I do both BJJ and Judo, I actually prefer the Judo method of looking at the belt system. There's less emphasis on the black belt as being this "complete" fighter and its more viewed as having a fundamental, even basic understanding of Judo. It takes 5 years (average) to get a Judo blackbelt vs. 10 years with BJJ. Theres also an understanding in Judo of recreational "blackbelts" and competition/Olympic level blackbelts. Judo gives you more paths to getting a blackbelt, i.e. competing, teaching, reffing, etc. The main issue I have with BJJ is that it puts so much emphasis on the blackbelt, that as you get older, youre still expected to be competitive and beat younger, more athletic lower belts which isnt that realistic. Theres also so much emphasis on belt ranking that no one ever wants to lose in BJJ, which stiffles learning for both people. Its actually better in a lot of ways to get the blackbelt out of the way earlier and then people would be more willing to do and try more things without the stigma of trying to defend the rank in a roll. In an ideal world, getting a blackbelt would be like getting a Masters degree. Ok, you got your degree and you have basic qualifications now. But now you have to go out into the real world, get a job, and move up the corporate ladder and get real world experience in your field/specialization.
When I hear you say Purple Belt is where you specialize, it makes me think of the BJJ journey like this: 🔘 = Kindergarten/Pre-School ⚪️ = Elementary-High School 🔵 = Undergraduate College 🟣 = Graduate School...
I do both BJJ and Judo, I actually prefer the Judo method of looking at the belt system. There's less emphasis on the black belt as being this "complete" fighter and its more viewed as having a fundamental, even basic understanding of Judo. It takes 5 years (average) to get a Judo blackbelt vs. 10 years with BJJ. Theres also an understanding in Judo of recreational "blackbelts" and competition/Olympic level blackbelts.
Judo gives you more paths to getting a blackbelt, i.e. competing, teaching, reffing, etc. The main issue I have with BJJ is that it puts so much emphasis on the blackbelt, that as you get older, youre still expected to be competitive and beat younger, more athletic lower belts which isnt that realistic.
Theres also so much emphasis on belt ranking that no one ever wants to lose in BJJ, which stiffles learning for both people. Its actually better in a lot of ways to get the blackbelt out of the way earlier and then people would be more willing to do and try more things without the stigma of trying to defend the rank in a roll.
In an ideal world, getting a blackbelt would be like getting a Masters degree. Ok, you got your degree and you have basic qualifications now. But now you have to go out into the real world, get a job, and move up the corporate ladder and get real world experience in your field/specialization.
When I hear you say Purple Belt is where you specialize, it makes me think of the BJJ journey like this:
🔘 = Kindergarten/Pre-School
⚪️ = Elementary-High School
🔵 = Undergraduate College
🟣 = Graduate School...