tellitlikeitis5045]

Amen 🙏 it’s all about the skills on the mat. Period.

[@0713mas]

Rickson deserves to wear whatever belt he wants. Grand Master Helio declared him the sharpest, most knowledgeable and skilled, and strongest of all his Sons. As far as the International Brazilian Juijitsu Federation goes, they are part of the problem, not the solution. As many have stated including greats like Rickson, as well as other direct lineages like the Valente bros and Ryron and Rener Gracie, BJJ has gotten so far away from the original methodogy, there is less and less combative/ self defense or Vale Tudo type focus, in the modern ranking. I started with Luta Livre style training in the 1990s after seeing VHS tapes of Royce and Rickson fighting in organizations like UFC, Vale Tudo Japan, and Pride and it completely changed my mindset and ultimately my entire martial arts journey. Later, I trained at Gracie and Machado affiliated schools, and although I am nobody special, I agree 100% that it's not heading in the right direction with the IBJJF. At this point, I think I'm gonna look for a catch wrestling school to call home.

[@traviswright6413]

Wether Royce wears his Navy Blue belt or not has nothing to do with pictures actually I used to train under him and he always wore his navy belt (I have pics with him with it on) and he never changed it or took it off when it was time for pictures. Just saying I know this for a fact.

[@sevatar5762]

Looking at his Instagram he’s still wearing his Coral belt which is pretty cool.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

unlike most of us, GM Rickson absolutely doesn't seem to care about his belt. but, he's sensitive to everyone else caring. his choosing to not wear his red belt did two things 1) it told everyone he created a new standard (45 years teaching to earn red) that he himself sticks with, and 2) it put every upper belt on notice that he the GOAT doesn't worry so much about the belt, neither should they. when he put on his coral belt, there was no fanfare, no announcement on FB YT, or IG. just one day you see him wearing an 8th degree black belt, and the next, he's wearing his 8th degree coral.

[@sevatar5762]

@@KamaJiuJitsu agreed and it’s great to see he really stuck by his principles and wanted to do it the right way. Same as everyone would have to. Regardless of his credentials or name he wanted the same rules to apply.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

He got it the right way (40 years as a teaching black belt). He just changed it to 45 and made himself stick to it. Many BBS in his JJGF organization have received their degrees under the old system and don’t observe the JJGF standards.

[@tacodaddy4309]

Quite possibly the only person alive that should have a Red Belt.

[@jacksonmay4061]

If you’re THAT worried about someone else’s rank when you’re well into your black belt degrees, you should’ve left a long time ago. (Referring to your observation on the different paths to red belt). Thank you for your content professor young! 😊

[@johnteill_]

What does dirty dozen mean

[@Deadradiorj]

I’d like to see the guy that says he doesn’t deserve it

[@OGHawaiian6787]

That explains why I saw “Royce Grace navy blue belt” I was wondering why that was...thanks for the explanation

[@mmanacguy]

That was the last rank his father gave him. The old belt system. Royce did not want anyone but his father promoting him again. Thus the blue belt, like his father used to wear as well

[@willmaynard9016]

Rickson has his own standards and at the time when presented it, if he didn't feel like he deserved it then that was up to him. He has a very high standard in the jjgf and as he said, he wants the criteria to be uniform for everyone.

[@RichardsWorld]

He said it himself the day he got the belt. He first said he will put the belt in his safe and wear sometime in the future. Watch the video "Rickson Gracie Red Belt Ceremony"

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Lol, I did watch it. Based on your other comments, you’re so Mr Obvious. GM Rorion said, “now that you’re a Red belt, you can do whatever you want. Just because GM Rickson says he’s not wearing the red belt, does it mean he isn’t that rank? When you earn your rank, can you tell your professor you’re still gonna wear your old belt? Sure, you totally can. But you can’t take away the fact that your are that new rank because you don’t make that call. Like Rorion said, “if Helio we’re still alive, he would be awarding you this belt today.” Actually, based on his history of ranking Rickson, he likely would’ve skipped the coral belt altogether. After all, Helio gave Rickson his 8th Degree around age 35, when it took every other family member who received their black belt at 18, 30 years (age 48) to receive. So yes, GM Rickson said that. And then he said...?

[@FergusScotchman]

Kama Jiu-Jitsu> I'm not sure master Rickson really wanted a promotion by Rorion. A fair amount of family drama.

[@aneezvirani590]

The Amount you study the intracacies and history plus are PART of YOUR STUDY is UNSURPASSED!! For those reading this post. Please vote. I’ll start I nominate this speaker to be the goto person charged with the responsibility of bringing all the different views together and creating a unified system for the BELT DESIGNATION ORGANIZATION

[@Ankoku15]

That is ridiculous. Rickson was originally the one who contested his right to wear the belt as he felt only his father could award one. He was awarded it against his own wishes due not only to his prowess, but also his knowledge, status, and reputation.

[@Ninjaturtles199]

Yes the valente bros do the blue belt also to honor grandmaster Heilo . I love this channel you always talk about good topics and keep it interesting and entertaining thank u 🙏🏼

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@slamdunktiger]

Of course he deserves it! And btw, where did you get that shirt? Looks awesome.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

www.gruntstyle.com/collections/men/products/gs1165-ammo-flag-royal

[@RHINO3648]

The Red Belt was put around his waist by Rorian and witnessed by all of the Bigs ! Zero question !

[@William.H.Bonney]

Helio Gracie said when he was in Rio he's a blue belt in America he would wear his red. Saw that in a video when he was explaining degrees. He said degrees are for teaching not fighting or how good you are.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

He was all over the place on that. In his heart, I suspect he was a Navy Blue belt.

[@rayanthonyrobles5162]

Are you referencing a professor in Florida? If so, I understand his frustration.... He was mentioning that when he was promoted to black belt in 2004 (alongside my professor, they're like brothers those two), there are guys he knew who were blue belts at the time. Fast forward to 2018, and some of those blue belts are now higher ranked black belts than both him and my professor..... Now to this point, I agree that belt doesn't mean knowledge/skill per se, however in the sense of business and running gyms (as you probably know), these "higher ranked" black belts sell themselves as superior, and according to the average person who knows no better, they see the "higher ranking" and decide that THAT is the school they will attend. Now for me, I get that this is how BJJ/GJJ gets watered down and turned into garbage. I see SO MUCH AWFUL jiu jitsu nowadays being practiced (in MMA/Sport/and Self Defense), that it baffles my mind that these academies stay open. It took me 15 years to earn my black belt, and it will be 4 years in December that I've had it... I never (same as before I earned my black belt) asked for a promotion, nor assume when I'll get one. Now I know black belts that beg for their promotion, and degree promotions, just so that they can "sell themselves" as more legitimate. I have seen black belts who have their promotion date circled on calendars, just so that they can promote themselves to the next degree when (whatever system they're in) the appropriate time "suggests". To this point, I get any of the older generation's black belts complaining..... You would never ask the Gracie's in the old 90's GA for a promotion, especially for the purpose of "selling your business" like a lot of guys do now.

[@scottadams8049]

So what if Rickson comes in and tells you because you don’t know these techniques I’m demoting you to brown belt but Dave doesn’t agree and says no you are a professor, what do you do ? Do you follow your Grand Master or your Master ?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

I do what Dave tells me.

[@truejitsu6788]

Rickson is the G.O.A.T .

[@jwilton2909]

Just by virtue of being the most skilled fighter of the Gracie Family Rickson deserves such recognition. And since Rorion is the family patriarch it is his final judgment that Rickson is deserving of this honor. And who else is there to question his choice-besides Rickson himself who felt he didn’t deserve to receive this honor because he was not of the appropriate age according to the policies set up within the Gracie Family and most likely from Helios or with his blessing. So Rickson is the only person who can question his distinction among his brothers. Personally he deserves the honor since there aren’t any other ways of presenting him with the recognition he has earned with his skill and success and as an example of someone who truly lives the Bush tradition in every way.

[@Joez86]

Who’s on first? What’s on second????

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

I dunno is on third.

[@markroberts2964]

Hes does in my opinion cause when come to his art bjj there's few others you would want to train under and why should it always take the same time that others took to get theirs maybe he's good enough to get his a lot younger its up to his seniors where it counts not anyone else

[@troylancaster8278]

yes yes yes he deserves his red belt yes he does his dad trained him his entire life his entire life has been Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and nothing else other than loving his family loving his students and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for his entire life think about it you don't even need to ask this question yes he deserves his red belt

[@06livefast]

Why is this even a question? If any one can wear that belt it’s either his dad or Rickson and maybe the machados . Every one else is in question.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

all the machado brothers will be red belts at some point in the near future.

[@hansforster1497]

Yes the music is quite distracting

[@michaelberry1902]

I met Malibu juijitsu and he said something in Portuguese... then he made me tap after 2 seconds..

[@mohammedbarhumo1544]

Sergio Malibu is gangster. I mean that in a good way. Miss the times in his Resturant in rio.

[@Marc3753]

Think they need to make a colored belt called "RICKSON"

[@mattbugg4568]

This is true. There is some structure to what qualifications are required. But as with life only a person who understands them can make any judgment. Be proud for them to have achieved such a thing, because you might or it might be something else, we're not all built the same but someday we all receive our white stone with a new name on it. What it is in might not be the same as what someone else's is.

[@mattbugg4568]

Congratulations on your promotion.

[@ValeriaProperties]

Dreams of being the best at bjj/gjj belt doesn't mean much to me no one can ever take away your skill and knowledge

[@kingwilly8041]

The easy solution would be to utilize a combination of both methods and base it on either either time or ability/contribution. The average practitioner would get black belt degrees according to a timeline but someone like Rickson would get a higher ranking earlier because of his extraordinary ability/accomplishments. And can't forget the Torrance boys who were given high ranks for giving the world Gracie University. : )

[@jesusthroughmary]

they are old enough to be 5th degree by now, and I think Ryron is 5th degree and Rener 4th

[@stephendriscoll9240]

Beyond street cred HICKSON CAN WEAR whatever color he wants

[@justincawthon3675]

I have a perfect solution to this problem..... if you TRULY believe that Rickson is undeserving of the red belt and thus the title of GM go TELL HIM to his face. there.....I think that will stop the debate right there! :)

[@lake_cooper]

Set the ego aside. It's just a belt. ***Respect***

[@joepoe8861]

In the end you know your skill level so does the belt degree after black belt really matter? If your good your good. If your great your great and if you suck you suck. Your performance will tell us all what you are.

[@frealable]

The influencer among foreign countries, established a standard, represented the honor of his discipline/ family, has continued to influence and reshape mentalities within his discipline. Red belt with 20 blue stripes lol

[@milkbunnies]

is this some kind of trick question...?

[@e.l.norton]

It's just a belt color. People are focused on the wrong things. The very fact that he chose not to wear it says he deserves it. His career and contributions speak for themselves, belt or no belt.

[@theronnelson3617]

Well apparently he was saying that he can wait for years I saw the video when they came to Vegas and awarded him the belt in the middle of his class he was saying yeah I'll accept it but he was pretty humble which is understandable that's cool I guess give it to him I mean after all why wait four more years the guys more than a grand master at this point but there is four years left within his time span to become a technical Grandmaster according to what he was saying

[@jcusantos]

I like the 2 year plan every year up to the 6th