Golden Panther

Is "Submission Wrestling" just a catch all phrase for jiu jitsu, shootfghting, judo, etc. or is it an art all unto itself? I know a guy who teaches submission wrestling, but he studied shootfighting. He can't officially say he teaches shootfighting because it is a registered trademark and he's not affiliated with his instructor.

Not to mention there is Ju Jitsu (small circle, etc.) and Jiu Jitsu (Brazilian). Even within the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu there are many associations and styles (Machado, Carlson Gracie, etc.).

I know that it was invented here in the US. I haven't heard anything good about it though.

Why do you say that? What about the Florida based IHF?

You see that's the very thing I am referring to. This attitude of "if you don't have an outward deformity as a result of BJJ, you're not trying hard enough!" This is not the same as let's say hardened knuckles from punching the makiwara board. This is a permanent injury which requires corrective, and not always completely treatable, surgery. If BJJ wants to become more modern, the thought if their philosophy in what is hardcore needs to change. I don't need to get shot to be a good shooter, therefore, I don't need to get cauliflower ear to prove I am good at BJJ, Judo, Sambo, etc.

Why is it that these arts, which do a great deal of ground fighting, not use ear protection? You see many of the fighters who compete in these arts (especially BJJ) with cauliflower ear. I find that it's completely and easily avoidable if the proper equipment is worn when ground fighting. If amateur colegiate and high school wrestlers wear them, I think that BJJ and other similar styles should too. Comments...Opinions?

Does anyone on this forum have input into this question?

What is the BJJ answer to fighting multiple opponents? It seems that if I take one person to the ground in a fight, the other one or two guys is just going to pummel me. Since BJJ doesn't have that many standing techniques, I would say that it is probably deficient in this area.

I regress back to my earlier statement. It's not about giving away belts, it's about what the belt represents. In Asia, black belt is not a sign that one has the ability to kick everyone's a**. It is a sign that one has mastered the fundamentals and is then truly a BEGINNER. Even black belts in BJJ would not argue that they can beat every other lower ranking black belt or any othet belt rank for that matter. There are guys in the UFC who have no belt rank at all, but have studied and trained in MMA enough to beat black belts in other styles, including BJJ (ie. Tito Ortiz, Frank Shamrock, etc.). So I still say that being a black belt is not analogous to MASTER. It shows ones dedication to learning the art and their ability to further the art. Some of the greatest boxing coaches of all time would not have been able to beat Mike Tyson or Sugar Ray Leaonard even in their prime. But, they are excellent coaches and have an ability to teach the art of boxing. They are an asset to the sport. Would you say that they would not be the equivalent of a "black belt?" Would you also say that they shouldn't be entitled to it because they couldn't beat the best fighters even in their prime? Just a healthy debate...don't think I am picking on BJJ. There are many martial arts out there that I could say the same thing about. In all honesty, I am seriously considering taking BJJ.

I'm not anti-Brazilian or anti-anything for that matter. On the contrary, I have an incredible amount of respect for BJJ. Although, I am not sure how good BJJ would be in a fight with multiple attackers. I guess my impression has been that the BJJ schools I have been to seem more interested in getting you to sign up for their incredibly expensive private lessons, than anything else. Not to mention that their group classes are by far more expensive than any other style in the area. And don't tell me you get what you pay for, because I feel that alot of BJJ schools are banking on their name recognition. Sure the style has merit, but not only the rich should be able to learn BJJ in the US. The day that some BJJ black belt begins teaching at the local YMCA or starts offering more affordable prices for their lessons is the day I think BJJ will be better respected. Not all of us are movie stars making millions and can afford private lessons with Rickson Gracie and the like. Also, if skill associated with belt rank have no bearing, than why not make the incredibly skilled blue belt a black belt? Or better yet, have no belt system in BJJ at all?

Here's another question that's somewhat related. Should it really take someone ten years to get a black belt in BJJ or any martial art for that matter. A black belt does not signify "master." It merely says that someone has attained a certain level of profficiency and one is truly at that point beginning to understand the art. In Korea, after 1 year of training in Hapkido for 3 hours a day 3 days a week; a black belt can be obtained. In Japan, it only takes one year to reach a black belt in Aikido. It seems that westerners have the wrong understanding of what a black belt really signifies. Also, I think there is a money issue. American instructors are looking to benefit financially, where in Japan, most instructors volunteer there time for the good of the art. BJJ I think probably is hesitant to promote non Brazilians up the ranks quickly for fear of losing the identity and control of the art. I don't think skill level or time in grade have anything to do with it.

I believe the blue gi in judo is used merely to distinguish one team of opponents from another. I don't believe it has any status associated with it.

In the history of BJJ, has there ever been a female black belt? To my knowledge, I have never heard of one. Also, I believe the highest ranking non-Brazilian black belt in BJJ is second degree. Do you think the Gracie organization is purposely discriminating against others who are not Brazilian men who have an interest (ability) in climbing the BJJ ranks?

I have been interested for some time in taking Hapkido, but I am not sure what is the sanctioned Hapkido organization of the Korean government. I know the World Tae Kwon Do Federation is the one that is recognized in Korea as official for TKD. I've done some research and it still seems to be inconclusive. There is a school that has affiliation with the International Hapkido Federation and states that they are the governing body in Korea for Hapkido. Does anyone have any insight?