The Faixa Preta — ALLDAYBJJ

We all begin our jiu-jitsu journey for many different reasons. For some, it is to learn how to defend themselves. For others, it is to stay in shape or to become a fighter. Whatever the case, in the end, we most always realize that jiu-jitsu is so much more. It is no longer a hobby, it is a lifestyle… and if you can be patient and diligent, you will make it to the black belt.

In an interview with Caio Terra about his jiu-jitsu journey, he talks about winning a prestigious championship in Brazil as a brown belt and was upset for not receiving his black belt. After not being promoted, he stopped training and lost his desire to compete. His instructor saw this and told Caio to prove himself and enter a competition one weight higher against the world champion to test himself. He registered Caio and made him do it. His instructor brought all of the students to watch because he was confident that Caio would lose. At the podium in second place, Caio was promoted to black belt. He didn’t want to get a black belt when he lost because he had won everything in the past. He asked his instructor why he would promote him now when he had all of these other “happy days.” His instructor said, “I never trained you to be a champion. You are a champion because you dedicated yourself to it. I trained you to change people’s lives like jiu-jitsu changed yours. I am promoting you to black belt because your jiu-jitsu has helped so many people at the gym. It’s time for you to change people too. And if I promoted you in one of the days that you won, you would just think that you are just getting promoted because you are a champion. And I wanted you to see that I’m promoting you because it’s time now for you to become a teacher. If you are going to be a champion one day… great, you’re going to have to pass the right message to others.”

A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a coveted thing. An estimated 2% of all BJJ practitioners have made it to the black belt level. But what does it really mean to have a black belt in BJJ? Here is what some people think a black belt means to them:

“A black belt is someone who is a role model that leads by example. I know it’s not common, but I find it pretty humbling when the black belt instructor still warms up with the class. One who rolls with their students so they can learn through experience. One who can teach a technique or game catered to all different types of bodies/physiques/personalities. I mean that they should be well rounded and can help everyone develop at their own pace.” – white belt

“A black belt means to me that you understand the path that everyone at a lower belt is taking. They are strong and kind in the same breath. Patient and willing to share the art with anyone who walks through the door. They should embrace what Jiu-Jitsu represents, community.” – white belt

“A black belt means to me, that the person is mentally strong and has dedicated a huge chunk of their life to something that most people will never do. A black belt should exude confidence without ego. Humble, and a positive role model in their academies and communities.” – blue belt

“A black belt should embody confidence without ego, humility and patience. They should respect everyone.” – purple belt

“I’ve asked two of my friends who are doctors if they would be more proud of becoming a doctor or becoming a black belt and both told me without question their black belt. A black belt in jiu-jitsu is one of the hardest and most rewarding things in the world. A black belt shows you’re committed, tenacious, loyal, hard working, a student, teacher, and leader. “ – brown belt

Not all black belts are created equal. But if you are on the path to black belt or already are one, there are some standards that you should hold yourself to – not just what you can prove on the mat, but in every aspect of life because, after all, you are someone’s role model.