Wearing your 10th Planet Belt in a Gi Class at another School (Tristar)?

Hi folks,

I know that the consensus is that if you're belted from another school and come to 10th Planet then you're considered that belt. How do people generally feel about the other way around?

I haven't trained for a while (4 to 5 months or so) and I found an old coupon to go to Tristar for 20 classes for $20. Should I wear my blue belt if I go there? Since I don't train gi I'm a little worried of not representing 10th Planet very well. I've rolled in the gi less than a dozen classes.

Thoughts?

Also, doesn't Zahabi dislike 10th Planet? I might be fabricating that from fragments inside my terrible memory.

Thanks folks!

I feel that they are two different sports. It's like wearing ur bjj rank to judo

You should ask the instructor at the school you are visiting whether you should wear your 10th planet belt or not.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobSchwartz

You should ask the instructor at the school you are visiting whether you should wear your 10th planet belt or not.

---

This will prob be your best bet. Every instructor is different. In the past when I would randomly drop in to a gi school I would just rock the white belt. Honestly its just to hold your jacket closed anyways. To me a belt is just recognition to an accomplishment so even if you wear the white belt you know where youre at regardless

White beltch...unless your ego will simply not allow it. And don't rock the white belt, but then tell people you're really a blue belt, this is equally douchey.

I feel you should wear your belt, you are a blue belt regardless of school you got it at. Granted you may not be a blue belt level in gi chokes but you can still do no gi moves in gi and tap people. I tend to find the 10th planet blues I have rolled with are quite a bit better than the traditional gi blue belts. I think there is a higher expectation of what a blue belt is in 10th Planet than just BJJ.
If you are going to join the gym then ask the instructor what he would like you to do.

Wear the blue belt. You earned it, so wear it proudly. Just explain you havn't trained in the gi much as you're from 10th Planet. I highly doubt they will marginalise you for that.

There's a long winded discussion in our internal board about this.
It's just my opinion, and I've rolled with the likes of Marcel Lauzado, Sim Go, Mendes Bros., and a large number of brown belts in Gi(my gi experience is about 20 sessions, mind you, all with high level guys):
A belt is a belt. You gain a level of knowledge the higher you advance.

I do believe the games are very similar. If a guy were only to train in gi, then cross over to nogi, he'll have to adjust to the speed and different handles. The same is true on the flip side- a nogi guy crossing over to gi will have to learn grips, but can also use what he loved in nogi... The handles, overlooks, etc.

So when I go up against the highest level guys in gi, I feel if I learn something and they are not catching me, why can't I say my belt level is not the same in gi. I think it comes down to a mindset. If you are a blue belt then rep like you are. There will be bumps along the way transitioning over, but in the end a sub is a sub. Own your submissions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brent_littell

I feel that they are two different sports. It's like wearing ur bjj rank to judo

---

I agree. :)

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like there's lots of varying opinions on the subject. I've always been of the impression that they're two different sports but some people disagree. I suppose I could just ask the school. Problem is, I don't have a white belt, lol. Maybe I can borrow one (if the teacher's going to tell me to wear white).

Why aren't you training in 10p jj?

I would call or go down and talk to them, especially since youre gonna use and old coupon!

I'm not training because my funds are tight for the moment. Waiting for the wife to finish school and get a job. Worst comes to worst I'll just do kickboxing and boxing for two months.

Ahhh, yes: the ever elusive funds. I can relate to that.

You should get a second wife and have her get a job too!
:p

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ehsan_Karam

White beltch...unless your ego will simply not allow it. And don't rock the white belt, but then tell people you're really a blue belt, this is equally douchey.

---

Idk i went and trained somewhere (wont say where) and was forced to (this is embarrassing) wear the gi. I of course wore a white belt. When we rolled i did really well against their white belts (as a i should) then hung with and tapped most blues. It really really frustrated a few of them so when they approached me and asked my about my skill level and i told them i was a 10th planet blue they seemed to be a lot cooler about how our rolls went down. So it seems revealing being belted in 10th planet wasn't douchey it actually put minds at ease.

Everyone has their own mindset on how the belts transition. I find it similar to other arts (TKD vs Karate)...both very similar, but different in their own right. For example, I'm a purple belt in BJJ, but a blue belt in 10P. I don't feel as though I deserve a purple in 10P unless ranked by someone in 10P (my blue belt came from Derek Stewart) and want to make sure that I rep 10P/BJJ to the fullest; while not hiding the rank differences. Derek and I both agree that it is different, but share a lot of similar traits and techniques. I like that you can keep your rank for the most part when you transition, but I think the rank should not transfer so easily (BJJ black belts are brown belts in 10P until promoted). There's a definite lag in technique from BJJ to 10P just like there would be from 10P to BJJ. Unless you train both, then there should be a rank difference until justified. Respecting those differences, while keeping in mind the similarities (origin).

From my experience though, most 10P blue belts I've come across destroy BJJ blue belts any day of the week, then it evens out for the rest of the ranks depending on the skill levels of course. I say keep your rank in the end, because it does show that you've trained, but accept the fact that the two have a degree of difference that can be an advantage as much as a disadvantage depending on game being played.

Beltch is for holding up pants. Or for releasing over abundance of intestinal gasses.

If you're a blue belt in the gi, when you roll no-gi, you're still a blue belt. Why would it be any different the other way around? I know traditional, all gi schools, seem to think so…blah, blah, blah. There is no reason for the double standard.

I'd rather a guy represent himself honestly. All the belt represents is the amount of time you've been rolling consistently. The day I received my purple (How long ago? What time is it? HA!) I didn't roll any better then I did against blue's that would give me problems the day before that. No magic powers, still can't shoot fireballs out of my ass. When I'm a black belt those same guys will still be giving me problems. They'll still, hopefully, be just that half step behind me.

Represent yourself honestly. A blue belt from Eddie is just as good as a blue belt from any other black belt out there. Anyone that tells you different…well why train under someone like that? Even if it is convenient. I'd rather be able to look myself in the mirror and be proud then think I gave up what I worked hard for.

Another way to go when anyone asks where you got your belt from…Hold your head up high and say, "I got it from one of Jean Jaques Machado's Black Belts." When they ask which one then tell them Eddie Bravo. See if that makes a difference.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Matthew Edlund

If you're a blue belt in the gi, when you roll no-gi, you're still a blue belt. Why would it be any different the other way around? I know traditional, all gi schools, seem to think so…blah, blah, blah. There is no reason for the double standard.

I'd rather a guy represent himself honestly. All the belt represents is the amount of time you've been rolling consistently. The day I received my purple (How long ago? What time is it? HA!) I didn't roll any better then I did against blue's that would give me problems the day before that. No magic powers, still can't shoot fireballs out of my ass. When I'm a black belt those same guys will still be giving me problems. They'll still, hopefully, be just that half step behind me.

Represent yourself honestly. A blue belt from Eddie is just as good as a blue belt from any other black belt out there. Anyone that tells you different…well why train under someone like that? Even if it is convenient. I'd rather be able to look myself in the mirror and be proud then think I gave up what I worked hard for.

Another way to go when anyone asks where you got your belt from…Hold your head up high and say, "I got it from one of Jean Jaques Machado's Black Belts." When they ask which one then tell them Eddie Bravo. See if that makes a difference.

---

This!! Well said..
Here's food for thought. Let's say I got a black belt in gi, and never trained a lick of nogi. Then one day I discover nogi and fall in love with jiu jitsu without my gi. Can I still rank people even though I never intend to train in gi ever again? Or are you going to respect the belt I gave a person because in a black belt, regardless of gi?

i wouldn;t just because belts don't really matter. the only difference between belts is the dye in them.

Amazing that some people think that a blue under Eddie is somehow devalued. When for me, whenever I meet someone ranked under 10th Planet, I immediately think of them as being of a much higher level than the average BJJ student. It's literally the opposite to me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bradley

Whatever my rank under Eddie is would be my BJJ rank in the Gi too... So I say definitely wear your blue belt... I wouldn't train with anybody who didn't honor my rank under Eddie... I'd feel I was insulting Eddie if I downgraded my Jiu Jitsu rank when i trained in the Gi... When my friends that got their rank training in the Gi compete in IBJJF No-Gi tourneys they wear rash guards that match their Gi belt color, they don't downgrade themselves due to lack of No Gi experience... I would do the same if I competed in the Gi...
However, if you are a 10P blue belt under Louis "Street" Ho that equals Purple in the Gi...

---

Bradley knows his shit. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slick Rick

Here's food for thought. Let's say I got a black belt in gi, and never trained a lick of nogi. Then one day I discover nogi and fall in love with jiu jitsu without my gi. Can I still rank people even though I never intend to train in gi ever again? Or are you going to respect the belt I gave a person because in a black belt, regardless of gi?

---

Excellent point and perspective.

Yeah, I just really miss training. It's getting to the point where I'm choking out coworkers :P Not all of them appreciate it.

Thanks everyone for your answers.

Quote:

---

However, if you are a 10P blue belt under Louis "Street" Ho that equals Purple in the Gi...

---

Haha, that's quite the reputation to uphold. :p I miss the gym, Louis. I'll be back soonish.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slick Rick

There's a long winded discussion in our internal board about this.
It's just my opinion, and I've rolled with the likes of Marcel Lauzado, Sim Go, Mendes Bros., and a large number of brown belts in Gi(my gi experience is about 20 sessions, mind you, all with high level guys):
A belt is a belt. You gain a level of knowledge the higher you advance.

I do believe the games are very similar. If a guy were only to train in gi, then cross over to nogi, he'll have to adjust to the speed and different handles. The same is true on the flip side- a nogi guy crossing over to gi will have to learn grips, but can also use what he loved in nogi... The handles, overlooks, etc.

So when I go up against the highest level guys in gi, I feel if I learn something and they are not catching me, why can't I say my belt level is not the same in gi. I think it comes down to a mindset. If you are a blue belt then rep like you are. There will be bumps along the way transitioning over, but in the end a sub is a sub. Own your submissions.

---

Slick Rick is dropping science every time he posts.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Charlemange August K.

i wouldn;t just because belts don't really matter. the only difference between belts is the dye in them.

---

Yes. Buuuuuutttttt………...

The color of your belt shouldn't mater to anyone…but you. You earned it and someone who weathered the storm gave you the respect to allow you to wear it. You're rash guard is your belt. What rank you say you are is your belt. You're t-shirt, shorts, hell...bath towel…it doesn't matter what device is used to represent the respect you're instructor extends you.

When someone tries to take that honor away from you though. That's when the issue becomes an issue. That's when you get a grand opportunity to return the respect to your instructor. Eddie gives you the respect to wear one of his belts, defend it. It's part of his reputation. You personally are part of his legacy.

No one with a black belt says, "I'm a BJJ Black Belt." They say, "I'm a Pedro Sauer Black Belt. I'm a Relson Gracie Black Belt. I'm a Marcelo Garcia Black Belt. I'm a Renato Larange Black Belt (I'm gonna train under that guy one day)." Saying you're a 10th Planet Black Belt is saying you're an Eddie Bravo Black Belt. All of those guys (Eddie's Generals) hold their heads up high and say that proudly. Certified bad-ass! Ready to defend it. It should be the same for every rank. Defend that shit to the death!

You can see my name, rank and school clearly on here. Try and take that away from me and I'll kill you. It might be extreme loyalty, but it's loyalty proven. That's what matters. That is what's represented by the belts. It's not a device to hold your gi closed. It's a symbol to everyone that comes after you of the loyalty and dedication you have to have to earn your mentors respect. It's you're instructor telling you you're a good example for the next guy.

In the end, tangibly, it is just differently dyed lengths of cloth. Take it from whatever angle you want. But don't pretend when you got that colored length of cloth, you didn't stare at it and say "Holy shit!" Then tie it around your waste or hang it on your neck and look at yourself proudly in the mirror. You know you did. (Most of you were wearing clothes, some were naked. You naked guys are creepy. Stop being creepy.)

I think a point was missed. If your just working out there don't pretend to be a beginner and jack people. On the flip side what would you sign up for in a tournament.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mr Fantastic Shawn Murphy

Hi folks,

I know that the consensus is that if you're belted from another school and come to 10th Planet then you're considered that belt. How do people generally feel about the other way around?

I haven't trained for a while (4 to 5 months or so) and I found an old coupon to go to Tristar for 20 classes for $20. Should I wear my blue belt if I go there? Since I don't train gi I'm a little worried of not representing 10th Planet very well. I've rolled in the gi less than a dozen classes.

Thoughts?

Also, doesn't Zahabi dislike 10th Planet? I might be fabricating that from fragments inside my terrible memory.

Thanks folks!

---

Not too difficult a question.

For a gi to gi school, or no-gi to no-gi school situation, it is as follows:

1) If you are VISITING another school, you wear your rank... think about it, you are visiting, you are still on your original team, when you go back to your team, you are still your rank.

2) If you are JOINING another school, somewhere on the application, there will be a place that asks for your experience. You state that, and if there are any concerns, you talk to the instructor about it. But... fully expect that if you are not on par with the new schools students, expect to be demoted. Likewise, you can probably expect a new belt if you are on top of everyone. When at a new school that you have officially joined, you have to respect your (new) instructors judgement. It makes no difference who your old instructor was, Eddie, or otherwise, nor does it matter who schools who on average.

#######

Now for a no-gi to gi crossover or vice versa...

1) if you are just VISTING, I'd say wear whatever you are comfortable with, I would err on wearing your rank, cause that's what you are, but inform the instructor (or since you are in his/her school, just ask what you should wear - it's their place) of the situation. Most won't care since you are visiting, so you should expect to wear your rank, but in the meantime when meeting the other students, you simply say.... I train either gi or no-gi, as the case may be, and have little or no-experience in the other.

2) If you are JOINING a school, and doing a crossover, then for sure, then by all means, you should ask the instructor what to do, or reveal your experience like you are supposed to, and let them decide what to do your first day.

#####

In both number 2 cases, you should fully expect that the instructor decides what to do, even if you are a brown belt.... you may be asked to wear the white, until evaluated, or your current rank, until adjusted. Seen it plenty of times.

#######

For your Coupon situation. Coupons or promotions are given under the understanding that you are going to join the school. So I would err on the side of being honest... so that goes

1) if you plan to only train there 20 times and leave, you are a visitor trying to save some cash, in which case, me personally, I wouldn't do it. But if that is your plan, I suspect you will still have to fill out some form that asks about your experience, or the instructor will ask about your experience, you be point blank, tell them what's up, and go with whatever they say.

2) if you plan to use the coupon and are interested in training further, it's still the same thing. Especially since it's a crossover.

In the end, it doesn't matter if 10p white belts school other blue belts at other schools, or what the 10p policy is, you are walking into another academy, and the instructor there decides who wears what... but what I've written above is the general policy from all places I've trained at or visited. I don't train at a 10p place, but if I were to pop in with an intro coupon, I'd definitely ask, be point blank and ask the instructor what to do, and respect their decision. Maybe, I'm old school, lol. Even if I were a black belt in gi jiu jitsu and showed up to a 10p school to join, I'd do the same thing and have no problem reppin' the white until told otherwise, except for the fact that if I went to an IBJJF tournament, or something of that nature, you really aren't supposed to enter as a lower rank, so I would also discuss that with the instructor. On that note however, if you go from one legit school to the next, that isn't an issue...

i know some of the higher up guys at tristar, wont say exactly who told me cause he might see this, but they dont believe in giving belts out in no gi, so u might be better off showing up as a white. either way it doesnt really matter, but i think they are two separate sports. if you go enough you will probably get ur blue in gi too, just avoid the beaver tails.

I would ask the instructor. His house, his rules. (Yes, i am watching to much game of thrones :) )

I've actually heard of gi players going to other gi schools and the instructors said if you wanna get ranked, you gotta start all over under me. Hahahah! Kind of an "old school" mentality.

"start all over" but already alot of the no gi guys are so experienced you would get the same belt ranking pretty fast. i think thats what they do at gracie barra for no gi guys in montreal at least, you gotta start with their 16 week curriculum but if you are already experienced the promote you quickly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slick Rick

I've actually heard of gi players going to other gi schools and the instructors said if you wanna get ranked, you gotta start all over under me. Hahahah! Kind of an "old school" mentality.

---

Firas, lead coach of the gym OP is going to, demoted Miguel Torres to brown when he came to their gym. Or did Miguel demote himself?

I don't know. OP don't stress, its just a bluebelt. Even if you struggle in the gi, its not unheard of for whites to tap blues. And blue is an easy belt to grow into.