Thought on paying for grading

[NameLikeNoOther]

They are not private lessons, it's a group of people paying to be evaluated to see if they can get their blue belt. We have to know 2 of almost everything like passing the guard, submissions from guard ect and its gotta be crisp. But there is a "seminar" before whatever that means. To me a private lesson is one on one and that's not it if that's what your thinking.

I totally get what your saying that its about learning but after 3 years and 2 months (with 1 month because I moved back to quebec and didnt have a job + 1yr and a half break because of dislocated elbow elbow was still hurting until a year has passed, i thought JJ was done for me than I said fuck it, im going back to JJ since it was in Judo (for 3 month) where i got a dislocated elbow.

As for why don't I only pay for the grading? because its both the seminar and grading or nothing, you can't just go to one of them and pay less or whatever.

Sounds like what you really need is to hop on the Autobus Voyageur and head to 10thPlanet Montreal as often as possible. Maybe get a part time job at a bar or restaurant in Montreal so after your training session you can work and pay for your trips and have some fun while you are there. Just a thought.

[Andrew Sarasin]

good point, I guess I didn;t explain myself well enough. This is what I left out. Training JJ with the Gi sometimes can be frustrating because a lot of times they are gi oriented which do not translate into no gi. I am interested in the seminar just not interested enough to pay 70$ for it when I'de rather have someone like Louis Ho for that price for example. If I'm going to pay for a seminar I'de pay for it by a 10 p guy or maybe no gi guy. I didn't go to the last seminar 2 months ago, instead I said fuck it I'de rather support Eddie and bought a 10p with rashguard. I probably come across as a guy caring more about my rank than learning JJ, hope I don't come off that way.

I understand that you would feel grossed out by your gym asking you $70 just to be allowed to try to get belted, but the way I see it, it's not the case here.

You pay $70 for a day/event comprised of a belt exam and a seminar by one of the top MMA trainers/instructors. The fact that you're not interested in attending that seminar does not change the fact that the "offer" includes it. You definitively get more for your bucks than just the opportunity to try and get a new belt.

And since you're going to be there anyway for the exam, why not also attend the seminar? I know I would. Would probably even care more about the seminar than the exam if I were in your shoes.

[Andrew Sarasin]

thx for the info. I'm glad u agree with me on that point. The way I look at it as chasing belts is by earning it, and that's exactly what I want to do, compete and get those reps in. I even want to teach a no gi class one day, I cant do that as a white belt.
Thx for your response.

The way it works in our gym is everyday on the mats is a test for your belts. Eventually over time your mat hours add up, and your skills get better, and you become the belt you earned. Going to a seminar to get a belt that you essentially paid for is kinda bush league, I understand for ronins in our system (Different Story), but to train at a school, and then go to a seminar at that school, and pay 70 dollars to get graded is kinda silly in my opinion. Your belt should be earned 150% before you even get it. But thats strictly my opinion. Chasing belts does nothing for you, I'd say all the tournaments except the IBJJF you enter with years of experience/mat time, rather than a belt rank. Just keep on Keepin on.

[Andrew Sarasin]

Local instructor doesn't grade at our school for some reason. thx for the advice though, Ill think about it.

Why get ranked by a teacher who does not know you(r abilities)? Get ranked by your local instructor. In case you do not have one, a seminar will not give the visiting teacher enough time to test your skill set anyway. There are plenty of schools you can visit to get tested for free; just spend enough time there for the instructor to be able to accurately rank you.

[Andrew Sarasin]

because he's twisting my words..

LOLOLOL. I didn't even look at it from that point of view

[Chris Herzog]

because he's twisting my words..

How an I twisting your words?

As and instructor, why would he evaluate you if you weren't willing to learn from him? That make absolutely zero sense. $70 for a seminar with a trainer of word champions and you aren't willing to part with it, but you are willing to take a belt rank from him.

No matter how you try to "twist" it , you want something from him, but your not even willing to learn from him. That's shady dude.

Also by you logic since I'm a 5th Degree black belt in Judo, and 2nd Degree Black belt in Shingitai Jijitsu (which is judo,sambo and bjj) and a certified Sambo instructor I guess I'm a Black Belt in BJJ as well. WTF was I thinking wasting all my time trying to earn a BB in 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu when I all ready had one in BJJ.

[Andrew Sarasin]

What I dont understand why doesn't he get ranked under BJJ? He is the one giving classes for it. seems weird that the guy preparing for your bjj belt is a guy who doesn't have a bjj belt, but from what I c and hear is that he knows his stuff really well and hopefully one day he can earn the right to grade us.

If he is not ranked in BJJ he is not qualified to rank you in BJJ. Doesn't matter if the art he practices is a combo of arts or not. It's not BJJ.

[Chris Herzog]

What I dont understand why doesn't he get ranked under BJJ? He is the one giving classes for it. seems weird that the guy preparing for your bjj belt is a guy who doesn't have a bjj belt, but from what I c and hear is that he knows his stuff really well and hopefully one day he can earn the right to grade us.

Seems like someone else is trying to cut corners as well.

[Andrew Sarasin]

What sucks is that its the only way to get your belt, pay 70$, get evaluated (and seminar) and maybe you'll get your belt.

Its not: coach sees you're improving, technique is good, seems like he's doing extremely well with white belts, blue belt quality to me, I'll give his blue belt.

I just wanted to know what people thought of the whole process and what their experiences are like.

I used to train at a gym that would automatically give people blue belts when they paid for their 2nd year's membership.

In other words, if there was a promotion ceremony on the 366th day (after you first joined the gym) - you were gonna get your blue belt (you just had to attend a minimum number of classes to fit "the criteria"). People who were freakin' awesome were only going to receive their blue belts on that specified day, and people who sucked ass received their belts on exactly the same day. The same rule applied to everyone - Pay for that 2nd year, get a blue belt at the very next promotion.

I though that was idiotic, and left after 365 days.

Finally got my blue (at my current gym) a whole lot later, but lemme tell ya - it sure as heck meant something. Plus, I can safely travel around the country and have fun rolling slow with any white belt, knowing that I'll tap them more than they'll tap me (which is important cuz you don't want your ego to get in the way, thinking you have to go ape shit crazy when you're rolling with lower belts, just to "protect your rep").

[Andrew Sarasin]

If I were single dude, I'de do that
My wife thinks im crazy enough as it is about JJ and that;s coming from a person who is going to be a psychologist soon lol:P

Sounds like what you really need is to hop on the Autobus Voyageur and head to 10thPlanet Montreal as often as possible. Maybe get a part time job at a bar or restaurant in Montreal so after your training session you can work and pay for your trips and have some fun while you are there. Just a thought.