Should I give my black belt back?

Q&A with the Coach
What is a black belt really worth?
Ramsey Dewey is a retired pro fighter, combat sports coach, referee, and fight commentator… and occasional musician based in Shanghai, China.
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Thanks to my channel sponsor:
“Nogi BJJ” is now Xmartial.com - this video was recorded before they changed their name. Xmartial caters to all kinds of combat sports athletes from BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai etc. find rash guards, fight shorts, grappling spats, boxing gloves and other training gear. Use my code RAMSEY10 for a 10% discount on everything at
www.xmartial.com/?ref=AyJ_EjP...
This video features original music by Ramsey Dewey
Follow me on Instagram at: / ramseydewey
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I fought professionally in Mixed Martial arts, Sanda, Muay Thai, K1 and American kickboxing from 2004-2011 when I was forced to retire due to a broken skull and being partially blinded. I hold a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Black belts in multiple traditional martial arts, including Taekwondo and kyokushin karate. I also train in catch wrestling, sambo, taijiquan, judo, and boxing.
I currently coach at the Animal MMA gym, the Extreme Fight Lab, and the Mordor Fight Club, all in Shanghai, China.

[@dzen_dzenkazan8050]

Hi mister Dewey, can u give us link to the video of the fight u were talking about in your video?

[@RamseyDewey]

No, I can’t. The video was removed from KZbin, and when I first posted this video 3 years ago, it got flagged and removed because I showed the violent video.

[@dzen_dzenkazan8050]

@@RamseyDewey ok, thanks for answering

[@Hawidaku]

@@RamseyDeweythis video is three years old!?

[@zephirol4638]

@@Hawidaku it's a re-upload, after he fixed the issues youtube had with it.

[@RatedX29]

if your instinct is not to fight and avoid confrontation. you deserve a black belt more than anyone that starts blasting

[@Dementia.Pugilistica]

I totally relate to this. I have boxed since I was 13 and still would rather deescalate or literally run away than fight. My ego is intact. I don't care if you think you "intimidated me into submission". I train at a gym. I compete against actual killers and tremendous athletes. I know where I stand. I don't care about some ego maniacal dorks who can't control themselves on the street - how embarrassing for THEM! Fear is a healthy and rational response. Don't be confused about it, even people who handle their business get adrenalized when conflict comes their way. You are no fraud, my friend.

[@sethgreen6988]

there is a quote for Miyamoto Musashi that I always think of when questions like this comes up from my students. "the ultimate aim of martial arts is never having to use them." this is coming from the best duelist that Japan produced telling his own students that if you train to fight its better to have gone through life never having to use them, and to remain humble and not letting your ego control you. amazing video coach!

[@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768]

History forgot the top 4 hitokiri who freed Japan kawakami gensai being one of them

[@sethgreen6988]

@tophernolastname2378 that’s a good one. Ima write that down

[@Jamesfckoffscammers]

Absolutely. 👍

[@michaelteret4763]

I love the story about Musashi leaving a challenger behind on an island - the best way to win is not to fight.

[@sethgreen6988]

@@michaelteret4763 I think you are referring to his dual with Ganryu Sasaki. He didn’t leave that dual he carved an oar into a long staff on the way to the island. Which gave him reach his opponent. He beat him to death with it. I don’t recall him ever turning down a dual but I’m also not a historian of Japanese swordsman.

[@HansJoachimMaier]

You remember what the greatest of all Senseis Mr Miyagi said? Belts are for keeping your pants up :)

[@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768]

Yeah that was a b******* saying for a movie that made absolutely no sense cause if you paid attention to that film this was the same guy who beat up 17 year old kids and stole someone else's black belt and had Daniel commit an illegal kick in a karate tournament so yes let's listen to the child abuser petty theif who in tournaments these days would have been done. Larusso kicked out of one tournament and thrown in jail both for stealing someone's belt and for beating the shit out of kids bravo

[@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768]

Also another thing dalts actually signify your journey along the way to becoming a master you can't just open a school as a White belt or else everybody would have a school

[@obi501]

Or in jui jitsu, keeping your gi shut

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

​@@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768What about boxing and kickboxing schools? Should we make a belt system in order for them to open up schools?

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Belts and pants were invented by the Greeks

[@bernarddato3221]

Hi Ramsey, Yes fear is a gift; it is even a kind of superpower. I was a bouncer for 25 years. During those 25 years I didn’t hurt anyone. But during these 25 years I did not spend a single day of work without being afraid. Violence is scary. We have to be afraid of it. All we can do is try not to think about fear before and after danger. And thank you, Ramsey, for that subtle definition of jūjutsu. 👊✋️

[@St8rGene]

Ramsey never dissapoints...holy moly you click a video of his thinking is gonna talk about a very niche topic but then he gives you life advice thats useful for every single human being. What a legend!

[@Emperor_x8]

I remember this saying "courage is not the absence of fear because absence of fear is stupid but is to right and survive in the face of fear" I forget where heard that but I still relevant to the story

[@jean-sebastienberube4056]

This video comforted me in my feelings and it's reassuring. I have a 2nd degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate and I'm scared all the time. Now, at nearly 45 years old, when I see crazy or intoxicated people on the street yelling at me for no reason, I keep my mouth shut, put my ego aside and walk away. I don't want to risk my life or go to jail for some random douchebags.

[@MMAShredded]

Love how humble you are Ramsey!!!!

[@PaMuShin]

always remember that he first needed to be made humble by cracking his skull, a thing i hope your guardian angels are gonna prevent.

[@Fqubed]

It's impressive how humble and down to earth you are even after all these years! Thanks for your content

[@Rieltar]

In my 15 years of doing various martial arts, I realized that belts don't mean that much. Just train hard. Make friends. Have fun. Feel good about yourself. Otherwise, what is the point? I hate this new age mentality that you must get a black belt ASAP, because "I'm preparing for da streetz". Love ya, coach!

[@mieralunarlunishion]

Thanks coach. I needed to hear this.

[@corrugatedcavalier5266]

You're the man. I was always taught "passive skills" when I did martial arts and they were emphasized. Going to prison for assault will certainly ruin your life.

[@studer6884]

Great message, Coach!

[@owlmuso]

Awesome and very necessary video. Thank you Ramsey

[@MMAengineer]

your wisdom is really good to listen at man. I watch your videos almost every day while im doing something else like lifting weights.

[@raccoonmyroom6861]

Great video!

[@ericschaab5135]

On the streets, you win only when you avoid the fight! Good message!

[@mizukarate]

Best not to fight. Keep your black belt your doing the right thing by avoiding trouble.🥋🥋🥋🥋🥋🥋🥋🥋🥋🥋

[@TheTravismiller77]

I've been using my old belts as tie downs in the truck lol also damn your measured, calm and clear, very likable you should have a ton more subs, and you will

[@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768]

Shame on you

[@lazersondesign]

If he didn't ripped that other guys heart out, ate it and did not RESTOMPED his groin, he totaly should give his black belt back!!!

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Hi Ramsey, nice to see you! I always say that getting over your fear is a good thing except in fighting.

[@Sbv-25]

Hey coach, been watching for a while and it was you who motivated me to hit the gym and lift some weights. Thanks a lot! Few Questions: do you see your subscribers/viewers as students or just subscribers/viewers? Next, any plans on making a part 2 to that old kicking power video many years ago?

[@davidcrawford8583]

I remember Rickson Gracie saying something along the lines, if you don't have fear you must be stupid. I think it was on the Choke documentary. I have a black belt in Jujutsu and Judo and trained for 26 years. I'm always fearful of going in to a fight.

[@ashtraydekay6624]

Great question, in a first responder, I have med training, as well as self defence, and other training, and I still have fear every time, even when trying to help someone that is hurt, you don’t know if they’re sick, or might take it out on me.

[@Xzontyr]

This is very true. I can say this in spite of some personal experiences. Fear is a gift, and will keep you human. If you can use fear to talk your way out of a situation, or use it to run, aslong as you dont leave anyone vulnerable behind, than do it. When you start to loose the butterflies, and that adrenaline its never good. Thats when people start using ego, anger, rage instead and get stupid, and careless. Just as you mentioned Ramsey. Theres a fine balance in combat, and when you use that adrenaline because of fear, and go completely instinctual, your like a jedi, but once you loose that fear, and you start using rage, and anger as your focus, than sadly you really have fallen into something dark, and its not good. Untamed violence should never be something the soul should see as acceptable. A fire in the oven is good, and can be of use. A fire in the feild or forest only destroys what is good. I know some tough guys will say thats the best thing that can happen, when you no longer feel any fear in combat. but no. Its not. Like i said, that fear will keep your instincts on high. Maybe thats why the sith have so many robotic limbs. They get sloppy, careless, to focused on doing harm to another that they no longer see the harm that can come to themselves. It truly is a two sided sin at that point. While the jedi seem to never have any missing limbs. Terrible anology, but a real comparison in some ways. Rage is not the answer. To me i see it as something sinful, and something someone should work on mending.

[@BlackBeltBoxing]

Reminds me of the Ram Das video talking about the best use of aikido he's ever seen. Definitely worth a watch or listen. It's such a powerful story of how you can perceive martial arts and the martial way.

[@BlackBeltBoxing]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqrLkmWcfN9oeqMsi=PR8D8BpdfrSsXAJR

[@ledrash6079]

"The best samurai is the one who never draws his sword." Just like the Coach says, the best self defense, is to stay out of trouble. The ones that head into battle, they are the ones that should give back their belts.

[@nickolasdesouza3610]

7:05. Early twenties i got in many street fights and bar brawls. I was focused on winning and losing. I was a looser for doing this. My soul knew what's up

[@BBP081]

I watched a video on the protection systems of tanks. The outer most layers are not being detected and then the mobility be hard to hit. Armor plates are the inner most protective layer and the more they are put to the test more chances it has to fail

[@jasonstewartskungfustyles7106]

I liked this one, good message. Question- Japanese styles talk about death a lot, one punch one kill etc. Where Chinese styles talk about energy development, long life, etc. Could you give your thoughts about this?

[@jonatho85]

Word. I’m worried about teaching my boys martial arts, because de-escalation tactics and being a reasonable person goes so much further. But Cus said Fear is important. It has to be channeled. But I’m gonna say 98 percent of confrontations don’t call for violence. Maybe even higher. And I grew up in a bad neighborhood man, and I still feel this way. So yeah. Check the pride. The fear is probably also a bit anxiety, and who shouldn’t be nervous in a violent confrontation. You could be shit or stabbed. Best just to check the ego.

[@cahallo5964]

I don't think there is a single martial art that doesn't include deescalation, there are even extremes like Uechi Ryu where the fighting stance itself is like "yo chill". I must agree that it is hard NOT to use what you know, specially when you are not in a great state of mind and fear accentuates that (so does alcohol, if he is at bars I assume that's present), so we should meditate on the topic of self control, which is also common in all martial arts too (at least Japanese ones), so I agree with your conclusion, this man is a great martial artist.

[@EvanLovesWhiskey]

The mottos I remember training in shotokan were the best defense is to avoid conflict, to train as if you are a pot of water not too little heat and not too much, as well you have a million potential friends or enemies. These lessons lead me to deesculate or go for the kill at the first chance. (Not literally, haven't needed to) the same lessons carried through with me in judo and Tai chi except also fostering a mutual learning mindset from my lessons there. Currently going back to my basics as a kid in boxing.

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

The rocky movies dabble into the subject of fear. Id say movies 1, 3, and 5 bring it up more. But he talks about the importance of it in number 5 when hes training tommy.

[@mickjansson-cc1og]

He says that he feels like a coward for feeling fear. Fear is good for survival, just don't let fear control your life. Courage is not the absence of fear, it is taking action despite fear, and talking your way out of a fight is an action. The best action!

[@YearsOVDecay1]

Man I've been watching Ramsey for awhile I swear I remember before he was even 100k subs

[@Mishkola]

A useful quote from ancient philosophy “Learn to scorn pleasure, to respect hard work, ignore reputation, good or bad, and not to fear death, and you will be able to do anything you want, and gladly too.” - Teles the Cynic

[@EvanLovesWhiskey]

I highly recommend the book of five rings, and remember the dojo kun warriors 😊

[@Jamesfckoffscammers]

From 1:46 to 3:00 That's usually a thing of egoism between two people not wanting to admit to being wrong (which of course nobody wants to be wrong, but sometimes people are, no one is perfect and therefore no one can be right all the time). Furthermore, it is humble people that have the capability of admitting if they're wrong, as well as to defuse a problem.

[@RoboticSafey]

As someone who studies HEMA. There were fencers that had several dozen successful duels but are barely a foot note in history. The ones we study the ones we know the best we know because they wrote it down. If you want to be remembered write a book.

[@nitkis419]

I don't wanna sound like I'm simping Ramsey but I have to say this: I'm a 31 year old man who grew up with a father who was a tyrant and a bully. His actions made me resent masculinity as a whole, because I thought that being masculine meant being a bully and I didn't wanna be one. As I grew older, I had a crisis (still somewhat ongoing) with my masculinity, because I realised that even though I was a grown man, mentally I was still (and am) a little boy. I've been watching Ramsey's videos for many years now, and I have realised that to be a man, you dont' have to be a bully and put others down. In other words, Ramsey showed me what a real man can be: taking caring of his family, having God in his life and being honourable, working hard to reach his goals and honing his craft. So thank you Ramsey for your wisdom in this video and in many others. I hope I'm not sounding pathetic, but this is what I feel. I wish the best to you and your family.

[@RamseyDewey]

Not pathetic at all! You sound like a man who knows what he wants out of life now.

[@nitkis419]

@@RamseyDewey Thank you for the kind words. I'm working hard to better myself. It's not easy but nothing worth having is.

[@Imnotbalding]

Coach, I do have a question! I'm not sure it warrants a full video, but who knows, your ability to go on tangent is unmatched! How important is watching fights to become a good fighter? I don't mean studying your opponent, I mean... watching fights in general to "study" techniques, movements and strategies.

[@njb2990]

There was a book I was reading years ago about the Opium wars. One of the quotes that stuck with me was "Fear lends a man wings." Taken in the context that fear is a tool that can be used.

[@Lynxtpm]

Its normal to be scared, its natural as you said. The problem is when someone is not scared of danger. I have a question coach, its about martial arts, and my job. Im one of those that can not turn around and go the other way when someting happens or is about to happen. My job is to go straight towards the problem and solve it in what ever legal manner I can. I have the legal obligation of doing this, and of course, I need to train consistently and keep in shape. The thing is, I've been training for many years, but now I live in place where the only options for training are Kempo karate, Kempo (i dont know the difference between the two) taekwondo or kickboxing gym where they happen to train MMA too. Wich would you choose? And the rest of the viewers? My background is in Gojuryu, Shotokan, Kickboxing and some other "self defence" classes I assisted. Thanks for your help!

[@pattyviggers3581]

Ok, I say it once and will say it twice, you find the most amazing T.shirts ever, first the Ki-meowth-ra, and now with the pocket monsters I am like take my money.

[@kevinjung6130]

I never get sick of hearing "Japanese rat monsters" from Ramsey. Hope you had a great time visiting your hometown!!

[@southpawmoose]

In this video, Coach Dewey. Just crushed my tattoo idea l o l j k

[@mizukarate]

Feel bad if you unnecessarily hurt someone.

[@BMO_Creative]

When I was in Iraq for 8 months away from everything and everyone, what I had to learn was to be willing to let go of everything I was afraid to lose. Yeah... Tough to do man. Cool video! Thanks RD!

[@deivytrajan]

Why? Would Iraq people steal from you?

[@champ1159]

​@@deivytrajanBecause he was most likely a soldier and would likely lose his life over there

[@BMO_Creative]

No! LOL It's about losing your life or never being able to see your loved ones again... war bro... sad stuff... And if you think about that stuff you can't perform the tasks at hand correctly. couldn't be distracted.

[@Kemp1730]

Part of why aggressive people find you, is in a sense to put fear in them.. When one who is fully capable due to a trained warrior spirit, talks their way out of the situation leaves the aggressors with a new sense of self. They can't help but on a unconscious, subconscious, or maybe even on a conscious level that things could have turned out not quite what they were anticipating and now that opens the door to respect and healthy fear which will hopefully lead to appreciation of the capability of our human species.. hopefully

[@pedroalexandredillemburg3751]

9:25 on a more modern note, Alex Pereira said in many interviews that he is always very scared right before his fights, the only thing is that he learned how to deal with that fear, and so he find ways to push thru it and deliver good performances.

[@RadicalTrivia]

5:43 - You must feel the Force around you. 12:28 - Let's see how good my memory is... "Every day, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, rifles, spears, and swords. Being carried away by surging waves, being thrown in to the midst of a great fire, being struck by lightning, being shaken to death by a great earthquake, falling from thousand-foot cliffs, dying of disease, or committing seppuku upon the death of one's master. And every day, without fail, one should consider [themselves] as death." - Tsunetomo Yamamoto, Hagakure

[@constantinebodien1887]

Here's an idea that might be good to explore, the psychology of training and what types of people are attracted to martial arts. Why do some dojo become a breading grounds for bullying?

[@M_K-Bomb]

It seems like what happened was what happens in a lot of situations when people are attacked violently. The person has the feeling of helplessness as they felt they had not control or choices in the situation. But, as Ramsey points out, they chose to not get violent and avoided any danger. That's not a choice of helplessness, that's a rational use of skill set they have. Yes it was an inherent skill set, but it was done due to action on their behalf.

[@Laugh1ngboy]

Belts are for Dojo's, pride is a reward for doing things to be proud of. I have never felt pride in taking some one down that was set upon beating up a customer. I have always felt pride in protecting people from harm. I use every weapon available to do that job and feel no shame in using subterfuge or bargaining to keep it peaceful until I can get a cop involved.

[@DarrinKemp-lr1cz]

No. You earned it, you own it. It's yours.

[@epramberg]

I have a question that should probably be the subject of another video, but should karate update the way that it practices? Making karate effective seems doable. Discarding point sparring and adding full contact sparring that includes hook punches, leg kicks, and takedowns is a must. I also think that practicing standard karate techniques (including step punches) in combinations with focus mitts or thai pads would be a far better way to learn. Many standard MMA practices could be applied to karate. Am I missing something?

[@FreebyrdFayelanx]

That, FEAR experienced is adrenaline. It doesn't mean you'll lose, it's preparation for a fight. I had some 60+ year old, half my size (and I'm am big guy and athletic too), twice as old want to fight me in a fish and chip shop because I called him out on cutting in line. I was restarting TKD from effectively being a former black belt 8yrs before too. It feels like I was being cowardly, kind of ignoring it at some point after my point was made; he even bumped in to me on purpose and told me he would've hit me earlier when I was in my car. Did I feel scared? Yes. But, probably, like me, that doesn't mean you were going to lose, no need to hand your black belt back if you've trained hard.

[@joestevenson5526]

Very good advice! I knocked out one guy when I was a young buck in a real fight and it terrified me. I can't remember why I was mad, but I remember the fear of the guy folding in on his self like a rag doll.

[@Dondlo46]

It took me 10 years to get a Karate black belt, but there was no pain and suffering to deserve it, just a bunch of drilling the same thing. Feels like I didn't deserve the black belt because it wasn't hard enough. Kinda relate with the guy asking the question.

[@systemdegenerate]

I've always felt the goal of martial arts is necessarily to fight. It's not even about being the best fighter in the room. It's about the journey of self improvement and being better than you were last week. If you've been on the journey and obtained a black belt you earned it because of what you went through to get it

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Give to me I lost a lot of weight and my pants are falling down

[@Nak_Muay_Farang11]

'Best defense is no be there.' ~Mr. Miyagi

[@nobertosanchez647]

Hey Ramsey, today (August 12th) is my birthday! I’m turning [ *REDACTED* ] years old today! 🎉🥳🎂

[@martialgeeks]

For the opening coments about followers at the begining of the video, I was thinking alot about it all recently, and I have to say that it's obvious that there recently was some controversy with the USDC and that it stired some things up, and while people disagree with eachothers opinions and all that, I have to say that opinions and thoughts that we hold are what builds our current identity and that there's no point in having a channel if we're not going to voice our honest opinions regardless of what they are. With that I can say that most of us are here because we want to hear YOUR opinion, we're interested in your particular thoughts about things and we appreaciate that you engage and listen, I don't know, this is a jumbled comment but it felt like it was worth writing, thank you Ramsey.

[@YearsOVDecay1]

THANK YOU MR DOO-WEE!!!

[@ekfred]

I'm curious about a guy who says that he tends to attract aggression. The highest budo is to see the aggressor before they even get aggressive.

[@anitaschvitz9749]

Fear is a natural emotion, it's why people exist, and ya Gotta keep those pants up

[@autre1806]

Hey Ramsey. Nothing to do with the video, but I like the soundtracks you're making for your videos but I can't find them in your channel. Could you make a playlist with them please? Or maybe you haver another channel with them but I can't find them. Keep up the good work, I love it (including this video). Thanx

[@RamseyDewey]

You can’t find them because I haven’t uploaded them. I might have to upload them to a separate channel though.

[@Sbv-25]

I long for the day i can hear “fo da streetz” in full

[@af4396]

I think of my BJJ training (the only martial art I have) as a backup. It's not there for me to break arms and all of that. It's there for me to get out of mount, or get up safely (as possible) if someone takes me down and starts trying to pummel me, and then either get away or control the person. Or maybe I can take them down from the ground, and run away. Someone that's a purple belt in BJJ, maybe a blue belt in Judo, has Muay Thai training, extensive knife and knife defense training, and a deep knowledge of human biology can probably feel pretty safe against a single untrained attacker... but even then a really big guy will be dangerous. Fights are nothing to brush off. As Ramsey said, fear is literally a self-defense mechanism. *Also, you can never be sure if someone is untrained, if you're a martial artist, you know this.

[@cesaralvesdemoraes3187]

In the words of John Danaher: Confidence follows competence. Also, if you avoid a fight you could win, you've already won the most important battle , against your own pride

[@willtherealrustyschacklefo3812]

If it helps frankly I'm pretty sure I only have in my possession one of my karate black belts , a white belt and my green belts from tkd, and some of the old pads and gis which no longer fit me lol. Oh and some of those plastic practice boards. And that's pretty much the only items from any actual "school" I still have. I got away from all that stuff a long time ago and mostly train at home/work and emphasize alot more on somewhat Shaolin type physical/mental development, the connection between mind and body ECT. I find the rest to be useless without a good focus on those first.

[@DynV]

2 other things you need to be aware of before starting a fight: Does your opponent have a weapon? Does he have a friend coming? Maybe the friend is right around the corner and will join very soon after the fight start.

[@nhankhuu5643]

Bro that belt is nothing but trouble. If you defend yourself and hurt the guy badly they get charge you with possessing a deadly weapon.

[@willtherealrustyschacklefo3812]

Also you've already explained the only actual purpose belts have anyway in another video somewhere.

[@GAMERTEKREVIEWS]

So I felt like it was me asking you this question. I always feel that way. I'm a 2nd Dan and Everytime I sparred I got nervous like that. It's a bad case of impersonating syndrome or whatever it's called.

[@heidirosenz]

Imposter syndrome

[@AK-hf3pf]

Commenting for the algorithm

[@Gamedrawer14567]

Can you make a reaction about nippon kempo?

[@mishraji5881]

What does it mean when you give your Sensei belt back? What significance does it hold?

[@mikeCD62]

Clearly, avoiding the fight is the correct decision, but i dont think thats really at the heart of OPs question. In those moments when OP was confronted with potential violence, I think part of the reason that he avoided it was because, in that moment, he wasn't sure if he actually knew how to fight. That's the most likely reason i can think of that hed feel shame. If thats the case, then there are plenty of ways to test his ability to fight/defend himself without getting into an uncontrolled violent encounter with someone with bad intentions. He could increase the amount of pressure testing in his training, or try cross training with mma and see how well his skills carry over.

[@snakemain]

Can I give mine back and get a bigger size? When I got mine many many years ago, Sensei gave us belts that hung down halfway to our knees.. He said we'd need it. Now 70 lbs heavier, it'd be nice to have a little more length on the ends.

[@douglasdreigh5083]

@Ramsey Dewey I have been in some situations in my life man - (I'm around your age) - and regardless of how calmly or not I dealt with somehthing, fear was present every time. I kinda think the questioner should take up Judo or Boxing. I have practiced traditional Ju Jitsu and did get some benefit out of it, but if you're struggling with fear maybe it isn't enough by itself. That's if you want to harden your mind to it though, it really doesn't sound like the original questioner is doing anything wrong. If you earned that black belt keep it. It's yours.

[@subfreq3339]

Not even watched the video yet, but. . Na!!! Do you feel in your heart youve earned it and represent what is universally expected from a b b holder or what achievement its understood is necessary to earn one. To anyone at any level? I reckon would probably be fair to say init? Stay blessed sir. Wan love

[@JohnDoe-sq5nv]

A decade or so ago a friend of a friend got attacked from behind at a party and knocked out for having the wrong opinions. He was completely unprepared as he hadn't expected violence, and was in general a good natured guy who didn't get into fights. Got up afterwards, no problem. A year later he died suddenly from a brain hemmorrhage. I don't remember exactly what they concluded, if it was his skull or his blood vessels or a combination, but something was weakened as a result of past trauma which eventually led to a blood vessel bursting. Who can say if it was linked to his assault.

[@RamseyDewey]

That’s a tragic story.

[@PaMuShin]

Probably one argument for the buddhist rule of only talking what is useful, what is true and what is benevolent, and staying away from chatter, talking non-sense or cursing. A lot of religious rules are mostly for keeping people alive if you rather go for the way of the world gentleman for example always carried walking sticks and knives for self defense cause they knew possessions always bring lingering doom, so you have to stay on your toes and be prepared.

[@Den-sr9bq]

I think mushachi meant do not be scared of dying thats what i believe hé meant in huis book

[@januszradwanski7618]

My wife: Who's that guy? Is he a coach or a preacher? Me: Yes.

[@deemc7756]

Yes

[@nuclearchef-san8304]

Well the OP did in fact earn his black belt, soo no too giving it back. But I do question the part about him “ attracting aggressive/violent people” .Is this person a full contact competitor, police officer, corrections officer, bouncer` in bar? If not ,then maybe should spend more time questioning life choices than belt rank in martial art!?Spend less time in bars/clubs,change circle of friends who are trouble makers ,whatever it is in life attracting aggressive people. Work,plus spend even more time in dojo,join a gym/workout more,you’ll be too damn tired for anything else,buy a bottle of your favorite drink, and drink at home,no need for bar/club. These are just some ways OP, and everyone else can do to stay out of trouble!

[@kimwoodbury3885]

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[@kevint4076]

Hey, ramsey! USDC Rokas made let me found out about you and absolute love your content! I live in Shanghai and wanted to try combat sport training and I'm wondering what are some of the gyms in Shanghai I could go to. Side note, for someone like me who never had any previous martial arts training, which combat sport would be the most appropriate to start with? *I'm really interested in mma and I wouldn't mind start with boxing cuz thats the most beginner friendly I feel like, but I really wanna learn about kicks and grappling as well.

[@RamseyDewey]

Animal: 上海普陀区曹杨路1888号星光耀广场 301-2 You won’t find one better. What part of Shanghai do you live in?

[@kevint4076]

@@RamseyDewey About to move to Jingan in a week or so where it's closer to my work place. I was a graduate and just started working xD. Didn't know you visit Shanghai so often or are you based here? I wonder if this is the gym you are at.

[@RamseyDewey]

I live in Shanghai. I’ve lived in Shanghai for 15 years. It’s not a visit.

[@RamseyDewey]

I coach at 3 gyms in Shanghai. Animal, The Extreme Fight Lab, and The Mordor Fight Club.

[@aurelianspodarec2629]

Okay, so I got a question. Everytime there is a confrontation, I get shaking. I have some training in Martial Arts and I don't feel scared. Yesterday I was going to a shop and I got drive by shot at with paint-ball gun, inches missing my head. Long story short, I started running after the car... but then a bus pulled over told me to get in I did but I noticed I was shaking as I was taking the phone out to record the car in front. Today cops came to my house after I made the report and I was shaking as the cops were in the house. Funny thing is, when I came to the shop I told the security guy what is the non-emergency phone number, and the security guy was shaking himself - he didn't see it, but not sure if he was shaking what I told him or for other reason - but that was interesting seeing someoenn work at security shaking like that too, and obviously that person prob deals with physical stuff himself especially in the UK where I've witnessed theft, many times in real time but yeah. Elsewhere, I was in a shop where a person cut me, I told the person that he cut me he got a bit mumbly etc and I was shaking. Like dude, I'm not scared, I'd happily use force, and one or two times I had to but you can literally see my leg trembling, arm shaking... why? I remember watching Jon Jones and apparently he's scared to look people in eyes, and people play mind games with him, but he's not scared fighting them right, he beats them all up. That's how I personally feel, but I certainly don't have his skill nor weight. I'm shaking but I'm ready to f up the person standing next to me. The only reason I don't is because for all the other reason you said not to do it, said how fighting a dog is always a lose even if you win because if the dog molds your leg even if you kill the dog you'll be left on cruches etc... but man, I look timid, I shake, and I never back down. Plenty of storieslike this. Not sure why but I have 10more stories like that where people directly thertened me as well - maybe its the way I look, how skinny I am too and people just automatically threat me and or do stupid shlt thinking I'll go away. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm not going to win against a knife but if I'm with someone obviously I'm not gonna live that person either etc

[@RamseyDewey]

That sounds like the aftermath of an adrenaline dump.

[@aurelianspodarec2629]

@@RamseyDewey Thanks, really appriciate the answer, interesting. I just googled what that was and "vision change" my vision does change a bit as well as it fades or goes black for a sec. Going to do more google - it said heart or something can be damaged? xd why am I even shaking now writing this to you xd its like I get chills and I didn't had that 30seconds ago.

[@valygomu]

"Oh yeah. Uh huh. It's okay for macho men to show every emotion available right there you know, because I've cried a thousand times and I'm going to cry some more, But I've soared with the eagles and I've slept with the snakes and I've been everywhere in between. And I'm going to tell you something right now. There's one guarantee in life and that's that there are no guarantees. And you got to understand this: nobody likes a quitter. Nobody said life was easy. So if you get knocked down, take the standing eight count and get back up and fight again, and you're a macho man. Dig it." -Macho Man Randy Savage 1992

[@HansJoachimMaier]

RIP

[@robertbeecroft5570]

Oooohhh yeaaaahh

[@mauricematla8379]

Perhaps some people have a certain idea what a BB means. What my BB's mean in my vieuw and what i try to convey to the kids i teach. It means that at some point in the past a committee (here it is usually 3) of people the association deems capable to decide found that in their opinion i demonstrated suffient knowledge of and skill in the techniques one is required too DEMONSTRATE according to the formal asociation guidelines to officially grant me the "rank" i tested for. And that is really it. It means not i am some super ninja it means not that i am the next olympic champion or even half way decent at fighting. What also means to me and nobody else is that i stuck with it and kept practicing until i got to the level required. I do not think itvshould any more. Competion succes ? That is what actual competing is for. Actual fighting ? Let us never find ourselves in a situation we have to find out.

[@jeffreylook9849]

Fear and nervousness in the face of danger is natural. If one's first reaction is to fight in a peaceful society even a warfare setting at times, you are the problem. Be like Bruce Lee and his "art of fighting without fighting".

[@lancemurdoc6744]

That generelly true. I am not a fighter. I like motorsport. I use to race bikes and I loved it. I have skill but I almost exclusivly use it on the track, since I head "wake-up" calls on the road. So I experienced that fear, a small mistake at high speed can kill you...even if you do nothing wrong. Because you are not alone and other less experienced people could make misstakes. I meet nice guys on the track but also stupid morons with no respect. I also met some road racers, these are the guys who do the TT races, most famous is the race on the "Isle of man". All these guys, at least the ones I know, are nice guys. But they race and live with the mindset of the warrior. They dont want to die, but they embrace fear...They also embrace death in some way, because almost everyone of them lost a close friend or family member during racing...But these guys are a extremly small majority. Even the average professionell rider do not have this mindset.

[@dtibvgz8441]

I don't think most people understand what 'black belt' means. Why romanticize martial arts and belts so much to the point both uninvolved and involved with martial arts consider them to be something they are not. The best trained martial artist, basically a beast in a cage cannot do anything in modern society (violence wise) and not face the consequences which are - dangerous injuries and / or sentence - both of which are not nice and guaranteed that at least one of those won't be avoided. The only place where violence is ignored is in tournaments - during the matches, using it outside of them will also leads to penalties be it by the judge or the organizer of the tournament (depending on the severity).

[@Docinaplane]

I have some skepticism of JJJ. The way the question is worded leaves me wondering what really happen to this man in these different situations. My guess is his training has not been pressure tested nearly enough.

[@willtherealrustyschacklefo3812]

I mean I don't see anyone else giving theirs back yet 🤷