IBJJF has "time-in-rank" requirements in order to be recognized and to be able to compete in their events. It's a big money grab. First, your instructor must be certified by the IBJJF as a 2nd-degree black belt, which costs about $500-$700, as you must 1. pay for the certificate (~$400) 2. attend and pay for an IBJJF rules event ($100) 3. take CPR training. 4. actual yearly membership Second, you yourself as a black belt must pay the above plus extra "new "membership" processing fee. Eddie is not IBJJF certified, but Geo was going to do it through Jean Jacques Machado. He started the process but was told he did not meet the "time-in-rank" requirements to get to black belt. In other words, he could have participated but only as a brown belt. LOL (There's a minimum amount in each rank that you must remain in before you are acknowledge to be promoted to the next belt.) There are no exceptions; which is strange b/c at any other sport, when you get "called up" to the majors, you get called up.