I feel like criticism of what is essentially a pyramid scheme is fair game. I have no idea why the instructors buy into it though. As far as I'm aware it depends on the place. Ivery read accounts that some people have left places after hating it. Everyone who is still "in" seems to be happy enough. Does just make it sound more cultish though doesn't it? I'vr also read rumours that people sign NDA's if they leave or something like that. Might just be a joke though.
I mean, if you can afford it, and like it. Then a cool, buy that branded gi. If you're sponsored, even better. To me, if it meets standards then £50 is about right. When you add patches etc, it comes close to about £80-100 a gi anyway. Although there is a Street Fighter themed one, I reeeeeally want. But if I get that, it wont be patched at all.
Access to gradings, (it takes a second degree blackbelt to grade a blackbelt) advanced instruction, access to rolling with high level competitors and help with marketing are the main reasons why people do it, as long as everyone gets something out of it it can be fine, unfortunately it often doesn't end up like that.
I'm happy with the organisation I'm with tbh. When I get my black belt my instructor will be 4th or 5th and we already have good relationships and also have the added extra of CSW affiliation. . I think the most annoying part will be keeping up to date with IBJJF and them recognising my rank. It's important for students who want to compete at international comps.
Often people have issues when they're original teacher passes away, or when theres been a big falling out, often its about money, cause Brazilians can sometimes be all about the money, and in the states BJJ is a big money maker, but less so in the UK, it's a complicated subject really.
Its all BJJ or really Kosen Judo in the real world. If you are doing BJJ or say you are, even though you might doing Judo then hey welcome to the UFC we market that stuff here, makes it to where the anouncer has less wazas to remember like 75% of it is Newaza so to convey easier to the audience. The Japanese Jujutsu community knows this too. Parents like the idea that there kid want get concussions from being thrown around “Nagewaza” and less Insurance for the Dojo in general. I really believe you present an illusion easier to new practioner other wise none as a novelty. Most Judoka are not fans of BJJ because its only a small part of Kodokan Judo. I mean you got all these patches like a indie 500 and only know Newaza with some Shimiwaza, give me a break.
Well the going joke is that BJJ means "Basically Just Judo" which is funny but not true really. It's it's own sport. If you don't like it that's up to you but don't try and belittle others and lie about it. It's not marketing, BJJ is linked to MMA but the vast VAST majority of people in BJJ have never done or even tried any striking arts or MMA.
Martin, are you a BJJ blackbelt? As your profile picture shows you wearing a BJJ blackbelt, but you dont seem to like it?
It is one of nine gi, yes absolutely not a lot of time in this Gi. Its only a few years old. You cant were gi with patches etc. In Judo it has to be pure white.
So why are you wearing a BJJ blackbelt in your photo, and on your website. US Bujutsu Kai - Martial Arts Lessons in Renton
Hi Martin On your site you have the following Blackbelt - September 1st. 1996. M.L. Holloway Yudansha Nidan certification is 96090119962 Judo/Aikijujutsu I'm curious what organisation Judo/Aikijujutsu is? Thanks D
"Karl Geis Kodokan Judo and Shodokan Aikido in Houston, TX. March of 1991, closely related to Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu." So aikido not DR. But also different dates.
Karl Geis seems to have a good reputation from what research I can see in judo. I have to say of all the experienced judoka, bjj, wrestling, sambo, mma i have trained with, they all recognise that it is not much the same, certainly crossover, and those who are experienced often look to cross train for that reason.