Belts in Jiu-Jitsu.
I recently received one of my greatest honors: The second stripe on my white belt…
Okay, I know it’s not much.
It means a lot to me though, considering I’ve only ever had one other promotion.
They say your greatest “promotion” is the moment you walk in those doors on your first day of Jiu-Jitsu. By they, I mean most instructors and experienced practitioners.
The elevation from civilian to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist.
I most definitely agree with them as many others would, but for the purpose of this article I will focus on the aspect of belts in Jiu-Jitsu.
At the moment (as a white belt), I feel that the stripes do mean something. The difference between a one stripe white belt and a four stripe white belt is surprisingly astronomical. Especially in a case like mine, where I got the first stripe on my white belt after just two months (I joined the academy with odd timing in regards to promotions).
Once you reach blue and beyond, I would say the stripes matter much less. At least to the person wearing them.
At that point it’s more of a time marker. In fact, I’m not even sure if my Professor does stripes on the brown belt at all. You must spend at least 3 years at the brown belt level in my academy.
Anyway, I do know now that every other promotion will fall short of the last, even though the culmination of your efforts are supposed to feel like more.
Each promotion signifies that you’re getting better, which is typically true. Yet I’m afraid that the novelty will soon wear off.
Look at the belts in Jiu-Jitsu objectively
They symbolize a badge of commitment. Proof that you’re putting in the work, that you’re putting in the time.
Hours on the mat equals money in the hat.
Look at belts in Jiu-Jitsu literally
It’s just a piece of fabric that holds your gi top together. Simply a white woven belt with a few pieces of athletic tape wrapped around.
A glorified kimono closer.
As a two stripe white belt, when I think about the real promotions; blue, purple, brown, and black, it looks quite daunting. Ten seconds to list them all but ten grueling years to complete.
At the end of the day, promotions represent how you look to others and how you’ve fought against yourself.
Professor recently said the other day, since tis’ the season of promotions:
“You’re all gonna be black belts eventually, so these promotions don’t really matter.”
Fully knowing that only a tiny percentage of us will truly achieve that rank.
If you asked me to be honest, I’d say I can tell who it will be amongst the training room.
If you asked me will I get there myself, I would certainly answer that I cannot tell.
Originally, when Jiu-Jitsu was created by Master Helio and his family; everyone wore the white belt. No stripes, no nothing. I can understand the uniformity of it all, but I do like the way it’s done now. I think the modern human can benefit from a little recognition.
I can admit that promotions keep me going in the tangible world, although I do thrive in the intangible one.
That is where I believe we should fight. Intangibly against ourselves and tangibly with one another, simultaneously.
Now go train Jiu-jitsu!
Thanks for reading! If you have a question leave a comment, I will respond!
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