I felt like I didn't deserve my first white belt stripe. I was in utter shock when my coach gave me my first stripe because I knew I had two left feet and progressing slower than my peers. What my coach said has stuck with me since. He told me "You've been coming in here every week and you've been one of the most consistent new white belts we've had. I know this stripe is just a piece of atheletic tape but I think you've earned it. Jiu jitsu is a long journey but just keep comin and you'll keep learning. Just keep comin man you're doing great"
I am 3 stripe blue. I still feel like I don't deserve even having my blue belt. He said blue is the dabbler, I am just now feeling like I am doing that. 4 years of training. Coach saw/see's something there, so gotta go with it.
@@AlecCommentstheInternet Doesn't work like that, and toxic people tend to get burnt out. Toxic people tend to have huge ego's and BJJ doesn't allow that since your first year or two is getting smashed by big and small. I hope to find a more affordable gym and start over as it's such a great sport.
@@AlecCommentstheInternet That’s exactly what Chew just said…”I don’t want them at my gym…you give people chances”. You can’t always identify toxicity right off the bat.
The fun in Jiu Jitsu for me didn't come until about a year into my blue belt. When I first started I was addicted right away, really enjoyed being at the gym, loved how I was getting into great shape, appreciated all the amazing people I was training with, etc. BUT when I first started, my mindset was way too results-oriented (plus, I didn't have very many tools in my arsenal) to be able to just play around and have fun on the mats. Now as a purple belt, I am enjoying my time with my training partners so much more than before. My mindset has really changed the past couple years to just seeing Jiu Jitsu as it is: a cat and mouse game. Sometimes you're the mouse, and sometimes you're the cat! What's most important is that you learn to enjoy the process. It really is a marathon and not a sprint so you really have to embrace the long, arduous journey that WILL lead you to becoming a good Jiu Jitsu player. Stick with it and the fruits of your labor will come :)
I'm a white belt and way too results oriented sometimes. I'm still addicted and want to do it a lot. But I think I could learn to enjoy getting beat a lot more.
I appreciate this as it is a lot more fun now that I'm on the verge of purple belt. It's more playful and things that were out of reach or akward continue to feel more natural even techniques that aren't part of my game. It feels like things are really opening up, and it's a much different experience than white or early to mid level blue belt.
Thank you for reminding me what it’s about. I’m a brand new white belt and I started getting frustrated because no position is safe for me. I’m so clueless that going into side control just means the other person gets an automatic guard pass. I need to relax and just enjoy the game.
They should be kicked out or let them be known they aren't welcome. Don't continue taking there membership money and making it a shit time for other people there.
@@champ8605they should at least have a chance to change. It kinda sucks to think about someone not being able to train. It also sucks to train with assholes though.
I've been training since late 2012. Received my blue Belt September 2015 been training three four days a week since I began training I no longer care about the belt it's my skill level that shows on the matt. Blue belt lifer
I am currently at purple belt. Here is my experience: White belt for one year mostly learning new techniques and getting to know what BJJ really was. I rarely tapped anyone and purple belts seemed too far out of reach to even think about tapping. At blue belt I learned more techniques, but it was mostly about surviving, escaping, and defending: headlock escapes from all positions, side control escapes, mount and back escapes, choke defense, and some punch and knife defenses. I did occasionally tap purple belts. At purple, I am refining all my techniques to make them work against wrestlers and aggressive/fast/strong athletes. I am focusing on leverage, efficeiency, and being a couple of steps ahead. I tap brown belts regularly and survive black belts efficiently. Th as t has been my personal experience for the pat 11 years (yes, I am slow and took two years off).
You're not slow at all bro. Sometimes you have to take your time. I know life happens and you want to absorb as much jiu jistu as possible. I think firas zahabi said it best: "it's best to take your time and learn as much as you can. I'd rather you be a purple belt tapping black belts then a purple belt getting killed by blue belts".
I don't think you are slow but if that's your experience it really makes me wonder about BJJ levels across the world. I've got some blue belts, thinking of one in special which should be quite ahead of your purple as you've described it. And no he's not a 20yo athlete who's dedicating his life to the art, it's a mid 30's dad who does it when he's able to during his busy week, a couple years into the art. I'm from Brazil and have grappled in the states before and heard americans themselves tell me it's a different level down here but so far I hadn't fully grasped it yet. I'm not criticizing you, from your description I take it you are not in it to be the greatest competitor in the world, I just felt the need to point that out so people who come into jiu-jitsu do so with more hunger. My white belt experience is quite different too, most people here including myself, have yes been in survivor mode for the first months but increasingly hungry to act and evolve, not judging others and ourselves by the color in our belts, going for control and submission regardless of it. By the end of my first year(considering I've been training 6 times a week, usually with classes back to back with strength training too) I was feeling much less lost, able to see a gigantic sea of techniques I had still to explore. That is until this quarantine bullshit hit us here. What I prefer people to have in mind is that there is no single BJJ belts experience like that, but many different ones depending on your goals and your gym. Stay safe my friends.
I really agree with the concept of pulling up your teammates along with you. This is what separates a martial artist from a mere fighter in my humble opinion.
Exactly! We are all here to have fun and learn. Pulling up your teammates together is part of what makes BJJ so enjoyable. Camraderie through challenges.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu brown here Learn takedowns from white to black Bexause you don’t wanna be a black belt that can’t throw. This is my Ted talk, thank you 🙏🏽
For me, the saying "once you get your black belt you start over" is LITERALLY true. Since I just got my black belt before corona-virus. And now the gyms are all shutdown probably through the summer. By the time I get back on the mat, I will have been without jiu jitsu for at least 4 months.
I feel like it depends on the person's background, a D1 wrestler as a white belt is going to be pressuring purple and brown belts in a short amount of time while someone who has never done grappling is going to take years.
@@Winston_Nelson you’ve obviously never gone against a wrestler. It’s no secret that Wrestlers who are dedicated progress faster than your average grappler.
I was different in regards to blue belt. I focused almost entirely on what I gravitated toward during my blue belt. I just got my purple a few months ago and decided I would dedicate this belt to strengthening the parts of my game I neglected
This is a great accompaniment vid to another similar presentation titled WHAT BJJ BELTS MEAN from “The Art of The Skill” where the black belt instructor speaks about his lineage from Roy Dean to Hélio Gracie and the progress through the belts, the essential/ necessary mindset and emotional maturity go through as well as surpassing each belt. It much about character as well as physical master. Your vid is a great addition, it’s about character as well as how one’s progression also inspires/ motivates others. Thanks for sharing, Chewie
Pleasure to hear your point of view chewy. Been amazing following you the last 4 years. Such a solid bloke with a straight down the line, humble attitude. Legend mate!
I'm still a white belt and just read about that topic in the book from Saulo Ribeiro. And to that character-theme at the end I really like that idea. I think it helps keep a welcoming atmosphere at the gym. That's good especially for beginners
White belt - Beginner Blue belt - You can beat a bigger, stronger opponents who are untrained. Purple belt - You can beat a bigger, stronger, trained opponents. (Massive learning curve) Brown - Noticeable efficacy in energy, speed and movement from a purple belt. Competition ready Black - Master; you are the competition.
I'm a white belt and I have been for a while. I know why now - I've been too focused on trying to beat people instead of actually learning the techniques. I've been relying too heavily on smashing.
This is why I like jiujitsu. Most places and teachers are very positive influences on your life. And there is a brotherhood/sisterhood there that is lacking in a lot of other arts.
This is red belt advice IMO you seem genuinely decent it's gotta be said. I love your videos and this kind of content. I'd love to roll with you someday if it were ever possible! stay safe dude
I'd like to thank you for these type of videos. I'll start with BJJ in few weeks and till now I've been doing boxing for good two years. From your videos I could learn more about BJJ guys "thinking" and gym etiquette as some of the things are bit different from what im used to and I think they could find me a bit cocky in first classes.
White belts shouldn't have to drown. If white belts are offered quality fundamentals class there is no need to drown. What Chew is describing is a Sports BJJ survivors mentality!
I love your point about building others up. True leadership defined and demonstrated regardless of "rank." I did not always have that kind of leader in the Army, the few amazing leaders I did have, concreted the idea that you're only as good as your weakest link. So, you build up everyone, physically and mentally, the end result, an unstoppable team that continues to grow. This carries over to my current job providing security overseas. My team trains BJJ, in the gym and at the range. Everyone doesn't show up with those skills ironed out, but they learn fast and become part of the team and family because there's no ego. Sadly, the gym I formerly trained at was the opposite of a safe training environment because of that kill or be killed mentality. My wife had her ribs broken by larger men, several friends I still have from that gym have been seriously injured(knees torn, broken back, torn muscles). The coach literally said he wouldn't teach people certain counters, so he wouldn't lose matches during training. Comically that "coach" was just given his brown belt, even though he did no training under anyone during that time... So, we switch gyms, end up driving about 80 miles each direction. Which ended up being a great decision. Coaches are very skilled and want people to learn, the students aren't trying to maim each other. Even the kids have a different mind set when training with smaller opponents. I watched my son actually enjoying rolling because he was learning and not having kids 30lbs heavier than him put him in WWF style back and neck cranks. Anyways, big rant because you hit the nail on the head. Toxic people ruin BJJ for people, especially when they are in charge. As always, solid video!
What about training at gyms and Mcdojo associations like killerbees and others. Known for teaching with a cult vibe and focus on flashy moves from the beginning to white belts while black belts who don’t really roll with each other get worshiped by lower belts they dominate ?
I'm a white belt, due to some extenuating circumstances i have been for over 2 years. I'm always unsure about what I should be focusing on. This was helpful.
Jack Mooney I’m a 31 year old 3 strip white belt. Striking is my only experience w martial arts before bjj. I’ve been training close to 3 years(2 yrs 8 months). During the span of time that I trained, I took a 2 month break(depressed from a break up) and another 1 month break( bad knee injury) and another 1 1/2 month break(groin injury) off. I train anywhere from 2-4times a week depending on my work schedule. In my fundamentals class I always submitted 85/90% of ppl I rolled with. After given my 3rd strip white belt I began hanging w the blues and eventually submitting blues regularly. My take down game is decent, I’ve taken down blues to brown belts..consistently. Only submitted a purple belt once at my home gym(dnt knw maybe I was lucky)...I’ve went to two other gyms submitted whites and blue belts and gave blue and purple belts a good run, barely getting submitted and escaping subs well. Kinda sucks that I watched everyone I trained w get blue belt but til today I still sub them (they dnt sub me) and still not promoted? Now covid has stopped my progress. Just thought, it kinda sucks. Some dudes are lik dude why are you not blue yet, some dudes are lik bro ur def on blue level, one blue belt(he pretty good btw) said “fuck another high level white belt” before we rolled... Maybe I’m in denial about all this and Maybe the truth is I suck and it’s all in my head , but I see ppl I started with all get promoted to blue but they dnt sub me, it’s vice versa I’m still subbing them. Maybe this belt ranking thing is all in my head. I got into it fr self defense, nt rank. But as time goes by I’m lik what the frick man lol
@@Jonesislearning I was in a similar situation and due to busy schedule I quit. I've rolled after 2 years off w some friends from before and I can still hold my own despite timing being a little off and less gas tank(usually have to survive and then attack). Anyway, w covid here I dont know when I'll go back. Im still white belt and the crew I used to train w and submit are all blue. Good luck brotha
It’s awesome to know what Chewy looks for but the best thing for a white belt like Chewy says is to ask your coach/instructor what he/she is looking for!
A famous MMA team here in the Northern part of the Philippines with no actual rolling experience promoted their players from no belt or white belt to purple and even brown belt. What can you say about that?
BJJ is a very slow proses, its far slower than most if not all martial arts, for example, I did judo for a long time, then stopped for a while and forgot some stuff, then got onto bjj, I focused on relearning some judo stuff during bjj sparing, i get about 1-2 opportunities to do a good throw during a 45 min rolling sesh, about 20 opportunities for a submission, yet i felt that my judo and BJJ have progressed at the same rate after I've been doing it for 3 months. and FYI, it took about 3 months for me to realize that i even progressed, that i belonged and was not total shit at it, so be patient
Ive been a white belt for 4 years and my grading is Monday. I had goal of blue belt at start of year and I'm 60/40 that I probably won't get it but it is possible I trained very hard all year and enjoyed every second of the journey. Around 2 months ago I decided to stop obsessing over belts and focus on improving and ive loved journey more and improved more as result There were times until recently where I'd be annoyed if I got smashed but recently decided it does t help and focus more on having fun I feel like I've grown mentally and physically but for some reason I think if I do get my blue belt I will feel somewhat guilty and that I should've enjoyed being a white belt more Why do you think I feel this way?
Currently a white belt but I'm not too bothered in mastering techniques after already learning the basics and typically I'm just doing whatever makes sense based off of the things I already know. Is it bad to do this? Because I mean obviously taking Dunning Kruger into the mix even though I feel like I slightly know what I'm doing that might not be the case...
I was wayyyy better at white belt, I was consistently subbing higher belts and having them tell me how good I was etc Now at blue belt I suck, I literally can’t do anything, sometimes I have classes now where I don’t even get submissions on white belts.. I’m getting dominated by two stripe white belts now. Like how does that make any sense
I got a big head when I tapped a purple belt as a white we went a few more time and he destroyed me the rest of the time I watch alot of jiu jitsu so he didn't expect me to know what I knew
I have a strange question: Early jiu Jitsu practitioners in Mma only used rear naked chokes, triangle chokes, and arm bars, with all of the different techniques, omoplata, gogoplata etc. Why do you think they only used the four they used, is it possible they were instructed not to use others early in Mma (Ufc1-5, K1, Pride) Love your channel, keep up tue great Q&A's
Higher percentage submissions, and more basic the less things can go wrong and the easier it is to pull off the submission. Also the ones that have higher success percentage are generally harder to escape from. also because in mma you are being punched or elbowed while trying to pull off the submission, these basics are awarded more points in (bjj) competition because of their dominance, which in part, means a position where you can make progress, get into positions or submission with the least risk of being hit by strikes. For example getting the opponents back and getting a rear naked choke means your behind them and at very close range so your opponent has virtually no chance of hitting u, And triangle choke , uv controlled their posture and distance as well as their balance and one of their limbs so that minimises the risk of being hit. You can still get hit from there but by taking away distance and balance your taking away their base for striking by removing the ability to create explosive power, leverage transition of body weight as well as the correct range thru distance of an effective strike. Most hits u take if any, would be arm punches not power punches
Does it matter if the player is a competitive player vs self defense player. I know there is an overlap in both cases. I do believe that the master him self said that a blue belt will be able to take care of a bigger opponent that has not done Brazilian jujitsu. Beyond that I don’t know. I am a white belt with one stripe. Chew, where can I get one of your t-shirts, and where it during my next UA-cam channel? I always enjoy you content. Got along out of your teachings. 👍👍
For all my t shirts, blogs and courses check out chewjitsu.net/ I still think regardless of self-defense or competitive you have to find your game. Knowing a bunch of self-defense techniques will be garbage if you've never learned how to apply things during a roll.
All these people saying they are blue belts tapping the occasional purple belt and im over here still getting tapped by white belts. They are all 30+ pounds heavier than me that I get tapped by, but still, I get tapped by them. I get tapped by mostly all of the blue belts at my gym even when they are lighter than me. I've had my blue belt for almost two years now. I try to train 4 days a week. I definitely feel like a white belt still. Is that normal to some people?
@@TraposaurusFlex mannnn I'm glad you brought me back to this because I didn't realize how far I've come from when I commented on this video! I've gotten a ton better and am tapping many of the blue belts at my gym now! Not that they're not good. Because they are all amazing, but I've come a long ways since I commented and I very much appreciate you making me realize that!
Thank you for this video, I greatly appreciate it. I've been into it for 9 months (2 stripe white belt). I'm going 4-5X a week. I like it but don't love it yet...I fight myself sometimes to go and other times I look forward to it. I personally think is my Ego because more often I get smashed and other times I survived...or rarely get someone to tap...My question...is this normal? not being in love with it yet? btw...the people at the academy are phenomenal and so are the instructors...just wanted to know if this was normal. Thank you.
As well as training in bjj I also instruct in a striking martial art and I'm just curious as to if you have any tips to pass onto students about bringing people up with them because I really like that mentality of "we are getting really good" as opposed to "I am great" but im sure you've had asshole students too and it is difficult to teach them about respect (especially in striking i think) so do you have any words of wisdom to pass onto an inexperienced instructor
I recently joined a school and at the school the worst guy is me and then theres another white belt with 1 stripe but he’s been coming here for 9 months. My instructor won’t give you stripes for shi 🤣
@@derwindominguez8216 The problem is 2 fold one not everyone has a partner let alone a partner who knows jiu jitsu. The second problem is your entirely used to one persons style there are many styles and body types and you have to compensate for every type when you go to a gym
If you don't have a gym available I guess it's better than nothing. But nothing will replace the training and experience had at a gym with a group and a well trained coach at the helm.
@@Chewjitsu I feel like youtube would be the choice then if there is no gym available but that's my opinion youtube doesn't charge a monthly rate and has a wealth of knowledge
@@bobbob4926 UA-cam is a random collection of techniques, not a system. Gracie university offers a system. That's a huge advantage gracie univ has over youtube. Gracie university keeps you focused at a curriculum/system.
I have been a blue belt for almost three years. I am 40. I can roll with anyone safely except maybe the 200 lb plus spaz (I am 171). I think I contribute positivity to the culture in the gym. I try to help people etc. Occasionally I submit higher belts. Still stuck looking at this blue belt. Its discouraging.
This is a big part of what’s wrong with jiu jitsu is these cult like critiques yes if someone is being harmful they need to leave but saying they need to be a leader they need to convert I’d never step foot in his gym for these reasons.
Harinder Gill nah bro. I am a pharmacist and I’ve been wearing headgear to protect my ears for years. Nothing wrong with cauliflower ear but I’d rather not scare off my patients with them lol
Someone actually cares about the belts????? Whaaat???? I suck at BJJ right but I've seen so many times judo black belts or good wrestlers come in and smash or submit purple or brown belts and they are technically white belts. It doesn't really work that way. Besides my coach promotes everyone at the same time in order not to discourage nor offend anyone which is worthless imo, so belts don't matter. What matters is your ability to win matches and to help other people that are worse than you. I can throw my belt into a garbage bin and be fine with that, it's just a piece of coloured cloth or whatever that thing is
Yeah, as a purple belt I was a complete monster at guard passing, taking back, and clock choking. I would literally use mount or knee on belly as a transition to back. I did not care about submissions from there. I had my thing and I knew how to do it.
Im on the 4th year of my white belt....Its my own fault as Ive found every excuse to not be consistent. Last night was my first class in 2.5 years, Worse last night than the day I left lol.....But I hope when I look back on this comment in a year I can laugh
I like a lot of what Nick has to say here but I disagree on the whole "they're negative" thing. There is a lot and I mean ALOT of toxic positivity in jiu-jitsu. This whole "we're a family" bs for one. Yes, a family who pays to partake in an activity together that is mostly a hobby for the majority of them. What when they stop paying, no longer a family member? There are some cult vibes with things like that. Not everyone shits rainbows all day, some people are fantastic jiu-jitsu practitioners whether they do MMA or they have a desk job, that doesn't mean they should be required to fit a certain mold of personality trait expectations.
@7:50 I think the part about pulling people up with you is bullshit. Some people are busy and I don't get paid to be an instructor. I'm paying for a service.
The idea of pulling people up with you does not mean you become their instructor. I know, as a purple belt, when I roll with lower belts, when I see something that the white or blue belt is doing that could use adjusting, I explain it to them (if they are open open it). That could mean giving them tips on specific refinement to a technique to make them more effective. The end result is that they become more of a challenge when rolling with you, which improves your game. Also, when I roll with higher belts, I get the benefit of their experience and insight to help me move up as well.
I felt like I didn't deserve my first white belt stripe. I was in utter shock when my coach gave me my first stripe because I knew I had two left feet and progressing slower than my peers. What my coach said has stuck with me since. He told me "You've been coming in here every week and you've been one of the most consistent new white belts we've had. I know this stripe is just a piece of atheletic tape but I think you've earned it. Jiu jitsu is a long journey but just keep comin and you'll keep learning. Just keep comin man you're doing great"
Very close to verbatim of what he said.
Where are you at now in your bjj journey
@@kylefee4822 that's crazy you ask, I got my 2nd stripe yesterday. Still didn't feel like I deserve it but you just keep on comin.
I am 3 stripe blue. I still feel like I don't deserve even having my blue belt. He said blue is the dabbler, I am just now feeling like I am doing that. 4 years of training. Coach saw/see's something there, so gotta go with it.
@@MichealCudd sometimes I wonder if coaches just give stripes so they don't lose a gym subscriber.
I love the fact you've addressed toxic people as something impending promotion
it'd be a lot firmer ground to stand on if you didn't take those toxic people's money to train with you in the first place tbh
@@AlecCommentstheInternet Doesn't work like that, and toxic people tend to get burnt out. Toxic people tend to have huge ego's and BJJ doesn't allow that since your first year or two is getting smashed by big and small. I hope to find a more affordable gym and start over as it's such a great sport.
You would think Jujitsu would beat the dick head out of them. But some guys are just too far gone and always toxic. It's amazing
@@AlecCommentstheInternet That’s exactly what Chew just said…”I don’t want them at my gym…you give people chances”. You can’t always identify toxicity right off the bat.
@@Osprey1994 lol.... Toxic men that get beat usually do the Gordon Ryan and do roids...
BJJ is absolutely infested with roid heads
The fun in Jiu Jitsu for me didn't come until about a year into my blue belt. When I first started I was addicted right away, really enjoyed being at the gym, loved how I was getting into great shape, appreciated all the amazing people I was training with, etc. BUT when I first started, my mindset was way too results-oriented (plus, I didn't have very many tools in my arsenal) to be able to just play around and have fun on the mats. Now as a purple belt, I am enjoying my time with my training partners so much more than before. My mindset has really changed the past couple years to just seeing Jiu Jitsu as it is: a cat and mouse game. Sometimes you're the mouse, and sometimes you're the cat! What's most important is that you learn to enjoy the process. It really is a marathon and not a sprint so you really have to embrace the long, arduous journey that WILL lead you to becoming a good Jiu Jitsu player.
Stick with it and the fruits of your labor will come :)
well said about the mindset part.
I'm a white belt and way too results oriented sometimes. I'm still addicted and want to do it a lot. But I think I could learn to enjoy getting beat a lot more.
I appreciate this as it is a lot more fun now that I'm on the verge of purple belt. It's more playful and things that were out of reach or akward continue to feel more natural even techniques that aren't part of my game. It feels like things are really opening up, and it's a much different experience than white or early to mid level blue belt.
@@michaels9388 Exactly
Thank you for reminding me what it’s about. I’m a brand new white belt and I started getting frustrated because no position is safe for me. I’m so clueless that going into side control just means the other person gets an automatic guard pass. I need to relax and just enjoy the game.
i love how you will not promote someone to purple belt who is an asshole. agreed 100%
They should be kicked out or let them be known they aren't welcome. Don't continue taking there membership money and making it a shit time for other people there.
@@champ8605they should at least have a chance to change. It kinda sucks to think about someone not being able to train. It also sucks to train with assholes though.
Maybe that's why I'm a 3 year blue
I've been training since late 2012. Received my blue Belt September 2015 been training three four days a week since I began training I no longer care about the belt it's my skill level that shows on the matt. Blue belt lifer
But then next thing you know... you'll be a purple belt. I like your attitude. I just started and just concentrate on learning techniques.
same as you mate , 2 year almost every day , no belt yet but i know i do somethin right , i disturb them , peace brotha,
Hell yes
I am currently at purple belt. Here is my experience:
White belt for one year mostly learning new techniques and getting to know what BJJ really was. I rarely tapped anyone and purple belts seemed too far out of reach to even think about tapping.
At blue belt I learned more techniques, but it was mostly about surviving, escaping, and defending: headlock escapes from all positions, side control escapes, mount and back escapes, choke defense, and some punch and knife defenses. I did occasionally tap purple belts.
At purple, I am refining all my techniques to make them work against wrestlers and aggressive/fast/strong athletes. I am focusing on leverage, efficeiency, and being a couple of steps ahead. I tap brown belts regularly and survive black belts efficiently.
Th as t has been my personal experience for the pat 11 years (yes, I am slow and took two years off).
You're not slow at all bro. Sometimes you have to take your time. I know life happens and you want to absorb as much jiu jistu as possible. I think firas zahabi said it best: "it's best to take your time and learn as much as you can. I'd rather you be a purple belt tapping black belts then a purple belt getting killed by blue belts".
من وين يا يوسيف ؟ :)
I don't think you are slow but if that's your experience it really makes me wonder about BJJ levels across the world. I've got some blue belts, thinking of one in special which should be quite ahead of your purple as you've described it. And no he's not a 20yo athlete who's dedicating his life to the art, it's a mid 30's dad who does it when he's able to during his busy week, a couple years into the art. I'm from Brazil and have grappled in the states before and heard americans themselves tell me it's a different level down here but so far I hadn't fully grasped it yet. I'm not criticizing you, from your description I take it you are not in it to be the greatest competitor in the world, I just felt the need to point that out so people who come into jiu-jitsu do so with more hunger. My white belt experience is quite different too, most people here including myself, have yes been in survivor mode for the first months but increasingly hungry to act and evolve, not judging others and ourselves by the color in our belts, going for control and submission regardless of it. By the end of my first year(considering I've been training 6 times a week, usually with classes back to back with strength training too) I was feeling much less lost, able to see a gigantic sea of techniques I had still to explore. That is until this quarantine bullshit hit us here. What I prefer people to have in mind is that there is no single BJJ belts experience like that, but many different ones depending on your goals and your gym. Stay safe my friends.
@Matthew M knife defense is definitly bullshit, but I guess some people teach it
Mestre do Val ua-cam.com/video/qNEZS_wBFt8/v-deo.html
I really agree with the concept of pulling up your teammates along with you. This is what separates a martial artist from a mere fighter in my humble opinion.
Artist by definition create so it’s an obligation to share our creativity with teammates
Exactly! We are all here to have fun and learn. Pulling up your teammates together is part of what makes BJJ so enjoyable. Camraderie through challenges.
youve defo not trained boxing xD
Gracie Jiu Jitsu brown here
Learn takedowns from white to black Bexause you don’t wanna be a black belt that can’t throw.
This is my Ted talk, thank you 🙏🏽
For me, the saying "once you get your black belt you start over" is LITERALLY true. Since I just got my black belt before corona-virus. And now the gyms are all shutdown probably through the summer. By the time I get back on the mat, I will have been without jiu jitsu for at least 4 months.
Yeah but man, there are so many things you can do to practice. Buy puzzle mats...Watch videos....Make a training dummy. It's far from over man.
Don't worry brother. It'll be like a layoff after an injury and then you'll be back to it!
I really wanted to get into it before coronavirus happened I currently only skate for exercise 🛹
@@Chewjitsu Pretty long layoff though
Rona was 4 years ago😂😂 wow
I feel like it depends on the person's background, a D1 wrestler as a white belt is going to be pressuring purple and brown belts in a short amount of time while someone who has never done grappling is going to take years.
Hahahah no way…
@@Winston_Nelson you’ve obviously never gone against a wrestler. It’s no secret that Wrestlers who are dedicated progress faster than your average grappler.
@@basketcas3717 wrestlers are fucking scary
I love putting D1 Wrestlers to sleep
@@saint5203 who’d you sleep? I’ll ask them for verification
Love ❤️ your philosophy because martial arts are about so much more than fighting...
Well said. I'm a Judo player and I feel a lot of similarities
I was different in regards to blue belt. I focused almost entirely on what I gravitated toward during my blue belt. I just got my purple a few months ago and decided I would dedicate this belt to strengthening the parts of my game I neglected
I’m picky as hell about the podcasts I listen to. But after watching this clip, I’m going to start listening to you from now
This is a great accompaniment vid to another similar presentation titled WHAT BJJ BELTS MEAN from “The Art of The Skill” where the black belt instructor speaks about his lineage from Roy Dean to Hélio Gracie and the progress through the belts, the essential/ necessary mindset and emotional maturity go through as well as surpassing each belt. It much about character as well as physical master.
Your vid is a great addition, it’s about character as well as how one’s progression also inspires/ motivates others.
Thanks for sharing, Chewie
Pleasure to hear your point of view chewy. Been amazing following you the last 4 years. Such a solid bloke with a straight down the line, humble attitude. Legend mate!
I'm still a white belt and just read about that topic in the book from Saulo Ribeiro.
And to that character-theme at the end I really like that idea. I think it helps keep a welcoming atmosphere at the gym. That's good especially for beginners
Absolutely, and I think it's important for the long term health of the gym and training partners.
What belt are you now?
Thanks for this, I've been meaning to change my attitude and mentality during my gym seshions. It's hard but I'm glad I watched this. Thanks chewy
Good luck (!)
White belt - Beginner
Blue belt - You can beat a bigger, stronger opponents who are untrained.
Purple belt - You can beat a bigger, stronger, trained opponents. (Massive learning curve)
Brown - Noticeable efficacy in energy, speed and movement from a purple belt. Competition ready
Black - Master; you are the competition.
I'm a white belt and I have been for a while. I know why now - I've been too focused on trying to beat people instead of actually learning the techniques. I've been relying too heavily on smashing.
This is why I like jiujitsu. Most places and teachers are very positive influences on your life. And there is a brotherhood/sisterhood there that is lacking in a lot of other arts.
That Charlie Parker quote hits home, makes sense can't wait to go through the whole process
This is red belt advice IMO you seem genuinely decent it's gotta be said. I love your videos and this kind of content. I'd love to roll with you someday if it were ever possible! stay safe dude
Beautiful video! Gives me focus to see where I'm heading as a white belt. Gracias!
I'd like to thank you for these type of videos. I'll start with BJJ in few weeks and till now I've been doing boxing for good two years. From your videos I could learn more about BJJ guys "thinking" and gym etiquette as some of the things are bit different from what im used to and I think they could find me a bit cocky in first classes.
White belts shouldn't have to drown. If white belts are offered quality fundamentals class there is no need to drown. What Chew is describing is a Sports BJJ survivors mentality!
You're awesome, Chewie. 100% agree about promoting a positive mat culture. Good analysis overall.
I so much agree with you, Chewie 🙏
Great info. Love the Nikki Sullivan shirt as well!
Great podcast, awesome points Chewy. Much appreciated.
Fantastic. Thanks for sharing the wisdom Chewy!
Major delay of Blue Belt blues.
Having doubts at Brown belt. About 9.5 years in. Time to give up.
Man your content has been so nice to watch as I’m getting back into bjj!! You’re the man Chewy 🤙🏽
Rising tides raise all ships! Great video.
I love your point about building others up. True leadership defined and demonstrated regardless of "rank." I did not always have that kind of leader in the Army, the few amazing leaders I did have, concreted the idea that you're only as good as your weakest link. So, you build up everyone, physically and mentally, the end result, an unstoppable team that continues to grow. This carries over to my current job providing security overseas. My team trains BJJ, in the gym and at the range. Everyone doesn't show up with those skills ironed out, but they learn fast and become part of the team and family because there's no ego. Sadly, the gym I formerly trained at was the opposite of a safe training environment because of that kill or be killed mentality. My wife had her ribs broken by larger men, several friends I still have from that gym have been seriously injured(knees torn, broken back, torn muscles). The coach literally said he wouldn't teach people certain counters, so he wouldn't lose matches during training. Comically that "coach" was just given his brown belt, even though he did no training under anyone during that time... So, we switch gyms, end up driving about 80 miles each direction. Which ended up being a great decision. Coaches are very skilled and want people to learn, the students aren't trying to maim each other. Even the kids have a different mind set when training with smaller opponents. I watched my son actually enjoying rolling because he was learning and not having kids 30lbs heavier than him put him in WWF style back and neck cranks. Anyways, big rant because you hit the nail on the head. Toxic people ruin BJJ for people, especially when they are in charge. As always, solid video!
"Brown belt is a polisher." You find that special turd and make it shine.
@Chewjitsu you should definitely do a cross with Sensei Seth - I think you guys would drop knowledge bombs
The podcast clips are great 👍🏼
What about training at gyms and Mcdojo associations like killerbees and others. Known for teaching with a cult vibe and focus on flashy moves from the beginning to white belts while black belts who don’t really roll with each other get worshiped by lower belts they dominate ?
I'm a white belt, due to some extenuating circumstances i have been for over 2 years. I'm always unsure about what I should be focusing on. This was helpful.
Happy to help.
Jack Mooney I’m a 31 year old 3 strip white belt. Striking is my only experience w martial arts before bjj. I’ve been training close to 3 years(2 yrs 8 months). During the span of time that I trained, I took a 2 month break(depressed from a break up) and another 1 month break( bad knee injury) and another 1 1/2 month break(groin injury) off. I train anywhere from 2-4times a week depending on my work schedule. In my fundamentals class I always submitted 85/90% of ppl I rolled with. After given my 3rd strip white belt I began hanging w the blues and eventually submitting blues regularly. My take down game is decent, I’ve taken down blues to brown belts..consistently. Only submitted a purple belt once at my home gym(dnt knw maybe I was lucky)...I’ve went to two other gyms submitted whites and blue belts and gave blue and purple belts a good run, barely getting submitted and escaping subs well. Kinda sucks that I watched everyone I trained w get blue belt but til today I still sub them (they dnt sub me) and still not promoted? Now covid has stopped my progress. Just thought, it kinda sucks. Some dudes are lik dude why are you not blue yet, some dudes are lik bro ur def on blue level, one blue belt(he pretty good btw) said “fuck another high level white belt” before we rolled... Maybe I’m in denial about all this and Maybe the truth is I suck and it’s all in my head , but I see ppl I started with all get promoted to blue but they dnt sub me, it’s vice versa I’m still subbing them. Maybe this belt ranking thing is all in my head. I got into it fr self defense, nt rank. But as time goes by I’m lik what the frick man lol
@@Jonesislearning I was in a similar situation and due to busy schedule I quit. I've rolled after 2 years off w some friends from before and I can still hold my own despite timing being a little off and less gas tank(usually have to survive and then attack). Anyway, w covid here I dont know when I'll go back. Im still white belt and the crew I used to train w and submit are all blue. Good luck brotha
@@Jonesislearning you’ve been promoted yet brotha?
Wish this was more common, I had an arrogant purple belt dislocate my shoulder as a white belt. It destroyed my experience of BJJ.
Best explanation I've heard of belts.
Very well said. I enjoy this guys outlook on the culture related topic.
can you make a video where you go DEEP into the specifics? :)
You're the best, man. Keep it up!
Thanks Kelvyn.
It’s awesome to know what Chewy looks for but the best thing for a white belt like Chewy says is to ask your coach/instructor what he/she is looking for!
A famous MMA team here in the Northern part of the Philippines with no actual rolling experience promoted their players from no belt or white belt to purple and even brown belt. What can you say about that?
Love Chewy! Awesome knowledge bombs!
BJJ is a very slow proses, its far slower than most if not all martial arts, for example, I did judo for a long time, then stopped for a while and forgot some stuff, then got onto bjj, I focused on relearning some judo stuff during bjj sparing, i get about 1-2 opportunities to do a good throw during a 45 min rolling sesh, about 20 opportunities for a submission, yet i felt that my judo and BJJ have progressed at the same rate after I've been doing it for 3 months. and FYI, it took about 3 months for me to realize that i even progressed, that i belonged and was not total shit at it, so be patient
Very nice explanation. Thank you for this 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks so much for this brutha.
You're welcome!
What about the kids belts? Grey thru green?
Chewy, where can I email you a topic/question for podcast discussion?
Nghi Nguyen here or on my contact form at www.chewjitsu.net or on IG
Ive been a white belt for 4 years and my grading is Monday.
I had goal of blue belt at start of year and I'm 60/40 that I probably won't get it but it is possible
I trained very hard all year and enjoyed every second of the journey. Around 2 months ago I decided to stop obsessing over belts and focus on improving and ive loved journey more and improved more as result
There were times until recently where I'd be annoyed if I got smashed but recently decided it does t help and focus more on having fun
I feel like I've grown mentally and physically but for some reason I think if I do get my blue belt I will feel somewhat guilty and that I should've enjoyed being a white belt more
Why do you think I feel this way?
Currently a white belt but I'm not too bothered in mastering techniques after already learning the basics and typically I'm just doing whatever makes sense based off of the things I already know. Is it bad to do this? Because I mean obviously taking Dunning Kruger into the mix even though I feel like I slightly know what I'm doing that might not be the case...
Good stuff brother
I had no idea you had a podcast!
Yep! Tons of great episodes. Check it out.
I was wayyyy better at white belt, I was consistently subbing higher belts and having them tell me how good I was etc
Now at blue belt I suck, I literally can’t do anything, sometimes I have classes now where I don’t even get submissions on white belts.. I’m getting dominated by two stripe white belts now. Like how does that make any sense
I got a big head when I tapped a purple belt as a white we went a few more time and he destroyed me the rest of the time I watch alot of jiu jitsu so he didn't expect me to know what I knew
😂😂 ok Harley
@@ሕያው he was taking it easy on me
I have a strange question: Early jiu Jitsu practitioners in Mma only used rear naked chokes, triangle chokes, and arm bars, with all of the different techniques, omoplata, gogoplata etc. Why do you think they only used the four they used, is it possible they were instructed not to use others early in Mma (Ufc1-5, K1, Pride) Love your channel, keep up tue great Q&A's
Higher percentage submissions, and more basic the less things can go wrong and the easier it is to pull off the submission.
Also the ones that have higher success percentage are generally harder to escape from.
also because in mma you are being punched or elbowed while trying to pull off the submission,
these basics are awarded more points in (bjj) competition because of their dominance,
which in part, means a position where you can make progress, get into positions or submission with the least risk of being hit by strikes.
For example getting the opponents back and getting a rear naked choke means your behind them and at very close range so your opponent has virtually no chance of hitting u,
And triangle choke , uv controlled their posture and distance as well as their balance and one of their limbs so that minimises the risk of being hit.
You can still get hit from there but by taking away distance and balance your taking away their base for striking by removing the ability to create explosive power, leverage transition of body weight as well as the correct range thru distance of an effective strike.
Most hits u take if any, would be arm punches not power punches
In about a month I'll be 14 years a white belt!
Love CHEWJITSUUUUUUUUUUUU
Thank you.
Does it matter if the player is a competitive player vs self defense player. I know there is an overlap in both cases. I do believe that the master him self said that a blue belt will be able to take care of a bigger opponent that has not done Brazilian jujitsu. Beyond that I don’t know. I am a white belt with one stripe. Chew, where can I get one of your t-shirts, and where it during my next UA-cam channel? I always enjoy you content. Got along out of your teachings. 👍👍
For all my t shirts, blogs and courses check out chewjitsu.net/
I still think regardless of self-defense or competitive you have to find your game. Knowing a bunch of self-defense techniques will be garbage if you've never learned how to apply things during a roll.
All these people saying they are blue belts tapping the occasional purple belt and im over here still getting tapped by white belts. They are all 30+ pounds heavier than me that I get tapped by, but still, I get tapped by them. I get tapped by mostly all of the blue belts at my gym even when they are lighter than me. I've had my blue belt for almost two years now. I try to train 4 days a week. I definitely feel like a white belt still. Is that normal to some people?
Damn that sounds like a hard time man, did you ever get past the slump?
@@TraposaurusFlex mannnn I'm glad you brought me back to this because I didn't realize how far I've come from when I commented on this video! I've gotten a ton better and am tapping many of the blue belts at my gym now! Not that they're not good. Because they are all amazing, but I've come a long ways since I commented and I very much appreciate you making me realize that!
@@bryceolsen3527 That is so cool to hear man congrats on sticking it out and improving 💪
Thank you for this video, I greatly appreciate it. I've been into it for 9 months (2 stripe white belt). I'm going 4-5X a week. I like it but don't love it yet...I fight myself sometimes to go and other times I look forward to it. I personally think is my Ego because more often I get smashed and other times I survived...or rarely get someone to tap...My question...is this normal? not being in love with it yet? btw...the people at the academy are phenomenal and so are the instructors...just wanted to know if this was normal. Thank you.
People need to forget about their belt color and just train hard.
No thanks
With your logic I’d be a white belt, which I am still after 3 years
As well as training in bjj I also instruct in a striking martial art and I'm just curious as to if you have any tips to pass onto students about bringing people up with them because I really like that mentality of "we are getting really good" as opposed to "I am great" but im sure you've had asshole students too and it is difficult to teach them about respect (especially in striking i think) so do you have any words of wisdom to pass onto an inexperienced instructor
It’s funny when I don’t know a move someone is talking about I say let me see . And let them do it on me . But really it’s let me feel
I recently joined a school and at the school the worst guy is me and then theres another white belt with 1 stripe but he’s been coming here for 9 months. My instructor won’t give you stripes for shi 🤣
the part where you have to feel jiu jitsu is why gracie university online sucks
have you taken the courses? if you have a partner you can feel everything.
@@derwindominguez8216 The problem is 2 fold one not everyone has a partner let alone a partner who knows jiu jitsu. The second problem is your entirely used to one persons style there are many styles and body types and you have to compensate for every type when you go to a gym
If you don't have a gym available I guess it's better than nothing. But nothing will replace the training and experience had at a gym with a group and a well trained coach at the helm.
@@Chewjitsu I feel like youtube would be the choice then if there is no gym available but that's my opinion youtube doesn't charge a monthly rate and has a wealth of knowledge
@@bobbob4926 UA-cam is a random collection of techniques, not a system. Gracie university offers a system. That's a huge advantage gracie univ has over youtube. Gracie university keeps you focused at a curriculum/system.
Excellent!
White Belt: Crawl
Blue Belt: Walk
Purple Belt: Run
Brown Belt: Fly
Black Belt: JOHN WICK
What about toxic manipulative black belts and favoritism?
Concur it's an area that isn't talked about much. We all have our biases and such.
I'm at the, I suck real bad as a blue belt phase. It'll pass 😭😭😭
no Adam??
thumbdown! :D
I have been a blue belt for almost three years. I am 40. I can roll with anyone safely except maybe the 200 lb plus spaz (I am 171). I think I contribute positivity to the culture in the gym. I try to help people etc. Occasionally I submit higher belts.
Still stuck looking at this blue belt.
Its discouraging.
Where steel sharpens steel
Suggestion: don't exit without saving this video somewhere. You may want to see it again . . .
Love it
This is a big part of what’s wrong with jiu jitsu is these cult like critiques yes if someone is being harmful they need to leave but saying they need to be a leader they need to convert I’d never step foot in his gym for these reasons.
Am I coward for using headgear
Harinder Gill nah bro. I am a pharmacist and I’ve been wearing headgear to protect my ears for years. Nothing wrong with cauliflower ear but I’d rather not scare off my patients with them lol
Any headgear recommendation?
Someone actually cares about the belts????? Whaaat???? I suck at BJJ right but I've seen so many times judo black belts or good wrestlers come in and smash or submit purple or brown belts and they are technically white belts. It doesn't really work that way. Besides my coach promotes everyone at the same time in order not to discourage nor offend anyone which is worthless imo, so belts don't matter. What matters is your ability to win matches and to help other people that are worse than you. I can throw my belt into a garbage bin and be fine with that, it's just a piece of coloured cloth or whatever that thing is
Yeah, as a purple belt I was a complete monster at guard passing, taking back, and clock choking. I would literally use mount or knee on belly as a transition to back. I did not care about submissions from there. I had my thing and I knew how to do it.
👏🏻
Never be negative in the gym
Im on the 4th year of my white belt....Its my own fault as Ive found every excuse to not be consistent. Last night was my first class in 2.5 years, Worse last night than the day I left lol.....But I hope when I look back on this comment in a year I can laugh
How’s it going bro?
@@ynnkm8573 I went to 5 classes (mon & Wed) and "quit" again... :(
@@ynnkm8573I can take a guess lol
As iron sharpens iron student sharpens student
I like a lot of what Nick has to say here but I disagree on the whole "they're negative" thing. There is a lot and I mean ALOT of toxic positivity in jiu-jitsu. This whole "we're a family" bs for one. Yes, a family who pays to partake in an activity together that is mostly a hobby for the majority of them. What when they stop paying, no longer a family member? There are some cult vibes with things like that. Not everyone shits rainbows all day, some people are fantastic jiu-jitsu practitioners whether they do MMA or they have a desk job, that doesn't mean they should be required to fit a certain mold of personality trait expectations.
Bird's words ;)
Until Purple belt you are playing checkers after Blue you are playing chess
I can’t imagine trying to hinder my teammates progress. That’s pure EGO.
When I become a black belt students like this will be asked to leave
Then you got those pesky red boi grandmasters. No living grandmaster as of 2020 as far as I know. But damn what an achievement
Flavio Behring
Francisco Mansur
lm
he looks exactly like steven crowder
i am the only one who don't give a crap here ? he can be rainbow belt if he wants , let's roll
Violence can be used for good.
@7:50 I think the part about pulling people up with you is bullshit. Some people are busy and I don't get paid to be an instructor. I'm paying for a service.
The idea of pulling people up with you does not mean you become their instructor. I know, as a purple belt, when I roll with lower belts, when I see something that the white or blue belt is doing that could use adjusting, I explain it to them (if they are open open it). That could mean giving them tips on specific refinement to a technique to make them more effective. The end result is that they become more of a challenge when rolling with you, which improves your game. Also, when I roll with higher belts, I get the benefit of their experience and insight to help me move up as well.
@@Obliter8Dave That's you. Fuck that pay me. Otherwise, I got a woman and a son at home. I save my bandwidth for them.
Imagine if boxing also had a colored belt based rating system of all fighters. LOL #nogi