Frustrated Higher Belts Are Upset with This Tough Blue Belt

[@waaagh3203]

When you go to a new gym, and you're experienced, it comes with a weird power dynamic. When you're new to BJJ and join a gym, everyone knows your place is at the bottom, so no big deal. Here is a tip to get past that power dynamics easily: walk into the new gym and pee in the middle of the mat, thus claiming your territory. Now the hierarchy is set and you can get back to training.

[@caseydavis4860]

Yooo🤣🤣🤣

[@jimmybaldwin737]

I’m gonna try this. I’ll let you know what happens 😜

[@KikoSanchez-he3jp]

Lmao

[@krystiantricarico2557]

This killed Me

[@raidthanfl]

MasterClass in subverting expectations. Bravo young man 👏

[@VascHugo]

bein honest guys, there's so much ego in BJJ, not only students, but also the coaches...! I really like bjj, but there's so much hypocrisy

[@phenomenal2485]

Hugo Rodrigues example?

[@bigmember5908]

phenomenal24 um, isn't the video we are commenting on example enough?

[@phenomenal2485]

Um, isn't your reply irrelevant because I was asking for examples based off someone else's perspective?

[@basilal-qaneh5998]

Depends on the school, I've rolled at a school where people say "no one here has an ego" even though they clearly do, and I've rolled at a school where people are genuinely humble and want to help people get better.

[@elaineabreu282]

Hugo Rodrigues at my school the higher belts are all awesome including my two Brazilian coaches. It's the blue belts--Im a white belt-- that have a stick up their ass lol go figure.

[@02468]

I actually had a brown belt visit my gym when I was 2 weeks into white belt, he never once tried a submission. He actually let me figure out some and submit him. He knows he's clearly way better and could easily submit me at any moment. Was really cool to experience that.

[@jeffrubalcava1633]

I had the total opposite experience. Dude submitted me about 10 plus times in 5 mins. I got absolutely destroyed. And I don’t think it did anything for the both of us besides stroke his ego. Pause

[@justinmiller7083]

Yeah coming from wrestling I think its weird the upper belts don't let the lower belts submit them for good practice. I used to let the freshman pin me all the time so they could get better. Good to hear.

[@MinhaFamiliaAQBJJ]

I left my gym after 12.5 years and moved to a new academy. The environment is so much better and relaxed. Tony is a purple belt who has been training just over two years and weighs About 160. I'm 235, black belt and this kid smokes me. I make sure I roll with him every day and get my ass kicked by him. No egos and all smiles

[@ExaltedWarrior]

When you want to like a comment, but you're too childish to change the like count from 69😅

[@cortexgreen12]

@@ExaltedWarrior it shall stay the very nice number

[@jackjack4412]

You're a bigger black belt getting smoked by a smaller purple belt? How is that possible?

[@MinhaFamiliaAQBJJ]

@@jackjack4412 well I take it youre new to this so I'll explain. He's been training since 5. He's 26. That's 21 years experience. That's like a 4 degree Black belt. Also I am a lot older and I'm more beat up. New people seem to think that a black belt gives you magic powers and untapable

[@jackjack4412]

@@MinhaFamiliaAQBJJ so he's a "purple belt" but he's not really a purple belt. That explains it more than the age difference.

[@HansDavidian]

I have a white belt in my gym that can legitimately submit purple to black belts because he has a black belt in judo and 7 year plus experience in submission wrestling.

[@Panther123ism]

Or he is going easy on you 😂😂

[@bigmember5908]

he should probabaly not be white belt....I believe the ibjjf recognizes judo black belts as competing at the purple belt level but I could be wrong about that but he really shouldn't be at white belt level. I'm not sure what kind of holes he could have in his game to keep him from having that blue belt awarded to him but I have never rolled with him so...

[@Walruz1000]

It used to be that if you fought pro mma or were a judo black you just couldn't compete until you had a blue belt in jiu jitsu but it might have changed as I haven't competed since 2016

[@Panther123ism]

Big Member It doesnt how good you are, it all depends on the instructor. There are some requirements, like how long he been training, and how much he know.

[@Panther123ism]

paulockleford no school do that. Only your school

[@cunn1n6ham]

Chew Jitsu clearly has high emotional intelligence/people skills...which is pretty dope. He may take your sole away on the mat, but you’ll smile and thank him for it when he’s finished 😂

[@PabloPhreshcobar]

Pause

[@somasbodeljas1424]

You are not supposed to wear shoes on the mat anyways

[@vampsneakercleaning]

@@PabloPhreshcobar This is funny

[@spaceman5089]

Simp

[@TheOddStranger]

Based on his stories I think that he realy worked for those social skills, it's skill like everything else.

[@dash4800]

i think the ego thing is the difference between a bjj gym and a full mma gym. You can avoid being humbled as much in bjj because you can just be better than others so you develop an ego. But in mma you can do an hour of grappling and then its time to put on the pads. And if you were a dick earlier you can expect to get your clock cleaned because odds are you arent the best at everything. Also anything that incorporates a belt system automatically lends itself to people feeling superior to each other.

[@cecedonna8566]

a game of who can hide their ego best by taking the moral high ground.

[@ponchuffyxxx]

the good side is that you mantain people invested in developing and competeing because losing sucks it's matter of moral values. Good point

[@dustinconnolly7258]

Killed it.

[@da49groupie]

Yes

[@maxanderson3733]

You can especially maintain your inflated ego if you’re one of those guys who just absorb everything like a sponge and rarely get tapped

[@MP-db9sw]

A little foreplay before you shove it in there huh?

[@roninblax]

Michael Powers Don't forget the courtesy spit.

[@twinkiemp]

😂😂😂

[@oz_jones]

Basically yeah

[@hisokamorow6709]

The TL:DR(TL:DW more like it) version.

[@pukanger]

Great advice as usual Chewie. As an older guy with health issues, I agree 100% with slowing it down and focusing on having fun when you visit other gyms. The last thing I want is some 22yr old muscled dude wanting to take “that visiting black belt’s” head home as a trophy. If I’m gonna do BJJ until I die, I need to save the tough rolls for competition and with people I trust, rather than visit gyms and try to “prove” something. Besides, everyone has something to teach you. If you are visiting a gym and going balls out, you’ll likely miss out on whatever that lesson is because you’ll be too worried about showing off. Just my 0.02.

[@pictishbynature1522]

This is a great comment. When you are going hard you may dominate something but they may have some insight you don't have and won't because you are better overall. Great comment.

[@warriorfire8103]

It's true. I enjoy watching the tournaments and I practice the technique alone now. I can't afford to participate anymore. Even as a white belt up to blue I kept getting injured by purple/brown belts. Crazy bastards would apply neck cranks and other holds so quickly without holding anything back. I'm serious, I wasn't using strength and I would tap quickly as possible because I was actively trying to keep from getting injured, but I just couldn't tap fast enough. Injured shoulder, elbow and neck later I'd had enough, I can't make a living if I'm too broken to even pull a cable.

[@Words-of-encouragement.-.]

Excellent points!

[@jwkolm]

Very wise words, as an older practitioner myself I pace myself- the #1 reason is to avoid injuries. Had a purple belt a few weeks ago face crush me with a RNC, I got out but was bleeding from the mouth. I know this kid just wanted to say he finally got me. The truth- I should have tapped but my ego didn't let me. The old me would continued to roll with this kid and sub him as much as possible. The wiser me won't train with him anymore.

[@itsyoujitsu]

This guy is cool AF

[@oreocarlton3343]

Yeah, Chewy is a chill dude

[@zer0coolninja887]

AF? American Fighter?

[@liukaosborne]

@@zer0coolninja887 As Fudge

[@mrbjj1016]

I rolled with a high level bb at Kron's academy a few summers back. He caught me in an armlock and I tapped. I caught him in a toe hold, but let it go. At the end of the roll, he knew I let it go, but was really cool about everything. Rolling in a new place can be odd. My instructor always told me to go as hard as the other guy. Was good advice then and now. Good video.

[@mofozi571]

Toe hold ?😂😂😂🤣

[@OrganicGonzalez]

Oss

[@phobowl]

When you're visiting a gym you're a guest in their house. Be nice and go easy. So what if you get tapped, you're probably on vacation or traveling for work, why risk getting injured in a new town? If you're technical and friendly then you've already represented your gym well.

[@jnng7463]

well said

[@bigmember5908]

I always try to represent my gym well by being as nice as I can to other people. if I'm in their gym or they are in ours, until some fool comes from another gym and hits a bicep slicer on a chick so hard she has to stop training for the day....then I dominate from a position I call Knee On Head....it works just like it sounds

[@inpugnaveritaas]

Going easy is disrespect. Not being a cockneys is important.

[@bigmember5908]

going easy is not disrespect, TELLING people you went easy is disrespect I don't know what a cockneys is

[@cryptomon86]

@@bigmember5908 rolling should be fun. Leanrning . Not try and kill each other.

[@ndshreddermn]

As a wrestler first, then learned bjj, I felt like you learn way more going intense with that grit. I loved going against someone that should beat me in the beginning to eventually beat them.

[@jujitulife8942]

ndshreddermn I have a wrestler in my gym and he goes really intense and In Wrestling that might be the case but in jujitsu that’s not the mindset you really wanna have I know plenty of wrestlers that go to my gym and they can go intense but if you play smart you can beat them

[@g3neriik901]

@@jujitulife8942 yeah all you have to do is last and have them tire themselves out

[@shanerooney7288]

In short: leave the ego at the door. You are there to train, not "win"

[@reyscottm9]

I really appreciate this video. I'm the father of a 10 yo boy who is just getting started in BJJ, and he only seems to know one speed: Balls out. He's much smaller than most kids his age, but he makes up for it in speed and intensity. This video really helped open my eyes on how to proceed when we are visiting a gym on their Open Mat days. Often times they will pair him up with adults in the class just to let him kind of go crazy, yet be under a protectful eye. This is always appreciated since he always wants to go hard and adult purple belts know how to protect themselves and yet let a small boy feel like he's accomplishing something. I was somewhat embarrassed when he had the opportunity to roll with boy much larger than him, but much less aggressive. Not everyone in the gym is looking to collect scalps, as you say. I will show him this video later today and maybe he will get it. Thanks again, Chewie!

[@joetorres1861]

Hello sir, I have to say, you’re a true gentleman. I love your outlook on training and the way you explain things. I look forward to your videos and your point of view. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I’m a high level Japanese JJ instructor and student and I have a Shodan in judo. I have been training for 36 years. I did BJJ briefly in the early 90s and recently took it back up 14 months ago since it’s the weakest part of my overall fighting game. I have many back and neck injuries after being injured on 9/11 and am limited in what I can do but I do what I can when I roll. I found a good club near me with good coaches and people but again, I love your spirit and breakdowns.

[@BBEDrummerAK]

I've never practiced BJJ, or much of any kind of grappling (Im 40 now..haha), but I am LOVING these videos! Great channel! Glad I randomly clicked on these videos! 😁

[@Ryan1985vsup]

BBEDrummerAK never too late to start.

[@darrenstettner5381]

I’ve experienced the same thing. Now I diffuse the tension by thanking the color belt for letting me work my stuff and helping me learn. In reality, they probably were going easy on me and taking risks to expand their horizons. Or, maybe I’ve legit caught a few of them. Either way, I’ve found it beneficial to relieve the stress on their ego by attributing the subs to their having showed mercy on me rather than the possibility that they got caught by a newb.

[@ilaughatfunnyshit3482]

Damn dude. Respect. I wish i was nearer. I would love to learn from you. Ive stopped bjj totally cuz i cant find any calm environments to learn in here. Everyones the freaking hulk in green mode.

[@KimuraX5]

I used to visit BJJ classes all over the world. The reason was not to destroy guys, but to make sure the way I was training and the direction I was going in my training was correct and would get the job done. This was the main reason. I always took the chance to train at any new gym in any location. Special thanks to all the gyms for allowing me the chance to train with them and the welcoming feeling their gyms presented.

[@robertsamuel1994]

Honestly I think the mentality of many BJJ practitioners you talked about today is wrong. I visited a gym last week, they welcomed us, the instructor told everyone we should be seen as part of the bjj family and thus we should treat each other with respect. My group went and introduced themselves to almost everyone. We started rolling and yes we did go for submissions and we did spar to win, but there was no bad blood at all. A really talented white belt from their group submitted 2 blue belts from our group multiple times. That's just humbling. You realize there's always someone better and I reminds us to never think to highly of ourselves. Everyone should leave there ego of the mat and the instructor should remind everyone present about how we go about meeting new people in the gym.

[@jeffgillson]

Shit. The embarrassing scar on my butt is my go to introduction. Now I need to rethink my whole life.

[@fabriziolottici4684]

That's his teacher mistake. He should wear an higher belt already. This thing of slowing promotions in order to collect low level medals sucks.

[@Panther123ism]

Fabrizio Lottici 😂😂 skill doesn't mean higher belt

[@fabriziolottici4684]

Panther123ism i Think that what differenciate bjj from bs martial arts is that in bjj the belt reflect the owner skill level. I am still a bjj White belt (after 3 years, but with 2 serious injuries) and that's perfectly fine with me because i still suck. But in the years i have seen this trend to delate more and more the belt change in order to collect easy medals for the team. I have seen medalist for 2 years in a row at National level that are still wearing the same belt. And i see white belts playing berimbolos, single and double x, dlr on regular basis. I know skill is not everything (there's also knowledge, dedication, versatility and much more), yet if a blue belt is able to tap purples, bowns and blacks on regular basis imho something is wrong. For the same reason a judo bb or class a grappler here in Italy can not compete in white belt division: because his skill level elevates him at blue level, even if he has not trained bjj a single day in his life. Also, i believe it is more important to Challenge oneself against stronger opponents than wiping the same belt division for 2-3 years in a row. What's your take on this mate? Also i am sorry for my poor english.

[@KumaCarter]

@@fabriziolottici4684 belts are more of an indicator of knowledge/experience than actual competitive prowess. Having all that knowledge/experience usually means you can apply it well but that's not necessarily a rule. The only way for belts to be a symbol of skill would be to have harsh tournament placing requirements or other competitive success

[@drjimjam1112]

Starting in a new school. Really good advice on a beginners mindset also, thank you.

[@armsofzeus]

Had a similar experience at a gym I visited. There was only 5 of us including my friend I brought, and I felt out the guys and just kept at their pace. Afterward, the blue belt thanked me for not just blasting him and we started nerding out, exchanging techniques. I feel that whole experience is what got me out of paying the drop-in fee lol. And I made some connections too so it ended really well.

[@ifassnacht]

This concept of feeling things out sounds like it could fall under the “keep it playful” movement. You don’t always have to Incredible Hulk smash on people.

[@Matt2299]

Rookie question here, but why is this guy still a blue belt then?

[@baratheonfury633]

some gyms promote faster than others aka just do the time and you will get a belt promotion

[@dubbeking]

He’s probably trained no-gi for most of his life and only recently bothered to start grading in gi. The skill translates fairly well when you learn the basic grips.

[@thegreatestalive]

brock lesnar is only a blue belt in bjj even due he could beat 95 % of people no matter what there belt in a bjj match

[@afnanbogey]

More to jits than getting subs. He might have fundamental holes, like poor posture/survival/escapes. Until those deficiencies get appropriately addressed, he’s still a blue - albeit one that wrecks shop

[@tombambo9435]

Jiu jitsu isn't about who you can beat, belts are more symbolic of your own personal growth and your growth in the eyes of your teacher/s.

[@georgebrown4044]

I'm probably one of the most laxed/easy going/lazy purple belts out there. Every time I roll at a new gym or a new person I pretty much let them have their way with me. Of course I'm making sure I don't get hurt, but besides that pass my guard, take me down and I'll defend the submission to the best I can but will tap early if I feel I'm in danger. And usually people can tell that I'm there to have fun and learn something new. Great Video!

[@Ramon-bs7kr]

What about a vídeo of how to treat a guest ? I mean,for my work I travel and I been In a lot of academys for a just one day I'm a purple belt,44 years,and everybody is trying to kill me,from white to Brown,in every academy, I remember once in France people was holding a line resting and waiting to fight with me,and several times the instructors ,Browns or purple belt, use the old trick to make me fight wiht his heavy people while he's resting and come to kill me when I been almost dead. Always wiht respect and in cool way.but at 110%. I'm not complaining.

[@BigBooty3k]

Ya this is real. A lot of times when I'm traveling I am dead tired and just want some chill rolls

[@gillyac81]

Good video. When I visit different gyms and roll I always am respectful and say before every roll with a new guy that I'm ready to learn. Everyone has been pretty chill thus far.

[@mouthguardcomic]

As a purple belt coming back after a five year layoff, I have had to tap to a lot of blue belts (especially in the first few weeks). As I record all my rolls, I have evidence to keep me humble. However, it is a part of the game. When I was at the top of my game as a purple belt, I remember when I used to tap out brown belts regularly. But, as they say, "The older I get, the better I was!"

[@insidetrip101]

One of the really nice things about going from being a collegiate wrestler into bjj is that I already understand this stuff really well. With all the practicing that you do in college with the multiple practices, you can't afford to "go live" like you do in high school wrestling everyday, and the big thing that really pisses off all the upperclassmen about the freshmen is that they just don't truly understand how to "spar" or go "50/50" and focus on the technique without grinding your body into dust. Don't get me wrong, like you said in the video, you definitely have your hard practices where you go all out, but a lot of the time you have to be able to focus on your technique without killing each other. I truly think that the ability to do this is really what separates good grapplers from mediocre: the ability to allow your *partner* (NOT YOU YOURSELF!) to perform, practice, and improve technique without you being a "wet fish" and without giving them completely full resistance. You want to get the technical benefits for feeling like your techniques are being performed in a live environment, but at the same time be easy on your body. I'm 30 years old. That's not crazy old, but I can tell you that its old enough that I'm not going to get out on the mat and roll 100% every fucking time. It has nothing to do with me not knowing bjj, and everything to do with I'm not trying to do this to kill myself or anyone else. This is just supposed to be fun, learn something new, and only then, after those first two criteria are met, compete. And this goes for true competitors as well. I totally respect the Dan Gables of the world who work their asses off every fucking day, but I respectfully disagree based on the fact that I don't want to have to replace both of my hips before i'm 50 years old. I truly believe that, in this situation, you really can have your cake and eat it.

[@KillaBean416]

As a boxer. Build a good relationship with coaches from different gyms, and also their fighters. Say thank you after every sparring round and give sparring partners compliments. Leave your ego at the door and show lots of respect. You can spar at any gym and have no problems with this mentality.

[@-AnGeLuS-]

I can relate, I never felt the need to get into these gym wars it's bad for the health. Respect comes first. My coach always told me to remember that you get what you give. I always took my opponents pace in sparring. There's always that one guy that didn't get the memo, I always made sure that they didn't land on me. Never felt the need to knock some idiot out. Even then I always thanked them for sparring with me and giving me some good work.

[@kev9385]

Boxing gyms are way different than BJJ gyms! It’s a different energy

[@whitesquare2378]

Thanks Chewy. I’ve been watching your videos for a while and it’s a first time I comment. I haven’t done BJJ for many years, but I used to be a pretty good blue belt. My guess, is that now I am a pretty weak blue belt :) First, let me tell you why I like you and your channel. (I am a self confessed internet troll/hater, so saying something positive seems almost unnatural. Hope that my genuine compliment of your channel makes it more valuable ))) 1) I like the fact that you are not just a BJJ trainer, but also have an MMA and wrestling background. I have trained a little in both. 2) Over training years, I have always strived to learn from the best in the world. I was lucky enough to have trained a bit with some world class fighters in various martial arts. As you surely know, the best fighter does not necessarily translate into a great instructor. There is some overlap, but it’s not a direct positive correlation. I have to say, that your explanations of “grey” areas in martial arts is truly world class stuff. You put it down clearly and I like how you break it down into small details. I agree with most of the things that you say and can relate to many of them. I have a problem with visiting new martial arts gyms, especially if it involves striking, because I am far from an average student. 1) I am only about 73kg, but people say that I am pretty strong for my size. 2) Saying how long I have done something is a bad indication of my level, because I have some very pronounced strengths and weaknesses. It is pretty hard to fit into a new club being me. I generally find that the better the instructor is, the easier it is for me to fit in. If they can just easily wipe the floor with me, then they don’t feel that their ego is threatened. 3) I know lots of techniques and strategies, but also have big gaps in my knowledge of both the technical and cultural aspects of training. 4) The big issue is that my cardio and energy levels are way below my skills and strength. So, if I was to compete properly, I would be at a beginner level in pretty much everything. However, until I spend these few minutes and get exhausted, I can be a serious challenge for people of much high caliber than me. Sometimes even for people closer to an instructor kind of level. Not sure what to do about it. On one hand, my cardio will not improve for health reasons. So my overall performance will always stay closer to a beginner level, no matter what I do. But my skills, strength and determination to win are of much higher level. It’s not something I want to hide and I doubt that that I could, even if I wanted to. 5) I know that generally it makes sense to play around for a long time and improve that way. Don’t think this approach is that good for me. After playing around for a little, all my energy is gone. So I may as well pack my bag and go home. I just don’t have the energy to stay active on the mats for a long time. That’s basically why I quit. If I really want to make the best of my abilities and possibly improve a bit, then my approach should be “kill or be killed quick”. The techniques that I drill should also take that into consideration. Accumulating lots of mat time is too late for me. I never caused anyone any serious injuries, but since I don’t have the energy to relax and just go with the flow, my fighting style relies a lot on strength and is a bit rough. So, what should my approach be when rolling/sparring with new people/instructors?

[@obarthelemy]

Good life advice in general: don't try to show one up from the get-got: establish a relationship, be fun... then push if you need to. Rule #1 of relatioships: always maintain (the other's) self-esteem.

[@deanwinchester8042]

If that’s how you view relationships then I would never want to be your friend

[@tenormdness]

Man, I wish you were in Texas. I’m searching for a gym and I really dig your style. Great videos, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@NoBody-ro3xj]

What size is the guy? A guy at our gym does the same thing but he is 6'5" and 230lbs muscle cranks everything. Also I am blue and when I go to other gyms I play a game of let them attack as to watch what their school does, defend for a while then, if they are moving nice and easy I will do flow with them. Most of the time I played defense because I don't trust new schools, and I'm keeping myself from becoming injured. And if they start being malicious I will pick it up and show them that I'm just playing around. Not to be mistaken with being cocky I just like to play around a lot. It is funny that when they are being super aggressive they leave lots of holes.

[@ellisno6908]

Brandon Drennan that’s a good philosophy

[@NoBody-ro3xj]

el So thank you.

[@BobBelson]

The story of my life and my name really is Bob -lol One big difference . Im usually out of shape the first month or so into training because Im not steady so I legitimately get tooled by lots of guys ,Once I'm back in shape i step it up . But even so , yes The best strategy is NEVER to go for the kill unless it is obvious . Don't make excuses either . Just chill and train . Let the new gym guys teach the new stuff and the gym specialties because most gyms have their own groove going which makes you more versatile down the road .. Plus it is painful to go in hard because once you get tired you get your ass kicked anyway and as you age , get injured and lose recovery time which defeats the whole purpose of training as a hobby. I recall arm dragging a black belt with a cool combination move I learned from a different black belt somewhere else . I wound up taking his back getting the body lock and setting up the choke finish.. He was clearly in survival mode . His labored breathing and inability to escape after several minutes caused me to release the body lock and look for other ways to submit him without being brutal. At one point after releasing the under/over looking for a collar He countered desperately by twisting my wrist over and over .What really pissed me off was the wall on his gym had in BIG letters "No wrist locks No Twisting Leg locks" ,I was not ready for a twisting wrist lock . I countered it for a bit , then just tapped even though it wasn't working . That is what it is. I did not refer him to his own wall . Why bother? He knew exactly what he did. Stopped training there. Lost respect for the man . Lots of other gyms Its not 1995 when there was only one place for 50 miles . The quintet matches are the best matches to watch . Some of the best toughest guys compete back to back. Makes the best humble because they are forced to fight fresh guys with top skills when they themselves have just been through brutal match.. Also teaches us lower rank guys who will never be on that level what it takes to be the best.Humility and attrition

[@TheIgorBeli]

This guy sounds like Elliot Hulse. Great vid. Keep it on 💪

[@kramer1372]

Igor mijanović .. ha.. i was gonna post that if no one else did, ha.. he does 10000%

[@bboysix]

Great explanation Chewy, I've always felt the same when visiting other gym and or meeting someone new. Never know who you'll see later down the road ;)

[@hugh2hoob668]

I had a pal that boxed and its worse in boxing gyms He got ringed with a guy that had 100 fights under his belts in his first tournament

[@bryantb856]

I like how you're so mindful of situations. It's hard for people to control their egos at times and be situationally aware. It shows a lot about your type of humanity. Thank you. That in itself is a true lesson in life. Lesson of the day :)

[@041882]

I'm having this exact problem only it's at my own gym. When I match partners and roll hard they're pissed. When I just defend they get pissed. Catch and release, pissed. I'm a blue belt and I'm fortunate enough to be able train several times a day. I honestly don't know what to do about it...

[@johnh8546]

I really have grown to like these talks. This hits at something I’ve seen. I’ve commented before about my pride and joy my son Gabriel. He’s a tough kid and just a solid wrestler overcoming his difficulties with autism to excel in wrestling. He’s a blue belt in BJJ and can submit quite a few purple belts, but that’s almost entirely due to his wrestling. If we go to other gyms it’s so hard for him to get along with guys because he’s all go on the mat. Add in his socializing challenges and it’s hard for guy to accept him. This question really hit me.

[@blitzthekraken9832]

As a small guy, I never get why people get frustrated about getting tap or flow rolling at other gyms. I always learn way more in defeat then I learn in winning.

[@bigmember5908]

I always hear people say that but for me it never worked that way.

[@toddianuzzi9296]

Me too

[@vittocrazi]

Yes... Defeat exposes the holes in your game, and hints on solutions you might not have thought about

[@bigmember5908]

ok, but success shows you what works. that is pretty important lesson to

[@vittocrazi]

Big Member totally agree. Both experiences are important

[@brakeme1]

Great response. I might add a little. I’m a little older and have dealt with this really well. If you are going to another gym to see if your way is better or you want to prove your way is better, you will be met with attitude and force. If you simple want to workout... get some cardio...work on some weak points, positioning, etc then do just that. Be cool. Be super respectful. You might do well to let them control you a little or even “dare I say” submit a few times... especially to those higher in the pecking order...and (I know it doesn’t seem to make sense) to the guy that really has attitude and wants to ball you. When everyone thinks you are the cool guy and not a threat, it is then you can go harder and harder. Remember the story about the 2 bulls on the hill looking at all the cows below?

[@bigmember5908]

I would be very interested in rolling with this Blue Belt to see what the other people are being upset over. In a way where I trained we had a situation that would make it very difficult for a Blue Belt from another school to come in and surprise us with how good they were. The situation we had was a Blue Belt that had moved to an area where there was not a BJJ place that was really convinent for him and he didn't have time to travel, but he found a Brown and Purple Belt (brothers) who didn't have a Black Belt they were 'under' to handle promotions. Well a Purple can't promote and neither can a Brown. But they can sure as hell teach someone who is a 'new Blue belt' which at the time he found them he was. So he trained like that for six freaking years. now according to how bjj works he was not sandbagging because there was no one to promote him so he was in a technical sense still a Blue Belt but his ability was more on the order of an experienced Purple.

[@charliemcdermott8823]

I thought brown belts could promote people up to purple ?

[@baymaxhero4127]

Really enjoy all of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing. Wish I could train at your gym!

[@zman5387]

Why is there a belt order anyway? There are no belts in wrestling, you can either out wrestle other people or not.

[@aplus1080]

zman tournaments and incentive. How many people do you know continue wrestling for 20+ years?

[@Culvey]

I wrestled for 14 years, and 2 years coaching with one or two tournaments thrown in... only stopped when I blew out my ACL and Meniscus (running and stepped in a pothole, not even wrestling) healed up, and got 13hr a day job and now just roll around on my free time for the last 4 years. Then again, I now tend to roll around with some guys at the local Judo/JJ club, since there isn't really such thing as a casual wrestling club here lol. So I do get your point A Plus, if you are looking for something to train in and not necessarily compete then JJ or Judo is a much better option that you can still progress in.

[@aplus1080]

So you played on the kids circuit for a stretch and adult circuit lasted like six to eight years? And how many people is the adult circuit available to? I mean, I get y'all's points, but bjj can span from lil leagues to 70+ year old dudes. Regularly. Not some flukey shit. Belts help keep people's abilities fairly equivalent. Six to eight years isn't even a black belt for most bjj practitioners.

[@kiltrofilms]

Cuz they like the muneeee

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

Culvey u make shit money. I work 4 hours a day. Make 300 an hour

[@faasukalutu]

Very good points in any martial arts gym you visit. I always say be humble but match the energy and intensity of your workout partner. Gym etiquette is a crucial aspect of personal progression.

[@joefuller3467]

doesnt that mean maybe he should be a higher belt?

[@georgechandler1647]

You need to put in a certain amount of time to advance belts in bjj

[@ameranadianveteran860]

Couldn’t agree more. It’s how I got my arm broken. Now I’m super careful. Feel things out. Go slow. Check the ego.

[@thebluecollarhero]

Sweet.. I just got my blue and still get handled by white belts. Keep me on your radar!

[@powerinknowledge2392]

When I was younger I watched videos on MMA fighters and BJJ fighters I started learning things in my own arm bars, grappling, hip escapes, different chokes and all that so when I went into a new gym for the first time I was 15 in an adult class with blue or green belt cant remember and when we were doing sparring I beat him every time, he was humble about it.

[@shelbynickey7319]

Power In Knowledge lies, no such thing as a green belt in adult

[@Delamthedestroyer]

@@shelbynickey7319 he was 15 but attending an adult class. He could have been a green at the time.

[@OrganicGonzalez]

Oss. I rather be on the mats getting tapped out by everyone, than not be there.

[@pedrovillelabjj3163]

It's funny this pack mentality X friendship building. Felipe Costa (everyone who practices BJJ know the name) lives close by and even though we are from different gyms he recently organize a group for afternoon tournament practices for rooster, feather and lightweights only, the thing is it works almost as a open mat but you got be appointed/invited and belong to those weight category, but it is a tournament prep training so it is 100% effort all the time, no technique just roll/fight. that feeling when several black, brown, sometimes purple(rarely) belts that almost never saw each other, all competitor thrown in the same room... that's something by itself, and even though we get aggressive, since is the nature of the practice we start to make friends. and yesterday I met this new guy(new to the training) a little heavier, but he was allowed, since he is not that heavier and it's a good black belt, we really went against one another, and by the end of the roll he told me "dude i think I know you" turns out we studied and were close friends we were 10-11 years old, but lost contact, we are 36-37 now... just some random benefit of attending to another gyms "open mat"...

[@braxtonvestal777]

Yea when traveling i got my elbow destroyed from this try hard getting ready for a mma fight. Have to have a 2nd surgery now no bjj in 2 years. Know this shit happens.

[@ronthemogul]

We had a guy come in our gym training for mma shit. He was a nut job, way over aggressive hurting people and shit so our coach told him to relax and he didn’t so he sicked the enforcers on him and dude eventually stopped coming

[@zoommair]

I love your attitude when you roll, that's the approach I took starting at a new school as a blue belt recently. It's a new school with all white belts except for one or two other blue belts, and I made it a point to not submit anyone my first couple days of class, just flowed, catch and release, let guys get some submissions on me, etc. One other new blue belt to the school did not take that approach, and now he's known as "that guy," while everyone else loves rolling with me, despite me now submitting them on the regular, because they know I won't hurt them, and they know I'll teach them when I can, and it's been a great time.

[@8095jleon]

Hence while I’m perfectly ok with being a lifetime white belt

[@Thecochenour]

8095jleon right here life time white. Love my no gi. Don’t check in for classes. Coach just watch and shake head. When I don’t do it there way. Then you are the no strip white showing blues what to do lol.

[@cobra29935]

i just started doing BJJ 2 weeks ago. im not gonna lie part of my reasoning for wanting to advance to the next belt is simply cause i like the color blue. then id honestly be fine being stuck as a blue belt forever.

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

Im a lifetime black belt

[@fergusdenoon1255]

If you put a gun in your white belt, you can get everyone else to wear brown trousers.

[@twemas3737]

@@humbledb4jesus ok

[@jdt1221a]

Great advise for the gym and life in general. I gotta say thank you again. You are like my joy-jitsu priest. Lol. Seriously though. Thanks a lot man. So much help😎👊

[@Laitharex]

Me: Oh cool, this Hoice Gracee guy's stuff looks legit! *walks into gym* **Every blue, purple, brown and black belt smashes me day 1, I'm the only white belt** I-I'll get good soon, right guys?

[@bigmember5908]

I hope they were not being rough with you but we would have to discuss what your definition of soon is, as well as good

[@Edu-hh9uk]

How are you doing now?

[@diggocombs4548]

Its good to go back over some of this wisdom tbh bro. Its like a scroll archive or somethin

[@dima6042]

Some school “hold over” and have blue belts for 5 years so that they can win in competitions, true story...

[@scottb2587]

Chewy, You’ve inspired me to get into Ju Jitsu. Thanks a lot man! You’re the best source for information on KZbin. Thanks and be well.

[@oaktree354]

Hey man, did you end up going? I'm wanting to try it out now too

[@mikemichaels4500]

Sounds like he has only 2 speeds: 100% or obvious sandbagging. That is probably why he is still a blue belt.

[@AOMartialArts]

Mike Michaels Good answer.

[@dgma626]

Not really a blue belt that competes regularly will probably beat higher belts that are unfit and only trained 1 or 2 days

[@SandaBoxing]

Mike Michaels No noob, it just means that he mostly trains no gi so doesn't get promoted. There are UFC Champions that are White belts.

[@mikeg4490]

SandaBoxing 😯who?

[@Soldmysoulforablurayplayer]

Jon Jones is a white belt. Well he was when he won the title and only last year got blue. Demetrious Johnson is a white belt.

[@vincentjoyce455]

This is a GREAT video, especially for those coming from highschool or collegiate wrestling who dabbled with submissions on the offseasons and maybe didn't belt up as fast as surfer Sam.

[@xxsleepyxx9000]

3:08 scar on the butt lol I actually got one.

[@bigmember5908]

how do you know, people could be lying to you

[@missandeisass4671]

Me too lol my brother kicked me off a bed and the sharp thing on the side of a radiator stabbed my ass when I was 7.

[@tylershimek6167]

This exact same thing happens in the pool community, long time pool players find it disrespectful if you show up and just sink ball after ball without trying to hang out or get to know anyone. It was a humbling experience.

[@MrKahunadog]

Anyone ever belt themselves down when travelling?

[@davidworrell86]

Great Insight on meeting new people at other gyms thanks for the video keep up the great work chew jitz!!!!

[@hassanbenhammou2156]

Plz deep half guard

[@ValiRossi]

That's good advise for lots of situations. Even starting a new job.

[@liltrue8420]

My only question is does he have some other grappling experience? I don't get how a blue belt can beat a black belt....

[@liltrue8420]

Follow the howl that does not help with the question at all.

[@liltrue8420]

Follow the howl yeah the only thing is a blue belt has not had much training so his moves won't have a variety like a black belts moves so how can he defeat him.. my guess is "this blue belt" was a high level no gi bjj or a high level wrestler or judo.

[@liltrue8420]

Follow the howl I mean I am a big guy and I know for a fact even with a blue belt I would get beat by a black belt this dude has to be a wrestler d1 or something because a normal blue belt even with size can't beat a black or even purple we aren't getting the full story and who knows if the blue belt is even telling the truth

[@liltrue8420]

Bradley Clifton it's "I don't fear the man who practices 10000 different kicks I fear the man who practices one kick 10000 times" and I've heard it a billion times. It still has no relevancy in this conversation.

[@liltrue8420]

tie oneon I've seen athletes get smoked by black belts so that makes no sense.

[@statmandemps1154]

Great advice Chewy, heart of bjj , humility, keep it playful

[@patrickwithiforce2394]

Probably Nicky Ryan

[@Oldhandlewasabitcringe]

patrickwithiforce Same kind of guy but nicky is a purple atm

[@kiddbuu6775]

I'm a Street beefs fighter I just got into BJJ your videos are awesome and super helpful

[@Algebrodadio]

Short answer: wear a purple belt.

[@indiman5k809]

I always tune in Chewy. Good to know. Thanks.

[@recognizereal8938]

Here’s an idea. PROMOTE HIM...Jesus Christ

[@2ossy]

Haha true!

[@SwordTune]

Maybe he doesn't want to yet, or maybe he hasn't felt like he's ready for it. Or it could even be that this Bob is from a really though gym, and he really is a blue belt by their standards. If that is the case, I wonder how good the black belts are.

[@5winder]

Promote Jesus Christ.

[@recognizereal8938]

SwordTune apparently he goes to other gyms and “toys” with high level belts. That means he is a high level jiu jitsu player by any standard. It’s time to shed the blue and take his place and know his role.

[@supercoockie1]

ranking up is a process everyone has to go through no matter how good they are. it`s like a video game, if you`re really talented you still wont be leveling up at a faster rate than anyone else. it`s a indication of skill yes, but it`s supposed to be a indicator for patience and dedication as well.

[@pur3jock2h]

I am an easy going guy; so luckily when I visit a new gym I instantly make good connections and end each round smiling together with my partner. Got to train at 10th planet Portland and got subbed three times by a Purple. I think the most important thing to keep in mind is the technique when rolling. Study your partner and make them do their move transitions then counter them and lead them down their other paths. Once you succeed in a counter; it is like a flipping of turns and you can go for your flow path; building a good knowledgeable roll.

[@Bobble29667]

Bob is a “sandbagger” and while he has zero control over his belt color, he has control over choosing to ignore the obvious issue while seeking out someone on the Internet to help him feel okay that’s he’s actually not a blue belt. Boohoo.

[@ellisno6908]

danny ruggles he could be a full time athlete who is either to young in age or to young at his belt to be promoted. Some people are just natural athletes who will be better at bjj in 2.5 years so they have a blue for 6 months but not ready for purple than guys who train recreation for 10 years

[@bigmember5908]

I don't get your hypocricy. you recognize he has no control over his belt color but seem to still blame him for his situation? he didn't ask "why am I this rank when I should be higher" he asked how he can deal with people being upset with him over his rank, frankly if anyone has been in bjj for longer then a month they should understand his rank is not up to him

[@mohamedmoaz8691]

Gr8 answer man and I find it very logical for me since I really can not go hard on people I do not know even if they are lower in rank, I just find it very disrespectful to go 100% with someone you just met.

[@grayalun]

I had a truncated training pattern due to personal issues and although I started a couple of years or so back if you squished the lessons together it'd likely be 6 months of training, the place I'm training at now my instructor says he gets tapped by some of the high level blue belts sometimes but has no ego over it and he's very good he competes and medals at big world comps. So if he can shrug it off and learn from it everyone should be able to do that in my opinion.

[@thinkinsidetheboxsquarecir3303]

I can tell my son to do catch and release to not hurt any feelings initially! And like you said if they step it up, then you step it up with the pressure! 👍🏾

[@mikemichaels4500]

I've had the opposite experience a few times. I was traveling and decided to stop in local gyms to drill and do some light sparring. I think the instructors wanted to prove their schools were tough. So, they sent their killers after me.

[@hellfest85]

Yo chew your videos are some of the most relaxing videos I'm a beginner in the art and your advice is always is very perfect for my situation keep up the great work man

[@Roger-tv7sf]

Yup Im a white belt and submitted a blue belt my first month and a half into it. Now they try to go extra hard on me. But it's only making me level up just keep on getting better let's go.

[@amenhighfill9580]

Leave your ego at the door. The only person you're trying to defeat is yourself. Defeating yourself leads to self mastery. This was my father's lesson to me when I became frustrated with an opponent, or myself.

[@cryptomon86]

Rolling isn't always about the outcome, it's what happens in between. Rolling should be fun, where both could learn. But i guess visiting a different gym is different. It's not a full out thing

[@GunnedDownAtrocity]

I'm from the east coast, recently visited San Diego, and decided to visit a gym simply because i have never done anything like that before. it went exactly like the second example and it was an overwhelmingly positive experience. I would love to visit again and would like to think I'd be welcomed back.

[@jonesywilliams4595]

Love your videos brother, excellent lessons. Keep them coming...

[@2009blahblah]

Its really simple when you visit someone's house go as hard as they go. Great video explaining the mindsets of some people I was the same way when I was young now I'm almost 37 just went to a different place recently I just rolled as hard as they did with me I didnt really sub anyone unless if they tried to sub me. Didnt put a beating on anyone. But still rolled to win hard to explain I've been doing wrestling since a young age mma boxing and bjj since I was 24. So I've learned there is difference between different types of combat sports. Bjj schools can be whimpier and take things alittle more personally like getting subbed where as mma clubs or boxing gyms. That's why I don't like going to to many bjj only schools. Like this guy said it's a social pecking order . Where as mma and boxing you are getting your ass kicked and standing around laughing about it after. I can say in a boxing gym you come from the outside and give and take it's not really respected if you are good people in that want you to out point them helps you get better. I think the belt system is what's always turned me off on bjj only schools

[@campbellmarshall980]

We had a blue belt come to our gym and tap out everyone including the 3rd degree black belt instructor. He is competing at world level and was amazing. None of us were upset at all, we thought it was great. It wont be long now until some of the kids from our gym will be tapping me out too (I am a purple belt). It is ok to get frustrated by it but if these guys tapping you out makes you angry and not amazed at what is possible and determined to work harder then you might be doing the wrong sport. There will always be freakish athletes that will kick your ass.

[@Stainlessslayer]

Never trained a day in my life, but very solid advice. It will work in many aspects of life.

[@sushinfudoshin8991]

It boils down to respect. I show respect to the partner and to myself by training at the best of my abilities, being mindful of the intensity. Any instructor watching will be able to tell whether I am alright and not trying to hurt people when visiting other dojo’s. Ultimately we all want to enjoy the ride and make new friends. Being aggressive or mean doesn’t define the skill level. The most epic ass kicking I received was from an instructor who gave me the honor to invite me. He never meant hard and he didn’t need to.

[@TheSkiddum]

From what I understand an im still a white in BJJ but have trained in many other styles But from what Ive learned is tech is only part of it. Its about building the person as a hole. Learning how to train the body an the mind. Ive noticed when rolling with new people with no grappling experience other than this school like some of the blue an white belts there rigid. They dont have the control over there bodies. The muscle memory isn't there. They know what to do in there heads but its not refined like rolling with some of the purple or brown belts. The instructor is really good. Hes one I enjoy rolling with the most because its just different. He can have me in a few seconds and he knows it but his fluidity and everything makes it for an awesome run an he always gives me a roll each class. I take it for the experience while some of the others don't like to an i think its based on attitude. They don't like being beaten an there ego is what is slowing them down. I think he could have the same problem. As you stated if he goes in only to win it can cause problems. Go in to learn. Even if you can beat the black belts see if they can show you something new or a different way to do something that your having difficulty with. Mine always throws me little hints. While not making it easy.

[@Humatra]

good advice Chew. thanks for the video

[@rogueirl]

As a wrestler who has done a limited amount a bjj this is encouraging. I always have a habit of staying tight when it's kickboxing or jiu-jitsu

[@albertcastro409]

Much Respect for this video. You are a wise instructor

[@alanxlv3098]

The only person i dont skip the ads on

[@Flizbap]

This is why I like my gym; I'm a newbie, but I have 10 years of powerlifting experience, and I outweigh most of my instructors, often by 80+ lbs. I'm an ogre. My instructors, instead of berating me for being able to throw people around even though I'm relatively new, help hone what I can do, and give me tips to help my limited mobility. It's not like I'm smashing people, my instructor can still neutralize me with pretty much anything he wants. The ego is real.

[@johnnybombz8262]

well articulated and very thoughtful.