Is Jiu Jitsu For Everyone?

[chronic_jiujitsu]

As much as I like the idea that everyone can get their black belt if they try hard enough.. I dont think its necessarily true. I know people personally who just dont seem to have the mental capability to ever be fluent in jiujitsu. Just like not everyone can master chess. I think everyone can get better/grow.. but to really MASTER jiujitsu (reach Black belt level).. I think that genetics plays a role. Though I will say that I think MOST people can reach those elite levels if they put the time in.. Theres a decent chunk of the population that I feel literally just doesnt have it in them. I have a passion for music, I would love to be able to sing/rap at the skill level of some of my favorite artists.. but I know logically thats not actually going to happen. I just dont have the voice/lyrical intelligence to reach that goal. I have the passion.. just not the means. I think its the same way with jiujitsu (Or any sport really).. Some people are going to pick it up easily, and its going to come naturally.. Others will just have to settle with being the best they can.. which might be that of a purple belt. Especially when they get started late.. If you lack mentally and have a hard time grasping the concepts of jiujitsu.. and add to that 40 years of getting older and no former knowledge of the art.. Its realistically not going to happen. But thats just my 2 cents.. for all I know everyone can be a black belt if they want, ive been wrong before :P

[Josh Passini]

Surely this guy is the exception rather than the rule, though?

Totally

[Mark Holloway]

Hey Chronic, I respect your post but I have to respectfully disagree. If you want to sing/rap you go train, don't judge yourself based on where you are now and say you can't logically do it. You can if you apply the right principles over time. Other than physical or mental limitations that would prohibit someone from accomplishing every day tasks in life, I don't see how someone could be born to not be good at Jiu Jitsu but be good at some other sport if they were training equally as hard at either one. It may take longer to reach your goal in one over the other, but I don't believe there is something blocking a person's capability if they apply the right principles. Jiu Jitsu is a skill and people achieve different skill levels by training (using the right principles). Repetition improves those skills. What gets in the way is either some physical handicap/injury or just mentally giving up inside and getting weaker (aka immobilized) rather than growing. If you're not growing you're basically letting go. The same applies to singing.

[Josh Passini]

I feel that if someone wants something bad enough they will make the dream a reality. For others it is just not important enough to them to drive them to make it happen. With anything in life not just jiu jitsu. You want something you make it happen. The real problem lies with not wanting to put the work in to make it happen. Sacrifices, Money, Family all that shit gets in the way but if you want it you figure out a way.

[Brandon Mccaghren]

I think the heart of the matter lies in whether or not you believe Jiu Jitsu to be more MARTIAL or more ART. Your understanding of what a Black Belt will be (or should be capable of) will be heavily influenced by this philosophy.

[David Rosado]

I agree with MarkH's Jacare example. One is a killer in competition. The other excels in teaching. The latter may not be able to hang at the elite level, but Jacare recognizes that the man knows his stuff at a high level.

I started BJJ at the age of 29. If I'm able to stay consistent, I'll probably be a blackbelt by the age of 40. Halfway through that journey, it's not likely that I'll be able to keep up with the Galvao's of the world. So should I not get the rank I poured my life into cuz I can't get golds? I guess that's up to my instructor. But I would be devestated to know that I couldn't reach my goal because of that.

[Kurzy]

I'm a 39 year old 10thP noob, just started, and I too fully intend to earn my black belt some day.

I think anyone could learn and do Jiu Jitsu effectively, and achieve a black belt, barring some sort of physical or mental disability. It comes down to dedication and reps. Drill drill drill. If anyone is willing to put in the time and elbow grease, I think a BJJ black belt with the accompanying skill set is attainable. Practicing only 2 nights a week is going to make the process take longer, but it won't make it impossible!

One thing I'm noticing in this thread is that people are looking at the Black Belt as the end game. IMO, Black Belt is the beginning. (based my experience with other forms of martial arts) It's where you start learning the more advanced techniques, and refine your existing techniques, working towards Dans/Degrees. All the other belts leading up to 1st dan are preparatory.

I am not saying that Colored belts are lacking in skill or technique by any means. What I am saying is, IMO the colored belts are where you learn and lay your foundations, and refine techniques, and master basics. Black Belt is where you take that solid foundation and mastered basics, and take them to another level.

At least, that is my opinion on it as it applies to other Martial arts. 10thP is so new and still in its infancy, that it might be the anomaly to that viewpoint. One thing I really like about 10th Planet so far, is that all the people who are being awarded Black Belts are capable killing machines that deserve that belt level. I haven't seen belts being handed out to people that don't deserve them, and I hope it stays that way because every promotion will mean so much more.

[/ramble]

[David Rosado]

Of course you dont take it away. The question is, can you 'become' a blackbelt at 40?

I think its def possible. But, that old man will be a badass. All Im sayin..

Good point. I agree. It's possible. But it's not possible for a black belt to NOT be a badass. In some way shape or form, the man getting his BB, regardless of age, will be a badass.

Speaking of all this, I recall hearing that John Danaher has never competed. Isn't he a black belt?

I get emails from a BJJ black belt that has given 50-70 year olds thier black belts, so obviously it is possible under certain instructors, but is it legit?

If the instructor believes it's legit, it's legit. Ultimately, the belt is given at the instructor's discretion based on the instructor's philosophy. Like Brandon said, you either believe more in the martial or the art.

Just to clarify, I never said to be able to tap or compete with, just demonstrate.

And part of being an elite belt is working with and around your limitations and injuries to the point that all lower belts wont even be able to tell on account of they're bein smashed. And other higher belts will recognize his demeanor, timing, pressure, technique, etc.

Agreed. If a person isn't working to improve around his limitations, then he isn't working hard enough. If he isn't working hard enough, he's not likely black belt material.

[Brent Smith]

Can someone who begins jiu jitsu at age 40 for the purpose of getting in shape ever hope to reach Black Belt? Even if the guy is a genius in theory and philosophy and is the best teacher of all time, after 10 years passes this dude is gonna be 50 years old. It's unrealistic to think that he'll be tapping out 21 year old Black and Brown Belts (and even Purple Belts in some cases) that train for competition every time he graces the mats.

Can this guy ever be a Black Belt? I'm ok with either answer; I feel like I understand both perspectives. Just curious as to everyone's thoughts.

Not every black belt is going to be equal. Some purples might even be better than this hypothetical older gentleman but I think the importance is being able to pass on your knowledge of proper technique to anyone. I dont think he needs to be stomping all the lower belts each time out to prove hes a black belt. If youre dedicated enough to stick around for 10 years then youre gonna have a pretty extensive knowledge

[Chris Herzog]

Obviously this is my opinion. I feel everyone has the potential to achieve a black belt, and each individual will have their own battles to conquer to obtain it. However it’s whether or not they can tune in to the proper frequency that will allow them to tap into that potential. So many factors come into play: training consistency, age, injuries, recovery, the right partners and more importantly the right guidance. There’s an invisible frequency, sensitivity, awareness, the force call it what you want to Jiu Jitsu, If you're tuned in age, physical limitations, etc. are just obstacle that can be overcome. Remember Black Belt isnt a destination its a way point on an on going journey, and for many is just the start.