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Written by Carlos Valente |
 Can you get your black belt in three years? Well ... maybe!
I always say that anything is possible; however, the problem comes when people have the wrong expectations. Or, even worse, miss the whole point completely.
I was fortunate enough to learn jiu-jitsu directly from the source-the Gracie family. Brazilian or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has never been about money, belt-test scams or a false sense of ability. If you ask any good instructor, he will tell you it takes about 10 years to earn your black belt. Recently, I've heard of people claiming that you can get your Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt in three years. I believe this type of promise is misleading and goes completely against the essence of the art.
A Complex Process
In the approximately 80-year history of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, there have been many phenomenal jiu-jitsu artists. There have been some who have earned their belts in considerably less time than 10 years. These people may have an extensive martial arts background and/or tremendous physical gifts, and still it takes them about six years. Be very wary if someone promises you that anyone can earn his belt in a very short time.
The reason it takes so much time to become a black belt is because it's a very complex process. You must learn the art, understand it, adapt the art to yourself and train your body so that it becomes a natural skill. Some people think BJJ is just the technique, but really it's the technique and the training!
The reason BJJ has been so effective in reality fighting is because BJJ practitioners are some of the best trained. Do you truly think you can win the Olympics by reading a book or training for a couple of years? In fact, many good BJJ purple belts know just as many techniques as a typical black belt, but it doesn't make them a black belt; it's the years of mat time that turns them into a true black belt.
Think About It
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is one of the most respected black belts, and let's keep it that way. Would you respect a BJJ belt if you knew that a simple three-year contract at any local dojo would earn you a black belt?
These types of scams are from people trying to take away the meaning of the art and turn it into a business for their own benefit. If you think otherwise, then I recommend saving three years of your life and going down to your local martial arts supply store to buy a $12.99 black belt. It will mean about the same!
He Is Here
Carlos Valente runs an academy in San Diego, California. Following is how to get in touch with him.
- Name: The Valente Academy
- Address: 9888-G Carmel Mountain Rd., San Diego, CA 92129
- Phone: (858) 538-8688
- Web site: www.valenteacademy.com
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