The black belt has always been a revered symbol in martial arts. Only the best and most committed individuals receive this high honor from a master. There are a number of requirements for this and, by tradition, juniors generally have to wait until they reach at least the age of 20 before they can get it.
Recently, Gunn Martial Arts in Maryland opted to do something that has caused quite a stir in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community: they gave two juniors their BJJ black belts.
The incident came to light via Mike Stewart Jr. from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Maryland-Columbia.
Thoughts?
Posted by Mike Stewart Jr. on Sunday, February 19, 2017
In BJJ, giving juniors their black belts is generally frowned upon. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) for instance, recommends that students not receive their black belt until they are 19. These are only recommendations, though, and very little can be done to stop instructors who decide not to comply with IBJJF rules.
Still, Professor Stuart felt the need to share his thoughts on the subject:
https://www.facebook.com/graciejiujitsumd/videos/vb.504550831/10155191486765832/?type=2&theater
Shaun Wilson one of the the instructors who gave out the black belts responded to Stewart, saying:
“Shaun Wilson Good morning everyone. I have read a lot of opinions and here is my (hopefully) last response. Yes Keith Jackson and I gave out two black belts to two kids that have been training with us for over 12years. YES we handed out the wrong belts (Our mistake). But this test was already happening and we were not going to just dismiss it. This was a 4 class test and the families were already involved. I do not regret giving them black belts but i do regret the type. As you see, I am not even wearing a BJJ belt. That is the belt that was promoted to me by Gary Burger at the BMAA and the style that i was taught that they have been training in for a long time. (also a Krav Maga Poster above my head and no comments lol) Now, since my martial arts has been questioned, here is one back at you. All of you who claim to teach Anti-Bullying please reflect on how you have acted on this thread. Whether you want to believe it or not, you are no better than the bullys themselves. Anyone of you could have contacted me or Keith Jackson and we could have easily have corrected this situation that has offended you. Believe me this was not our intent. But instead, lets try and rally everyone we know and have people attack people they dont even know. I guess this is the new era of anti-bullying? If that is the case, trust me i wish not to join in those ranks. Hell, if that is what it means then I will do away wiith any school patches or belts that represent anything other than what I teach. Also, if any of my students have chimed in in a retalitory fashion I appologize and will speak with them. This is not our way. For those of you that know me i wish you knew me a little bit better but I was wrong. Mike Johnson, I have always respected and appreciated what you have done. I would have thought and hoped you would have contacted me if this offended you. I truly thought we were friends. Mike Stewart said you were the one that got him started on this. If this is not the case, please contact me and I will apologize to you personally. thank you.”
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