What EXACTLY is a Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt? (Gracie Breakdown)

In this special edition Gracie Breakdown, Ryron and Rener analyze the most common blue belt promotion practices in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and the impact each path has on the students. They discuss the three critical changes that were made to the Gracie Academy curriculum in order to preserve the art as a method of self-defense and to ensure that it remains accessible to the people who need it the most.
Learn from home and earn a Technical Blue Belt or find a CTC near you and earn your Official Blue Belt! www.GracieUniversity.com

[@1234kingconan]

"the people who needed jiujitsu the most were eliminated from the learning process" YES. Man, these guys are so right on.

[@johntheidiot9046]

Gee, I wonder why.

[@wazzle552]

if you pus'd out of bjj that quick you wont make it far in Krav Maga

[@wazzle552]

haha, we on the same page.

[@johnbasler3463]

G 👏

[@swissarmychainsaw]

I kinda need to know if 1. this is true 2. it's true for the folks who gave this a thumbs up and 3. if this is common treatment for noobs.

[@Versace7599]

imagine if they made this whole video and then realized the camera wasnt recording the whole time lol love you guys

[@SilkySilv]

Azad 1 taked it!

[@jamesalafayette8255]

😂

[@genesis204]

Azad that made me lol

[@HopingTree]

Azad lol!

[@fusionsoul]

Hahahaha omg that's hilarious

[@ChamorruWarrior]

The thing people complaining about the Gracie system don't understand is. People don't quit the Gracie academy at white belt. They quit at blue. In the Gracie system they've created an environment that white belts can learn basic self defense in. AFTER white belt then things get complicated and tedious. I use to train in an unorganized MMA gym, a place run by ego and toughness. I was like 17 and in pretty good shape with a martial arts background since I was 8 so I ended up being one of those people that survived the initial beatings until I got good enough to not die. My worst memory in martial arts is becoming one of the egotistical, exceptional athletes that survived the beatings and got into the in crowd and then beat up a new student who had a big mouth before sparring and he never came back. Martial arts is not about being tough and being able to beat people down. It's about being strong enough to bring people up.

[@ChamorruWarrior]

Greg Cyr I don't mean they LITERALLY don't EVER quit at white belt. I guess I'll correct myself and make my point more clear. Most people quit at white belt as far as people who come in, try it and quit before they really get into it. As far as legitimate martial artists who are even kind of dedicated they quit after white because of how big the jump is from white to blue. Blue belt in the Gracie system is VERY tedious and difficult to complete. It really weeds out who was hardcore dedicated and who wasn't.

[@gregcyr]

ChamorruWarrior So, you're moving the goalposts. Everyone who isn't "dedicated" and sufficiently "hardcore" doesn't count. Let's put this in context. Let's say I have a business program which people pay for, to help them grow their businesses. I count only the ones that report a growth at the end, and ignore the ones that didn't. I have 100% success rate in your books. Alternatively, let's look at those who pray for some divine propitiation. Be it that grandma doesn't die of cancer, or Bubba stops being gay. If it works, I say "HALLELUJA! God answered my prayers!". And for those that aren't successful, it's a lack of faith - the prayer's part or the recipient - or both. Prayers are effective!

[@ChamorruWarrior]

Greg Cyr Dude, all I'm saying is that in the Gracie program a lot of people who enjoy white belt class often find what comes next (blue belt) to be a little too much for them to continue with the same excitement and dedication they had during the more simple white belt days.

[@gregcyr]

ChamorruWarrior I don't have a problem with what you're writing now. But that isn't what you wrote initially. Although I disagree with white being "simpler". At blue, you should have enough of a "vocabulary" of techniques to form combinations - sentences, to use a linguistic analogy. At white, you're struggling to learn enough grammar and vocabulary to speak a coherent sentence. At blue, I find it more interesting in that I can have more meaningful conversations. Regardless of what condition my body is in afterwards.

[@ChamorruWarrior]

Greg Cyr Well, I already corrected/made more clear of what I meant in my initial statement. And what I mean by more complicated at blue is it becomes a lot more rigorous and tedious. There's a LOT more techniques to learn at blue and each technique has way more variations. Like you said, at white everything was new and foreign but at blue you kind of understand just how complicated this journey just became and that is the point where many people either start fizzing out or decide that this is something that is going to be a pretty significant part of who they are. The Gracies set their system up that way on purpose. They wanted people at white to get the MOST IMPORTANT info. The bare bones, the structure of what makes Jiu Jitsu work. So they streamlined the most effective core techniques and made it simple so that if you quit after white you're good to go. They knew many people wouldn't continue with Jiu Jitsu their whole lives so white belt was where they knew they needed to not overwhelm people and streamline the system. After that is blue and that's kind of where the real journey begins for a lot of people who aren't just wanting to learn some self defense and actually get into the system.

[@theengineer6213]

I got my purple belt yesterday. It was a good feeling. It was on sale for 15.99.

[@bibliomanicpanic]

XD

[@MasterofPlay7]

dude I got it for 9.99

[@arnonabuurs7297]

@@MasterofPlay7 I painted my white belt for 1 USD

[@SevnZeroFive]

You created us. Why would you stoop down to our dumbness and learn jujitsu. You're already superior to us

[@danielobsa3327]

😂😂😂

[@1brighthorizon]

I've trained BJJ for 4 years at what I consider to be a great school with at least one national champion at every belt level. I've never trained at the Gracie Academy or any of its CTCs, but based on the logic of their approach I really struggle to understand the hate directed to these guys at the moment. What's wrong with: 1. A structured approach to learning? 2. Accommodating, protecting and nurturing fragile white belts (who may be trying BJJ because they've been bullied for example) as well as athletic martial artists who want to compete regularly? 3. Prioritising familiarity with physical confrontation before going on to advanced competition teaching? 4. Embracing technology as a means to disseminate information (notice how many respected BJJ competitors have released online/video tutorials)? The sad part of this is that what should be a healthy and constructive discussion about BJJ is degenerating into a "my way is better than your way" argument that creates division amongst people who share more in common than they have differences. To the haters on both sides: train the way you like to train, share knowledge openly, seek to find the common ground and explore the differences with humility. None of us have a monopoly on wisdom or "the one right way".

[@lowlowseesee]

first off you would have to realize that its not actually hate. secondly, you know why...people need conflict. its in us. add in the fact that most individuals are unhappy with their lives, this is a space where they can get away with anything. im feeling you though, you're living right

[@eduschafer]

You raise some valid points brighthorizon but think about it, i live in southern brazil and we still bow down to a helio gracie photograph every time a class starts or ends, my point is people are gonna get offended when the Gracies out of all people are the ones selling jiu jitsu belts over the internet. Want a blue belt? just put in the hours

[@michaelreynolds853]

brighthorizon so spot on. Well said.

[@mdcosta21]

@@eduschafer hi. Not sure what you mean by selling a blue belt. If you put the time in you get the belt, like you said. The only difference is the instruction is primarily online.

[@angeloconigliaro3884]

Beautifully put

[@trevor_corey8037]

Rener reaches climax every conversation he has.

[@thelandstander]

What you described was exactly my experience of jiu jitsu, going for the first time and sparring with people who'd been training for 6 months to a year, getting injured and never going back. I'm glad you're taking a different approach

[@DiegoPujolT]

That's exactly what has stopped me from joining a BJJ class. I've had a knee sprain and a dislocated shoulder, which have sidelined me from sports for a lot of time, and I've always wanted to learn Jiu Jitsu. But I'm afraid that, after a few classes, weeks, or even months, a hard approach from the teacher or sparring partners takes me out again. If I lived in the LA area (or even in the US), I'd join Ryron and Rener's gym without a doubt.

[@tanksherman9875]

Don't be scared homie: swallow your pride and come to a class.

[@TheByrdHouse]

When you first start training you will be prone to a few injuries. Stay with training, injuries will be less frequent. Find a partner to roll with who is not super aggressive. If you are hurt or really sore let your rolling partner know. Stay with it.

[@OperaVince]

TANK SHERMAN It's not about pride (for me). It's about I don't have a chance to develop/learn a game because Mr. Testosterone is all about tapping me out in 10 seconds.

[@casf120]

Doctor Nurse believe it or not, getting tapped like that over and over again teaches you a lot. You learn just how little you know, and how there's always a bigger fish. We all start some where. Don't get frustrated that you keep getting tapped. It's part of the process.

[@TimeBandit1133]

I trained 2 years at the original Torrance academy. I've rolled with Monkey Lion and Ed ONiel. Royce presented me with my blue belt and my 2 stripes. I was enrolled in the instructor program. I remember instructing Military officers back in 1997. Soon after this in 1998 I came down with terminal cancer and quit the training. Royce sent me a "Get well soon" card while I was at UCLA Medical Center on Carson. I miss it so much. Now I'm 54 years old and looking to get back in class.

[@JustYourAverage_Kid]

Just started BJJ as a 43 year old and earned my Blue Belt yesterday at a non-Gracie academy. As a retired US Army Infantry Soldier you guys are on point with your message from an entrepreneurial perspective and I also heard you guys use some military lingo like inspecting what you don't expect. I also noticed strong diplomacy in your message to other academies. Good stuff! Much respect! RLTW!!!

[@lujitsu1251]

Went to a similar with Ryron. The guy is humble, yet a very tough, smart, and fun loving guy. Nothing but respect. These two are the reason I joined BJJ. Wish I could train with them all the time, even though I love my instructor.

[@folumb]

Jiu jitsu has taught me to fear tall skinny people

[@thorodinson6031]

Are chokes come from every where

[@InnocentlyInsane666]

Them skinny ones are dangerous af.

[@JOEY__SR]

Lol

[@stache297]

I’m 6’0” 145 lbs I hate being skinny

[@Elkoshairiyous159]

The skinny long ones be having crazy guards that you can never pass

[@DavidLee-no9uc]

These are GRACIES, There Family are the pioneers of BJJ. I think it's AWSOME the way their teaching GJJ. They have the right thru lineage and experience, if not the responsibility to set the GJJ / BJJ standards. I'm a white belt student of Gracie Combatives, I've never even met these guy's but I have previous KARATE Experience as a Student and Instructor. I Respect, understand, and like their style. I expect that even though I'm almost 60 years of age, I will be able to earn my Blue Belt someday. And that encourages me to continue training! 3:)

[@arnonabuurs7297]

+David Lee Im 42 and just started, your message motivates me even more:). Did Taekwondo since 1990 feel like wasted time a bit! Keep rolling!

[@DavidLee-no9uc]

arno nabuurs I started TAEKWONDO in 1974 and still do it, I never for a minute consider my TKD a waste of time, and I don't think yours was either. You and I are fortunate that we are open minded enough to see the weaknesses in our past experiences and how the GRACIES hace opened our eyes to the inevitable fact that we were seriously lacking in our overall fighting skills until we found GJJ. Thanks Brother keep rollin and kicking! 3:)

[@arnonabuurs7297]

+David Lee ofcourse that depends what your goal is. If it is for self defense, time would be better spend on other martial arts like Thai boxing or Jiu Jitsu. That's my point. Still love to make a spin toleyeo chagi :)

[@A.C.71]

hey brother I'm 45, started when I was 41..you can do it :)

[@damlurker]

you must have missed it when Royce Gracie called them out on giving people belts on the internet lol

[@hybridresistance]

Literally talked to a guy yesterday during kickboxing and asked why I stopped seeing him in jiu jitsu. H told me first he dislocated his shoulder and the second class he broke his nose. Not the best for retention. Not sure why most schools don't follow Gracie jiujitsu way of teaching.

[@juraj3315]

I don't want to jump to conclusions but most likely that was caused by his own recklessness.

[@b_t_s8792]

Wut??? In my experience kickboxing was way rougher. Only saw 1 dislocation(a finger) in 3 years. You _should_ be able to go real hard and not be dislocating anything in bjj, as long the school and instructor are decent.

[@trueblue9101]

What school?

[@genesis204]

PrimitiveSecrets I train at an mma gym, met twos guy who just lift weights there now cuz both used to train Jitz... one had acl injury from rolling, the other a serious wrist injury.

[@sofatrooper5266]

I got my Blue Belt on the 24.05.2016 Jiu jitsu for life

[@jaya6765]

How long did it take you, congrats :)

[@sofatrooper5266]

iSwervz Thanks, It took me just over 2 years, with 3-4 days a week of consistent training.

[@jaya6765]

SofaTrooper was it through Gracie University?

[@sofatrooper5266]

iSwervz No I train directly

[@jaya6765]

+SofaTrooper oh ok because I train through Gracie University and training to get my blue belt

[@Epic8bitGuy]

My first class went something like this: warmup for 15 mins, instructor shows us a sweep and a triangle choke then we practiced those for another 15 mins then we rolled for an hour. and that was pretty much how my first month of BJJ went down the idea of fight simulation sparring and your white belt ciriculum sounds amazing i plan to go back to my BJJ school (we have fundementals classes now) but i would love to learn Jiu Jitsu at the Gracie Academy some day. keep making awesome videos

[@Duke49th]

Epic8bitGuy 15 minutes? Serious? That is - nothing. That is way too short. The bending/stretching alone should take 10-15 minutes...plus some other warm up stuff. (sorry, non-english native here) Espacially if your adult and not highly flexible already.

[@MetalGamer666]

+Duke49th You need a black belt to tell you how to bend/stretch/warm up?

[@Epic8bitGuy]

*forgot to mention in coment: we did some standard warups (pushups, streching, crunches ect.) for maybey 10-20 mins but the way the class was set up i was a 16 year old in my first class with people (varying belt levels closest to me was a guy 6 months in and in his 20s everyone else was about my parent's age

[@burunoshimoesu]

That is so true, I'm traning for 1 and a half year in Gracie Barra, three friends start with me, only me still traning

[@SPL-6]

This is the story of why I've stayed away from all sort of MMA schools all my life... They're just not healthy for me, but I'm so glad you guys are identifying these problems and trying to solve them.

[@infoguy1978]

SPL - why arent mma schools healthy for you. do you do bjj?

[@tjl4688]

@@infoguy1978 Lots of MMA schools have the same problems as the BJJ schools the boys are talking about in the video.

[@am55vids]

You gentlemen are perfect examples of Mastery by submitting your egos. Good stuff.

[@brianlavenworth8013]

I've grappled in the past, and I have to say that they hit the nail right on the head! The vast majority of us were inexperienced, and it just turned into a huge ego fight. The focus turned into winning instead of technique development. It was an anxiety filled environment for me. I plan on getting back into jiu jitsu, and this time I will hold out on sparring for a few months until I feel 100% comfortable. If the instructor can't accept that, then I'll find another school.

[@ElCapitan88]

Brian Lavenworth did you ever come back?

[@boyzen45]

The Gracie combatives videos are so well put together, and easy to understand, that everyone could be learning this stuff if they are just willing to put in the time.

[@mtm105]

Martial Arts can be a shady business. GJJ is no exception. Rener welcomed my son & I as guests to his Academy and treated us like traditional members of his family. The Academy is an Institution. It's also a business. Not all businesses are perfect and the Academy is probably no exception. This Academy's level of professionalism is off the charts. You pay a lot, but you get a lot.

[@royalty_the1892]

Michael McFarland how much do you pay?

[@tonyb.3902]

These guys are awesome. I actually had my first Jiu Jitsu class this week at a traditional school and it went just like Rener stated; we went over two techniques and then rolled. My ass was handed to me and I was choked -out 4 times. It seems Rener and Reron have a different philosophy and approach to Jiu Jitsu training than most schools. , I actually will be going back and will continue to train. The guys at this school were very nice, but we're tuff on the mat and I don't have a problem with that. After walking out the door I felt that I experienced something special and that it was one of the hardest things I had ever done in my life. I trained in Tae Kwon Do as a kid and served in the Army and this was harder than both(physically). Jiu Jitsu will test you mentally and physically and is very humbling. I guess it just comes down to your mental state and how you react to training. Either approach is good.

[@user-go7ny9dr6q]

Freedom Cobra I would also like to know

[@glockstr1]

As a old man with a shoulder injury who is the single source of income for my family I can appreciate these views. Frankly I am not as concerned with a belt as I am learning bjj. I have always held back because a dislocated shoulder from an overzealous sparring partner means the bills don't get paid.

[@bellapool]

how old are you ?

[@glockstr1]

47

[@bellapool]

I myself am 48 and started mma two months ago and I love it but my body can only take two training days a week due to being so sore for the next couple of days, I am not concern about belts myself I pretty much am only focusing on learning the arts to defend myself if needed, stay strong and keep at it brother.

[@soulburst]

your a youngster im a 56 year old blue belt I didnt start BJJ till 53 stop acting like an old man

[@bruce-df9nu]

soulburst im 12 im a yellow belt i want to verse an older guy to see how trained you are in my class i verse green belts

[@reygonzalez7483]

Have these guys ever heard of pie charts?

[@Vtard1]

Whats wrong with using circles? Lol

[@FabioSantos-sk5ho]

Buddy Love Do you want a pie chart to represent a tenth of one percent?

[@IDWIE]

I was thinking the same thing

[@DanDanJanJanJP]

Have you ever heard of Venn diagrams?

[@meow-vr3yd]

how about a histogram?

[@KombatKarateLBC]

I have been doing martial arts for 42 years. I am 65. I have experience with Karate, and kali as well as some Judo. I must say you guy's appear to be the most innovative martial arts instructors I have ever seen. I was one of those guys you speak of. The 1%. I started martial arts to defend myself when i get old, not for points, or trophy's. Hats off to you.

[@andrewblittle]

I've had a very similar experience to what was described in this video. I grew up my whole life wanting to do gjj and had been receiving the Gracie Insider emails for many years before I had the money to join an academy at 29. I was a NCAA D1 pole vaulter, am 6'1" and weigh 175 lbs. I'm very competitive and enjoy wrestling for fun with friends. I even like getting bruised up or busting my lip every now and then while training because it makes me feel alive. When I joined a gjj academy I was one of the talented white belts. I enjoyed lots of affirmation from instructors and have a mind for technique which allowed me to pick things up fairly quickly. I was able to tap some blue belts simply because I was bigger, stronger, and was very comfortable securing chokes. But the rest of my game is pretty weak. After a year of training about once a week, I don't know the names of many of the techniques I was taught. The techniques I actually remembered are probably pretty sloppy and many I would not feel comfortable applying in a fight simulation, much less an actual fight. The saddest part of all of this is that I was the PERFECT candidate to make it to blue belt after being thrown to the wolves (and I probably would have if I didn't have such a busy schedule). But after my year was over I cancelled my membership and felt discouraged at how much time and money I spent, only to walk away with very little practical self-defense techniques. After seeing this I am resolved to go to the CTC closest to me and give it a second chance. I actually didn't go there in the first place because the instructor there was a purple belt and I assumed that I would receive better instruction from champion black belts. Thanks Reron and Rener for sharing this important change that you have made in the way you train your white belts. (Note: the gjj academy I trained at did an excellent job of leaving egos out of the equation and teaching safety. They don't let white belts roll until after they have come to several classes. All the instructors are very positive and encouraging and they represent the best of jui-jitsu culture. The culture of the academy was very friendly and a place I would bring my family. I am still a fan of my instructors there and I wish them all the best.)

[@kneedeepinzombieshit]

Athletic or not, even pulling off the occasional tap on upper belts, does not entitled you to a belt promotion after training once a week for one year.

[@andrewblittle]

I agree with you actually. I don't think I deserved a blue belt, especially because I only came once a week and my understanding of the techniques was not very good.

[@kneedeepinzombieshit]

It's common to be at any given rank for at least two years. This of course is contingent on how often you train/how well you absorb the information taught. It took me close to three years to get my blue belt. My schedule only allows room for twice, maybe three times a week. For some of us, the road is long. In any case, you have to put in the work. The more you train, the better you'll get, but you never "arrive". Belt promotions are never up to you to decide, whether you feel ready or not. Let your instructors worry about that.. Just keep showing up.

[@switch231]

***** I completely agree with this statement. I started BJJ older in life and I was in a hurry to get blue belt. A brown belt told me once to not worry about promotions and to just keep walking through the door that it will eventually come. After a year and a half I finally got my blue belt. My son got his green belt the same day so it was a great experience.

[@diosantana2659]

Andrew Little discouraged about how much time you spent? You went once a week for a year. I went 6 times a week for a year to get my Blue Belt. And I was a D1 basketball player, and boxed, so it wasnt that i wasnt athletic. I was trouncing every white belt, and most blues. you just didnt put the time in to get a blue belt...regardless of the environment, attitude, etc.

[@MyDrawingTutorials]

Great video. You guys are some the best BJJ teachers in the world. Great philosophy!

[@DrOSCruz]

This is all talk and self promotion. I trained at the Gracie Academy in Torrance. Was a blue belt for only 4 months. I was still learning. Then one Saturday morning, a brown belt decided it would be a good idea to literally try to rip my head off. I injured the C3-C4 of my neck and could have gotten paralyzed and put in a wheelchair. That ended my jiu jitsu journey. Rener was teaching that day. The guy was clueless. I'm so glad that I'm still able to walk.

[@juliannunez23]

For the 2 yrs I've been learning BJJ at schools in Sydney, Australia, the best lessons I've learned and my greatest advancements have come from Ryron & Rener online. It's early days but by far the most valuable progression has been learning to be my own teacher. The guidance I've drawn from Ryron & Rener to achieve this has been to; relax and spar without ego, not become attached to any position, submission or escape attempt, conserve energy, allow worst case scenarios to happen, be patient, wait for opportunities to escape or advance your position, then wait some more if an opportunity is missed, not fear the tap and tap early. Sparring like this allows you to observe your own mistakes as well as watch and learn from others as they execute their techniques against yours, as opposed to it all passing you by because you are blindly sparring yourself to exhaustion to protect your ego in successive 6 minute periods... Everyone has something to offer your journey to black belt, from the random brutal yet effective power moves of a beastly white belt, to the savage onslaught of a physically as well as technically strong purple belt or the flawlessly timed techniques implemented by your master with deadly accuracy, efficiency and finesse. Learn to counter or cope with them all... I'm doing all this mostly injury free thanks once again to Ryron & Rener, who have taught me all I know about minimising, managing and rolling with injuries. Nobody else I've met is teaching any of these important principles, but with the confidence this type of knowledge gives me I've gone from kind-of-liking BJJ to absolutely loving it. Thank you both!

[@Alex_E91]

I've been doing Kyokushin karate for 10 years now, and i'm a 2nd degree brown belt. Here in Norway we have a jiu-jitsu academy and i decided i wanted to train something different than the karate. I have now been to two classes and trained with 3rd degree black belt Felipe Mota from Brazil. My experience of jiu-jitsu has been very good. However, last class i ended up with 2 bruised ribs and a broken nose because i sparred with 2 purple belts. What Ryron and Rener is talking about in this video is so important. I really hope that i can come back and continue doing jiu-jitsu, because i fell in love with it the first day i went to class.

[@markomak1]

Alexander Øvrebø I don''t understand why higher belts would go full power on a lower belt, especially a white one. I really don't.

[@gamimoose5203]

most purple belts are usually dicks for some reason idk why.

[@alivepenmods]

@@gamimoose5203 it's because they are Target for everyone. They are subable people and a nice prize for white to blue belts. + Usually white belts get injured because they do bad moves not because people kill them. Hence the point of not sparring till you know basic moves and breakfall

[@dmills5755]

Can’t tell u how much I appreciate this video. These guys are spot on. I love the way they have structured their curriculum. Awesome job.

[@tiredrummertube]

Structured basics. Basics are the foundation. Then creative sparring; building on a solid foundation; the student can continue to learn. Gracie legacy continues! Well done!!

[@projectileenthusiast1784]

So hard to get a BJJ promotion compared to other fighting styles

[@gregcyr]

+CaptainFail Blah Well, if you consider takemydough, it's glacial promotion progress. But then again, BJJ belts are earned and not bought (with some sad exceptions).

[@projectileenthusiast1784]

Greg Cyr Yeah man. I trained TKD as a kid, kicked the air for a couple of sessions and i got a belt promotion. For BJJ i got my ass handed to me on a silver platter for months on end before even getting some stripes rofl.

[@ZanOGAL]

+CaptainFail Blah i used to join tkd and there was a black belt that couldnt even do a tornado kick without fumbling.l joined bjj fresh out of MMA because l fell in love with....grappling arts and l thought l would fly through like l did in tkd...i k ew all the basic hip bumps,sweeps,butterfly guard and l thought l would outclass a white belt.ateast......wassssss l wrrrong!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 my goal used to be a brown belt....now lm just thinking about that sweet blue belt!BUT!When i do get the belt....l'll know that l deserve it....BJJ FTW!

[@gregcyr]

Batman just farted The belt is meaningless. It's just a piece of coloured cloth.

[@projectileenthusiast1784]

Greg Cyr You aint wrong buddy. Its more of a mentality thing tbh. Its what keeps some people going an achievement that kinda makes people wanna go on.

[@xATown23xGaming]

Amazing video guys, been training BJJ for almost 4 months and I love every second of it!

[@urbantreesteve2805]

Man, you guys are so amazing. Your passion for sharing this most beautiful and practical concepts of this is so inspiring and hopeful. Thanks again!

[@mobiledetail4you]

Got my white belt, a couple classes away from stripe 2… So grateful for Gracie online (watching you guys give such incredible detailed, concise instruction really helps) I always try to watch online before going to class. As an older student it really helps… and now Gracie Seattle CTC…

[@gordonstromkins4074]

I am an old fart who first walked into a Gracie school at age 55, after 30 years of Shotokan Karate (a striking art). Would never have joined a first-day-spar school. Got to get my old joints ready for rolling during my Combatives time. That was 4 years ago, am currently a Blue Belt approaching Purple, and now roll with anybody with ease. Purple is about the same as a Karate Black Belt, which has always been considered a beginner. As Blue is less than a beginner, I never understood the "controversy" about it...

[@cesaralvesdemoraes3187]

Very few people consider a karate black belt is for begginers. Same with jiujitsu purple belt.

[@jackreacher4297]

“People don’t do what you expect; they do what you inspect”

[@lunaticOCE]

Rener, its because of you that I signed up to Gracie BJJ last night... Thank you.

[@jtwolfstories]

These guys really hit the nail on the head. First class I tore my rotator cuff rolling with some maniac blue belt. This was a convincing video. Heading to my local CTC Monday.

[@baker98745]

You guys will probably never see this, but, I watched a TON of your videos. I found a place and an instructor who has a very similar teaching style and philosophy right here in Colorado ! I'm having so much fun! Its no sparring for the first several months, no ego, respectful, and I have you guys to thank. Thank you.

[@roentgen571]

This shows some brilliant insight into how to teach beginners and get them to the intermediate level. And it sounds so much like Jigoro Kano's "mutual welfare and benefit" principle that distinguished judo from the other jujutsu schools.

[@brianhinote2446]

Every time I listen to Renee and Ryron I want to meet them more and more. Friends, you two are brilliant!!!!! You understand TEACHING and LEARNING. I’m an educator and I have seen (and felt) challenges to the old way. Please keep going!!!!! You two are revolutionizing martial arts training!!!!! Keep it up. It’s awesome.

[@dane3886]

These guys inspired me to join the local gracie jiu jitsu gym in my city and it was the best thing i have ever done with my life. Thanks guys!! Much love.

[@edgarrivas2199]

Great video, exactly what I wanted to explain to others. My first Jiu jitsu gym was getting smashed and stomped and I was always hurt for the first and only 3 months I trained. I learned more techniques on KZbin than in the actual gym. I definitely want to try the online program and I definitely want to teach Jiu jitsu further down the road.

[@kire610]

Well done and said!! Makes me want to join cause I'm the 42 yo broke male that loves the sport but was driven out early. Good job. True ambassadors !!

[@aqdjbcr]

These two are great instructors. All their breakdowns are very informative and they're doing a good job adjusting to draw a bigger audience.

[@wilraimlab7192]

This is so true and such a great standard all schools should have. I attend Gracie Barra and this would be helpful for all new and experienced practitioners. Great video guys. Thanks for sharing. Be blessed.

[@wutownwrassler]

Wow, now I understand why Gracie academies are crowding out other BJJ academies in Cali... Pretty intelligent business structure, definitely American friendly lol.

[@SovereignStatesman]

+Jurgen Heinrich Yeah, until you get into a self-defense situation. These douches just want to get you into their school.

[@wutownwrassler]

Tom Evans Pretty much... funny how the Gracie's have essentially mcdojo'd jiu-jitsu despite being the main force in making jiu-jitsu more mainstream.

[@SovereignStatesman]

Jurgen Heinrich Truth is stranger han fiction. I've studied Gracies as well as other MMA, as well as standard wrestling, and there's not much difference; an arm-bar is an arm-bar.

[@spiritsplice]

+Jurgen Heinrich Fast food BJJ> Would you like fries with your blue belt?

[@MegaBen3000]

An arm bar is illegal in wrestling..... so there's that difference.

[@heterosapien8426]

Took me 3 1/2 years to get my blue belt, I think what irritates people about a quicker promotion process in jui jitsu, is that people don't want to be lumped in with what has happened to karate and taqaundo how ever the fuck it's spelled lol.

[@joanaferreira2165]

*taekwondo

[@comicsheaven6548]

dakota demaris yeah i agree its been a year and i still only have 2 stripes unlike taekwondo which I've been doing for ten years and i already got second dan it only took me three months to get promoted to yellow belt i agree that the white belt should take the longest to move up from because its the foundation of the art

[@driceyt4252]

Comics Heaven I don't know what kind of Taekwondo do hang you went to but my one only upgrades once every six months and they added a new belt. So now it takes around 5 and a half years assuming you passed all the upgrades.

[@heterosapien8426]

4-5 days a week, however our gym was basically a stable of about 12 guys who all fought mma, with only a few people who did just the jujitsu. So being more fighting oriented when I was 18-21 I really didn't train very much gi at all, I actually wanted to avoid it and focus more on defense and getting back to my feet. It wasn't until I actually started to like jujitsu as a art in itself did I get really start to get good at jujitsu. Couple that with an old school instructor who was very slow to give rank and boom. He told me when he gave me the belt that I had deserved it for a long time. I don't really mind that it took so long, but I could see where a lot of people would get discouraged.

[@bruce-df9nu]

hetero sapien ive done bjj for a few months now im now on my yellow belt and i love bjj sucks being in highschool though have to do assignments instead of spars sometumes

[@firerrhea1086]

Awesome video guys. Just started down the rabbit hole of jiu jitsu and my wife and I love it. These videos are a great help!

[@dalebridger750]

GracieBreakdown You guys crack me up. So easy to watch, personable and generally have a cool outlook on the many aspects you cover.

[@philochristos]

I don't know if I want there to be more white belts. "If everybody is super, then nobody will be." ~Syndrome

[@robloxgod6945]

But then the true better fighters will rise.

[@threasaarangamparambil502]

He said white belts not black belts meaning he wants everyone in the world to know the basics and the techniques to jiu jitsu

[@lirastone]

Did you just quote Syndrome? :-) I think I love you.

[@RGHughson]

The level of competition will be raised :-)

[@philochristos]

I love you, too!

[@dragontav]

40:10 - 40:50 my experience exactly... amazing how accurate this is.

[@GlueFactoryBJJ]

Dang! I just love y'all's infectious enthusiasm. I watched this after I came back (about 2 weeks ago) after a 13 year layoff. If it's watched this earlier, of have started training again, sooner! Thanks for the vid!

[@taekwondomaster4609]

I would like to thank both professors for such a great video.

[@1234kingconan]

Good on you guys. I heard a lot of bad talk about you guys, but now that I listen to you I think you guys are more along the true spirit of the martial arts than most bjj schools. Teaching BJJ to the people who need it the MOST. Not the meatheads and fighters of the world. Yeah I survived and became blue belt the old fashioned way of process of elimination aka the meat grinder. But I wish I had this method when I started. I will be looking up your techniques and learning them now.

[@carlorival7310]

I agree with structure but it's just to expensive for me I can't maintain the monthly fee for a long time

[@machielrentmeester4882]

What a great understanding of managing students in martial arts. Thank you for building on your family's foundation. This is how it's done.

[@richardparker460]

I just wanted to let you guys knows that I appreciate this video. I have been searching for a Jiujitsu school for a while now. I am 43 years old and a State Trooper. I have no interest in sport jiujitus, (for me) I love watching others compete. However my goal has been to increase self defense and to work my way through jiujitus at a smart pace. You guys have it figured out. I have been to a couple of jiujius schools, most or MMA guys. I asked several questions about technique and sparring. How does one spar on day one, when he has no technique, I can fight with the skills that I have but If I am only going to be fighting with the skills that I have, then I do not need the school. I am happy that you have figured out that the skills need to be taught first, then of course once those skills or at a certain level you have to learn to apply them. I am going to be starting at one of your schools hear in Louisiana soon, just glad I did not get myself trapped in one of those schools that do not even know what technique there are going to teach each night. A black belt instructor told me that he as he put it " just wings it day by day" I like the structure and the progress of this school. What most instructors need to understand, only a small percentage of the people learning Jiujuts want to actually use it. My goal is only to learn these skills in order to not use or if I do use them to control a suspect to minimize my injury or his. Jiujitus is just like basketball or Football, Before you can play a full game you have to learn how to throw catch move and the rules of the sport. Some of the gyms promise you how much a bad ass they will make you. I am not looking to be some bad ass. I am 43, I am trying to stay alive and defend when necessary and I love to train. but I can train everyday of my life in Basketball and I will never beat Michael Jordan, it is the same in Jiujitsu I can train everyday of the week, hours on hours, and still never be as good as someone like Rickson or some of the other top competters in the world unless it just naturally in me. But I am not training to compete against a Rickson, Horcie or grand master in Jiujisu. I am more worried about the crack head that I have to chase 3 blocks tackle him and then gain control of them. And if you have never done that, you cant understand what kind of emotions your body goes through. Even a world champion fighter in the ring has a referrer to stop a fight if it gets out of hand. So going into a gym and just free wrestling with someone until I accidentally learn something does not sound fun.. I am looking forward to being taught techniques then rolling with someone and learning how to actually use these techniques in a roll.

[@guerillaatheist]

Been training BJJ for 8 years and am a Solid purple belt. I help teach and I have seen the things you describe first hand. I wanted to say here that you two are brilliant in the ways you approach Jiu Jitsu training and this video is especially accurate in the rate of attrition of new students and the reasons why they quit. In most schools it's straight to rolling/sparring and they don't even teach the students how to tie their belt properly!!!

[@markomak1]

guerillaatheist Sparring early on is fine if both parties are focused on learning. But some people just want to show dominance, even towards lower belts/ranks. It's pathetic.... Luckily it does not happen at my school.

[@NONAME-GIVEN]

Marko Mkd The thing is....... When students are brand new they know next to nothing in grappling. They roll with other students with a few more months of training than themselves. (who know a bit more, but still rely on brute force to get by.) These students themselves were crushed by higher ranking students when brand new and they think that's how it's supposed to be. (even if they are not brutes they are still trying to win) It's a vicious cycle and I'm glad to see someone breaking it.

[@diosantana2659]

Marko Mkd it's full contact sport. Yes, we dont injure each other, but it's not tai chi dude.

[@NONAME-GIVEN]

Dio Santana I agree with you that it's not Tai Chi and there is live physical training happening. I like the way the Gracie's in this video pointed out that there is a flaw that effects beginners (Especially the meeker among us) and have tried to change the way they teach.I'm sure that once these beginners learn a few moves and gain confidence they will roll with the best of us. If they get totally crushed by the bruisers they may never get there.

[@diosantana2659]

Lou Cipher True. There are days i smash belts below me, there are days i let them take my back and work, there are days i just let it flow and see what happens. I don't see it as a big deal. As long as they are learning what to do, what not to do, and not getting hurt, it's all part of the game. We have to keep it what it is - a bad ass, full contact, means of FIGHTING (not buttscooting and the like) that does bang ya up while making you a better man and fighter in the process.

[@jamesh9931]

I agree with no sparring in the beginning but you need to spar before you get your blue. I would be embarrassed to be a blue belt who has never sparred.

[@Jitzlife92]

When I started years ago I was sparring from day 1and getting my ass handed to me and I don't regret it one bit. I'm a blue belt now and still going strong

[@joelschuman7192]

My first day I got strangled for 2 hours by a purple belt. It was still a blast. Even as a white belt, the main thing I looked forward to was sparring

[@truthsayer2310]

james h dude you should be sparring from white belt day 1.

[@Jitzlife92]

@@truthsayer2310 Agreed. If you ain't sparring then there is no way of knowing how well the techniques you have been learning can actually be implemented in to a real situation , so anyone who says you shouldn't spar your first 6 months should have a rethink. Also you learn just as much from sparring as you do from drilling.

[@truthsayer2310]

Duggy I went in there my first day and got jumped by 3 people. Best fucking time of my life bro. I spar every time I’m in there to test mysel and techniques. Just got my first stripe after 5/6 months got bruises and cuts and fuckin love getting my ass whooped. To me that means there’s so much to learn about Jiu Jitsu.

[@Vtard1]

Great system of teaching. I like having a plan and a clear path to accomplish the goal. This is the way we all learn in school/college to eventually graduate. They are laying out the course plan for you with specific lessons and their instructor knows exactly what to teach for each lesson. I hate schools that have instructors walk in and ask students what they want to learn today as if they would know . These guys are awesome!

[@aericamerel1816]

Love it. Never change. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Peace.

[@andrewkoh776]

Daaaaannnnggggg! Sorry, you guys can continue... :)

[@ruzzellcrowe9352]

THE MOST IMPORTANT BELT IS THE WHITE BELT BECAUSE IF YOU NEVER START YOU WILL NEVER GET BETTER!

[@naturligfunktion4232]

Ruzzell Crowe OKEY BUT WHY ARE WE SHOUTING?

[@goodhumourwagon]

@@naturligfunktion4232 Caps lock stuck in position, mate. Can happen to anybody.

[@ByronGraham]

This is the best Gracie breakdown I have ever watched. I am a blue belt and I now look at my self as part of the retention committee at my Jujitsu school.. I wasn't appointed this role by anyone in the school. But, rolling with white belt shows me the value of taking care of new students in Jujitsu!

[@k.robinson1160]

Absolutely spot on, great video guys. I spent 23 years in the military and am one of those blue belts that got pounded throughout early on, and was hurt a lot. Pride and ego was/is the culprit of unnecessary injury The initial path they lay out is exactly what needs to happen with BJJ. Train as you fight, is the oldest Army adage I can recall. I used this training with my Soldiers before and during deployments and they loved it.

[@marcaononymous]

the current gracie academy mindset is just wonderful. most other bjj places sadly just don't get it... people get hurt and are forced to quit all the time. it's so damn stupid.

[@JohnDoe-gd1zj]

It's so wonderful that they sell blue belts on line... Helio would have dis-owned them

[@tjl4688]

​@@JohnDoe-gd1zj They don't do that anymore. Rickson and Pedro Sauer worked with them and as a result, the Combatives Belt was introduced in 2016. I'm training for it now. All testing for blue belt onwards (including stripes) requires live testing and rolling with an actual instructor.

[@wlbernie]

Well said guys. All the people who will talk bad about this video I guarantee didn't even watch it all the way through.

[@ZZstaff]

1.) Accuracy. 2.) Speed. 3.) Power 4.) Mental understanding and muscle memory to the point that the student can attack or react at a subconscious level. I think these are at the heart of martial arts in general. The only reason I placed number 4 where it is, is because it takes time [practice including physical contact], and is not indicative of being listed last as a reflection of being last in importance. ... Thank you for sharing your comments in this video and your dedication.

[@shamoen]

so perfect in structuring the unstructured movements in fighting and in learning. What you say is soooo very true "just train and eventually you will get a promotion...."

[@jonX689]

PLEASE open a school in Orlando FL!!! You have them in Miami and Jacksonville but not Central FL... its Disney land for God sakes! soooo many people visit us/live here and could learn valuable GJJ.

[@sphinxx8881]

"And they get taught two techniques that won't work in a street fight which they can't even remember" LOL this was 😂 hilarious. I train at 10th planet London and just to add my two cents these guys are the real fcking deal. Can't agree more with what they're saying. You NEED to learn self defence before you learn how to defend against a person who knows jiujitsu. Love it!

[@belue2429]

You guys are so on the right track. My girlfriend, nephew, and me are doing university at home with Gracie Combative’s. I got injured in an MMA school many years ago but still love to train and teach. I steer away from MMA schools. Too much ego and testosterone. I can’t afford to get hurt. We will be visiting a CTC in the future for belt testing. Thank you!

[@narcisbalasa8907]

Thank you guys for this video. I'm 44 years old and i love BJJ since the first UFC but every time i hesitate to start taking classes because i have some problem with my knees. After taking my son to BJJ (9 years old) i decide to start to train also and it happened exactly what you said. I start spar from the first lesson and on the second one something pop between my ribs and i couldn't even breath properly for few days. I'm off training now for 3 weeks i feel better and i feel that this video show me the right way to start. You guys are the best. Thank you !

[@mraskett]

First I have to say the combative system is well organized and structured. I used to want to come to LA and train there. As a blue belt I went to the Beverly hills location. They put me in a trial class with white belts and when I wanted to roll. They said that white belts don't roll. The instructor and another blue belt wouldn't want to roll either. I think that's terrible. It seemed nerfed and the white/blue didn't have any grit to them. I think the toughness and real speed application coming from rolling is just as important if not more than slow controlled drilling. It felt like a karate studio. It may make some of you die hard gjj fans mad but this is what I experienced. Changed my idea of them

[@MZONE3D]

You roll later when you have learned the techniques. No point in rolling with someone before you know the techniques. Grappling arts make most people feel bad enough, with the claustrophobia and no technical ability, without a blue belt going in there and dominating them. It sounds like you are one of those guys that survived the first year and developed the ego outlined in their video. The majority of people can't take having to survive against an experienced grappler week after week from being a beginner. Technique and knowledge first, fight and survive later!

[@ThreeLeggedHippo]

To be fair, did you watch the entire video? They explain why the white belts in the Gracie academy affiliation don't spar.

[@MZONE3D]

***** :) Exactly

[@sunnibird]

MZONE A big part of it is that white belts haven't learned how to roll. Pretty much goes for any martial art, white belts go way too hard. Blue and Purple know how hard to push and that it's not a fight to the death. Tell a white belt to go 60% and to let your partner finish the technique and they hear "go 120% and don't let him get the technique once." The only reason I've survived so far is my size and good basics. Still ended up with an annoying AC joint injury that is taking its' time to heal.

[@mraskett]

i understand that and maybe it is because my first gyms were so different that its hard for me to adjust to that way of thinking. but i think it SHOULD be something earned. I believe that if you are a real blue belt, then you have an immense advantage over other people in society that dont know jiu jitsu. and I believe part of earning it comes from getting your ass kicked. also seeing blue belts that havent sparred is hard to cope with because if they did need to use it then they are in for a rude awakening. I understand starting off slow, and i think you should. but i think that the "grit" that comes along with raw hard learning is just as valuable as the jiu jitsu technique. look at wrestler, they dont learn many submissions but they are tough SOBs

[@cdee2456]

this is great. Most gyms are still the format u originally mentioned. my first dayt ever i did spiderguard. I see people doing de la riva first day. doesnt make sense

[@gregcyr]

+C Dee It means the academy in question has a crap instructor.

[@cdee2456]

just need some re formatting. the ability of the instructor is not the issue

[@gregcyr]

+C Dee It's an enormous instructor's job to identify the needs of the student, and teach or refine those skills that the student needs. To ignore this as a fundamental part of what determines the quality of an instructor is as honest as saying that a car's engine is spraying oil, smoke and flames; but the car is fine and just needs a bit of a tune up.

[@bjjpract]

I earned my blue at an mma gym. trained for 3.5 years 4 days a week, had to roll with 2 brown belts, and my instructor, non stop for 30 min.. they would switch every 5 mins.. brutal.. You guys are doing this correctly, respect the hell out of both of you!

[@sqho532]

bjjpract My first month, I got to roll with Baret Yoshida. Had to prove my toughness by getting out of his knee on belly. Got tapped out every 10 seconds for iuno how long. Needless to say, I earned everyone's respect after that; no one is ever getting knee on belly against me for more than 3 seconds. That type of training is too hard for your genera audience, but I feel like guys like Baret want to only train tournament ready people.

[@thomasspeed3390]

I like this mentality. I started in Gracie Barra jujitsu, and left after 2 months. I did not leave because of intensity. I left because of boredom. I have a wrestling background, so rolling with other white belts did not provide much challenge. I took it easy on the others but they recognized that and resented me for it. I like this mentality and will probably come back soon. I just wanted to give you an additional point of view and commend you on this outlook. Skill is not always the result of how many [specific] classes that you've attended and martial arts should not be a "pay to win" activity. It's fantastic that you guys are giving options to rise in different ways. Looking forward to trying again.

[@jakegingrich7214]

People follow people who have plans. Right there, that's it

[@luvit579]

this method seems sensible to me.

[@DanPonjican]

Excellent video and very well articulated. I agree with all your points and philosophies for blue belt qualification.

[@cameronwilliams8699]

I started training at Gracie Barra, with professor Draculino 3 1/2 months ago, what they do is you cannot begin to role until getting the third stripe on the white belt and we are only aloud to do fundamental classes. Learning to defend and do the basics has been amazing and now has me chomping at the bit to get to the advance and live training. Much better than getting smashed right of the bat. So far it has been amazing!

[@boobye6305]

It's a belt coloured blue, to answer the question.

[@TechGuy-rj1jz]

No, it's not. It's the same as a rank used in the military. It has meaning. Try putting on a black belt and challenging a real black belt and then come back and say it's just a belt.

[@cloussenlordofvirulence6396]

@@TechGuy-rj1jz nah it's a belt coloured blue, everything else that is put into it is immaterial to the fact that it is coloured cotton.

[@8xnnr]

the price is my biggest weakness if I could I'd do bjj every single day all day

[@Omgiamsotriggered]

Find a similiar thinking friend and throw in some daily home basic drills, together with training for 2-3 days a week is gonna speed up your proces immensely

[@tristanyoder720]

Your priorities are messed up

[@alexshep2698]

Tristan Yoder how???

[@alexshep2698]

Kevin Pope lol that was from 2 months ago and if u read the comments properly instead of using ur English skills to write that use them to read I replied to the guy that said your priorities are messed because he’s saying wanting to do BJJ everyday means his priorities are messed

[@anthonyresendes8669]

Hello Gracie brothers! It truly is an honor! Now I understand you probably won't reply to this but my name is Anthony Resendes and live in Arizona. I currently am going to law school. Me and my wife are expecting our first child. Believe me I would love to start practicing Brazilian jui jitsu!!! More than anything. I'm not trying to make excuses gentlemen but I currently do not have the funds to pay the facility THE LAB in Glendale ariZona to learn. I would love to start training! It is my dream one day gentleman to start training! Love your guys tactics!

[@satoricompass2295]

5:12 he says"more importantly" ... Gosh I love these guys. "Help the world learn Jiu-jitsu," i am someone part of this world and that means a lot because if it wasn't for you guys I wouldn't be learning and getting my family involved in Jiu-jitsu. Thank you.

[@jitsu5489]

class schedule times and cost is what kept me from going. If the classes were a little shorter more like an hour instead of an hour and a half it would be better for those with busy lives. Plus if you work odd hours you may not be able to make it into a 6pm class.

[@SovereignStatesman]

+Roy W It's mostly a scam, these idiots just want to milk it for cash; they're the Bernie Madoffs of self-defense.

[@jitsu5489]

Tom Evans Interesting.

[@SovereignStatesman]

Roy W It's pretty obvious when someone somes on really strong, rather than letting their product speak for itself based on facts..

[@hashbrowns]

+Tom Evans You mean their self defense is fake? Man I must have been doing fake arm bars and chokes all this time! I mean, I felt them too when my partner did them on me but I guess I shouldn't have tapped since I wouldn't go unconsciousness since its a fake choke.

[@SovereignStatesman]

Cow Win You're in their class? BWAHAHAHA what a douche.

[@theryancomedy]

Is there a gracie jiu-jitsu school in Mississauga? I can't seem to find one

[@johningallina]

Devonte Weston Hey Devonte! We're two hours away in Victor, NY. You're welcome to come down anytime. www.gracievictor.com.

[@evyatar416]

Devonte Weston check out Elite Training Centre in Missisauga. Best BJJ in missisauga. They have the same approach, a core bjj class for beginners the sparring is very specific and very light, and then theres more advanced and competition/sport training as well as no-gi. Theres also muay thai, boxing, wrestling and a strength & conditioning class.

[@thamomentum]

+Dr. Devonte Weston Did you find one brother? If not, I can recommend a few good ones in the area.

[@johnnyk5385]

Dr. Devonte Weston there's 1 in Woodbridge and another in Bolton.

[@manonguyen9016]

Thanks guys. I'm a 46 y/o blue belt under Relson (Ronn Shiraki Academy) and loving the journey. Thanks for the encouragement for us old guys =) Much respect...

[@herbertshriver2021]

I am 69 years old and have a Kenpo black belt, studied FMA for a couple of years, Wing Chung, and some Japanese Jiu Jitsuwith Tamamora. Then did not practice for over 20 years. Wanted to get back into martial arts and tried BJJ from two schools and found out they did not help me get ready to get into a different art. Thus I quite. Then tried Kuk Sool Won and it helped me progress but did not satisfy my desire for ground defense. Also took Pangilpur Silat, very helpful, but still wanted to work on BJJ. Your explanation and approach have really helped me adjust considering my knee replacement, injured shoulders and he of a broken neck and back pain. I would love to go take your course and learn basic Jiu Jitsu that would allow me to progress as a knowable 69 year old martial artist who has injuries, not wanting to go into completion any longer, and to help me feel better, but protect myself in a society that uses grappling more in modern day altercations, and let me train for years and progress not necessarily against a 22 year old college athlete. I honestly feel my prior experience plus your method would really help me in numerous ways, and would allow me to practice well into my late Seventiesor even eighties. You have a school around Houston but it is still pretty far away. However, I want to continue studying Silat as well as attending Jitsu Jitsu 3/ week. Hopefully, I can figure a way out to attend your school. I wish more schools adapted your methods for us Senior citizens especially who seriously studied martial arts earlier life. I think you ideas have really made a difference to all levels,ages and prior history. Plus, it allows schools keep their students for years and not just teach children and younger athletes. Respectfully, Dr. Herb

[@jesusthroughmary]

These guys are like the Thomas Aquinas of jiu jitsu. They prove every claim they make and refute every argument against it. This is the pure jiu jitsu straight from the fountain.

[@MZONE3D]

Gjj is very cerebral. For the blue belt test there are 70+ techniques. It's all very learnable. But is still a lot to take in. I have a bjj purple belt and have a gjj blue belt. My purple has less value, in my opinion, than the gjj blue due to content of combatives. Combatives is a great system, it's applicable for street, mma and jiu jitsu competition. However, I found the progression in the master cycle, not applicable to what I wanted which was further skills for mma and street. I didn't want GI techniques and sparring at all. Jiujitsu in the GI becomes more prevalent in the master cycle and ultimately i chose to end my journey with the Gracie system. Which is a shame. I wish they had segments tailored just for mma, no gi and street. But of course they want you to learn all their art, in their way. Combatives is great though, and I still practice the techniques 4 years after learning them.

[@jcham979]

MZONE This is 100% fabricated.

[@MZONE3D]

jcham979 what is fabricated?

[@TheDivafnk]

jcham979 I was given my purple belt. It means nothing. Others where I trained were just given their belts too. A GJJ blue belt would mean more than my meaningless purple.

[@tongaexpress]

I know where you are coming from but what you have to understand is that what you had been taught is the core fundamentals of our amazing art known as GJJ and no matter what you do with it including mma if you master what they teach even at the level you were at you will or can easily dominate in the octagon or ring! Gi or no gi!

[@theboxer5]

***** They should wear rash outfits instead like 10th Planet.

[@2bookoo4u]

This will turn into a Mcdojo at some point in the future. It's the almighty dollar and the passion/love for it.

[@spiritsplice]

+John Lain They are handing out belts based on home study videos, it already has.

[@jeffersonsmith6109]

+John Lain KZbin comments. There is really nothing like them.

[@ChowChow414]

+John Lain You have to do a real life test for an official blue belt.

[@victormothamo]

+John Lain Rickson told them off, Rickson told Rener that if this continues he will denounce him and call him a charlatan.

[@100watsoncm]

+victormothamo when did you talk to Rickson?

[@Skiamakhos]

This is like Jiu-Jitsu coming full circle: before Jigoro Kano there was training against punch, kick & weapon attacks. Kano brought in randori & took out a lot of the really injurious stuff that you can't practise safely without that kind of choreographed tori vs uke drill arrangement. You guys took a sparring-focused jiu-jitsu & made it king of the Octagon, but now for the purpose of building confidence & drilling techniques we have a period of no-sparring kick & punch defence drill - but the beauty of it is that you have some of both teaching/learning styles, each for its proper purpose, and each with its correct place. I love this. :-)

[@TheKaddy23]

I wish I could learn from these two guys personally. being from Massachusetts it probably won't happen. I really enjoy the work and time they put in and I have a lot of respect for them and jui jitsu. keep up the great work guys

[@TheIdealGasLaw]

The worst problem with Jiu-Jitsu: I have to wait 6 months to move closer to an academy. :'(

[@Congutalgunit]

TheIdealGasLaw I know that feel...had to transfer to another city during my exchange year, well worth! But all that waiting almost killed me....it was the longest 6 months in my life :D

[@TheIdealGasLaw]

Renny Stockholm What contracts?

[@brandonkain9231]

This is exactly why i quit....constantly sparring guys that have been doing it for years...wasnt advancing or learning so said fuck it...

[@joopsnoop]

I love your breakdown sessions. In this one you sound like you are catching up with what the rest of the martial arts world has been doing for 50 years. With some variations of course, and centered around your own skill set. But this kind of approach to teaching and training is what has been happening in judo top schools for generations.

[@QUABLEDISTOCFICKLEPO]

You sold me. What you say makes a lot of sense to me. I'm definitely going to visit a Gracie school, if I can find one that is conveniently located.