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The teacher at a BJJ school has offered to allow me in the class for $49/month (3 classes per week) as long as I pay the $99/month (their normal rate) when I can afford to pay it (once I graduate or whatnot). My only concern is that he only has a blue belt in BJJ (and a black belt in TKD). Is it worth taking a class that a blue belt is teaching, being that blue belt is the first belt after white? Is this a common practice?

Thanks!

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YES! I'm glad you brought this up! BJJ is one of the few martial arts left where having a belt lower than black is actually worth something. Not to demean TKD blackbelts, but there are lots and lots of them. Same for TSD in my area. Combined with the fact there are so many McDojos, a TKD blackbelt has less value than a BJJ BB. NO OFFENSE to TKD or TSD practitioners. If you worked truly hard for your BB and earned it with your sweat, blood, and tears, I have the utmost respect for you. But you can't help the fact that there are so many TKD black belts, nor the fact that so many of these BBs earned their belts in just a couple years. You even see 12 year old kids with them!

There are far fewer BJJ black belts. From what I've seen, it often takes 10 years or more to earn a BJJ black belt. It's not just time, either. Because all-out grappling is such an important part of BJJ, YOU CANNOT HIDE LACK OF SKILL! There are no excuses, like "Well, in a real fight he wouldn't expect it" (which sometimes is a viable excuse but I'd rather not have to guess at what my opponent expects or not).

It is an honor to be a BJJ blue belt. Instead of looking a belt color, ask him about his expierience.

And, finally, 50 bucks a month is bargain pricing for BJJ. Even if the quality of the instruction is not top-notch, you're not really paying top price either.

Three more points:

1. He has a TKD black belt. His total martial arts expierience goes far beyond just his BJJ blue belt.

2. He cross-trains. This is a good indication of openmindedness, something you want in an instructor.

3. He lowered his price to fit your financial situation. That might indicate he's a decent guy who's flexible and accessible, other characteristics you want in an instructor.

Good luck, trust your gut!

If it works, use it!

If not, throw it out!

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Yes It's ok to learn from a blue belt is he is legit. It is not that uncommon in BJJ. but as others suggested maybe ask about his experience and how long he has trained bjj.

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Philadelphia is a hot spot for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

What suburb of Philly do you live in? Is it located north or south of Philly?

$99 a month for 3 classes a week doesnt look TOO bad, but bear in mind that the skill level varies incredibly between blue belts, which means he may not have the tools to teach you the basics.

Im almost certain we can find a black belt (or minimum brown belt) somewhere around you.

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my teacher is also a 3rd degree black belt in tkd, and a blue belt in bjj, he is insane, takes soo many years to become even a blue belt in bjj, he has won all kinds of belts and awards. should not be a problem

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It all depends. If he is a good techical teacher and good on the ground and you enjoy the instruction and feel you are learning from him. Go for it. Like the points Useoforce put out. He is open minded and also help adapted the monthly payments to your financial situation.

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I agree - just double check his background and find who he got his black belt from.

But he seems genuine and not overly interested in the money - means he is in it for the love of it - not the money!

And as for just being blue belt - what are you?! (not meant offensively) I'm guessing you are a total BJJ beginner - so he can teach you something. Remember that Sensei isn't necessarily a black belt - it means "one who came before"!

Good luck buddy!

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First of all, 50 bucks to learn form someone who doesnt know everything, is not that great a deal....

you might be taking incomplete BJJ material....

Insuficient training on his part- but it is 50 bucks...

Take it

<> Be humble, train hard, fight dirty

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