A Black Belt Requirement; Fight in the Cage??

[bushido_man96]

I just wanted to throw this out there to see how much of a mix I can get in responses, and why everyone feels the way they do.

So, the question is, what would your thoughts be on making at least one "cage fight," or more appropriately, one MMA fight under the belt, a requirement to test for a black belt?

Now, notice I didn't say winning was a requirement, just competing in one fight. Let everyone's thought processes commence!

[MasterPain]

Wouldn't be the best idea for some styles, considering the lack of grappling, ect. However, for a style who tries for combative effectiveness and mentality, it wouldn't be a horrible thing. The cage is a great test of your ability to fight under pressure and while nervous- against someone who has prepared specifically to kick your butt. Another form of Shugyo.

That said, competition should be a matter of personal choice, in my opinion. Amateur mma events are not the environment for everyone. Why not just up the intensity at the gym and make them fight the high ranks?

[bushido_man96]

Thanks for the response, MP.

That said, competition should be a matter of personal choice, in my opinion. Amateur mma events are not the environment for everyone. Why not just up the intensity at the gym and make them fight the high ranks?

I can see this as a good idea, too. With that said, especially your last statement, if not an ammy MMA fight, what about some level of competition pertinent to the style?

Also, in regards to the MMA idea, I can see value in making a student go out and find the instruction they would need in order to compete in the MMA ring by rounding out their abilities; if they need ground experience, by finding that somewhere...perhaps like a high school student taking up Wrestling for a few years to gain some ground experience.

[MasterPain]

I can see this as a good idea, too. With that said, especially your last statement, if not an ammy MMA fight, what about some level of competition pertinent to the style?

I do see the value of taking a student out of their comfort zone, and while I wouldn't require competition, it's an instructor's choice. If a student is not willing to meet the requirements for black belt, I guess that just means that a black belt is not for everyone.

[ShoriKid]

It will also limit the pool of people who can look at a black belt with that requirement. Young males (16-30ish) are the only ones you're going to attract. Women and older men are going to look at that requirement and shake their head. Clearing the medicals for an MMA event might stop some as well, especially those pushing past the 30s.

If you are running a competition based school, very cool. Maybe a smoker would fit the bill for what you need as well. Same pressures without some of the issues above.

[DWx]

I agree with MasterPain in that it kinda depends on what the style is and what the style's goals are. And of course this wouldn't work with a weapons system I'd also question whether it is worth retraining yourself or spending time training specifically for this one fight before blackbelt? How about having it as a requirement for going 1st to 2nd dan? If you'd hope to be successful in this fight (against other amateurs?) you might have to spend time learning extra stuff to give yourself a well rounded game. Still I think that you should push your blackbelt candidates and having to get in the cage would be a great way to do this.

]That said, competition should be a matter of personal choice, in my opinion. Amateur mma events are not the environment for everyone. Why not just up the intensity at the gym and make them fight the high ranks?

I'd be more inclined to go this way. How about a 50 man kumite type challenge with the school's high grades?

We're not required to compete but we are definitely encouraged a lot. Even if you aren't going there to win medals, it's a great way of measuring your ability against others from different schools and really makes you train hard in preparation.

[sensei8]

Wouldn't be the best idea for some styles, considering the lack of grappling, ect. However, for a style who tries for combative effectiveness and mentality, it wouldn't be a horrible thing. The cage is a great test of your ability to fight under pressure and while nervous- against someone who has prepared specifically to kick your butt. Another form of Shugyo.

That said, competition should be a matter of personal choice, in my opinion. Amateur mma events are not the environment for everyone. Why not just up the intensity at the gym and make them fight the high ranks?

Solid post...I concur!!

[bushido_man96]

It will also limit the pool of people who can look at a black belt with that requirement. Young males (16-30ish) are the only ones you're going to attract. Women and older men are going to look at that requirement and shake their head. Clearing the medicals for an MMA event might stop some as well, especially those pushing past the 30s.

If you are running a competition based school, very cool. Maybe a smoker would fit the bill for what you need as well. Same pressures without some of the issues above.

These are all very good points to consider as well.

Thank you everyone, for the responses so far. Great responses!

[JusticeZero]

It's a bit like telling someone that they can never become a proficient baseball player unless they have been in a competitive football game, or telling someone that they cannot become a passable Kendo player unless they have been in a saber fencing match.

It holds the special pleading that MMA is a better ruleset; I don't agree. MMA has been evolving in its own direction. It isn't a bad direction, but it is a direction. It is no longer, and arguably never truely was, a perfect and unbiased test of skill for all takers. And it isn't the same direction as Karate.

Furthermore, MMA people take head shots. I am not willing to do anything where people hammer me in the head; i'm an academic, I live and eat based on having a highly functional brain, if I have to get punched and kicked in the head to advance then I don't care how good your skills are, i'm not sticking around.

[darksoul]

It's a bit like telling someone that they can never become a proficient baseball player unless they have been in a competitive football game, or telling someone that they cannot become a passable Kendo player unless they have been in a saber fencing match.

It holds the special pleading that MMA is a better ruleset; I don't agree. MMA has been evolving in its own direction. It isn't a bad direction, but it is a direction. It is no longer, and arguably never truely was, a perfect and unbiased test of skill for all takers. And it isn't the same direction as Karate.

Furthermore, MMA people take head shots. I am not willing to do anything where people hammer me in the head; i'm an academic, I live and eat based on having a highly functional brain, if I have to get punched and kicked in the head to advance then I don't care how good your skills are, i'm not sticking around.

^this. I completely agree with every word in this post.