Question

[Dave Bryan]

I am currently training at a school with a Blue Belt as the instructor with Purple belts that come in and help from other teams. But I also know of a place alittle further with a black belt teacher. Will training with a blue belt affect my future int he sport as in rank time and learning?

[johnnyP]

Depends.


The blue belt could be a better, more natural teacher, than the black belt. But obviously you will not progress as far under a blue belt (can they even promote to their own level?).

If you like the guy you train w/ now I would say stick w/ it. And if the time comes for you to progress beyond his ability/rank to teach then you could go elsewhere.

But if you just started out and don't particularly care if you stay, and if the black belt's school isn't too much of a pain to get to, then go right ahead and move.

[Ghosted3]

Question for you, does the blue belt still train under someone else? If he is progressing as well than it may not be a problem at all. Though ranks are nice, sometimes its nice to have someone who teaches well rather than someone who performs well.

[Dannicus]

I learned everything I know about technique from my instructor. He is a purple belt. There was a Pedro Sauer Black Belt about 15 miles furthur down the road. I wouldn't have changed anything. My instructor is very technical, he's no nonsense, and can teach very well. You can still learn from him if he is a good teacher.

There are other factors than belt color: Quality of instruction, gym cost, location, atmosphere of the school. Class sizes (Are you just another number? Or do you get personalized instruction as well?

If he fits, he fits. And if he is decent he will be improving as well, by the time you get to blue belt level, he very well could be a purple belt.

[Otto]

Dave, do you enjoy training with the guy? (and the occasional purple belts?) Are you learning? Learn what you can where you are. (I've been learning from blue and purple belts for years) When your technique equals theirs, or you can submit them more than they can submit you, move on.

[Dave Bryan]

I do like the place and it's not just him there are other instructors that come from other schools and teams that help instruct and I'm guessing that is where promotion will come in.

[younwha]

Why don't you go to the Black belts school once or twice, get a feel for it. You know don't lie when you show up, tell him you train somewhere else and you just want to get a feel for it, or that you just want to roll with some different people. People like honesty and being humble, especially martial art instructors.

Fact of the matter is your instructor may be 100 times better as a teacher than the Black Belt, you just never know. I've seen Brown Belt karate instructors that are SOOO much better than Black Belts. Sometimes lower ranks look more into detail because they want to make sure they make no mistakes. I know when I teach - because I'm a new BB (not BJJ only white belt in that) I make sure to be very specific about technique, while some of the much senior ranks in the area are not as focused on it.

Expose yourself. You never know whats out there till you try it. I always thought no gi would be a walk in the park... and then I got destroyed. So if you don't try you won't know. You have to search for the answer yourself my friend. :D

[Dave Bryan]

Why don't you go to the Black belts school once or twice, get a feel for it. You know don't lie when you show up, tell him you train somewhere else and you just want to get a feel for it, or that you just want to roll with some different people. People like honesty and being humble, especially martial art instructors.
:D

Yea that's what I am planning on doing. I mean the Blue Belt I train with now isn't new to teaching I mean he also has 1st Dan Shotokan Karate, 1st Dan OKKF Kenpo, 1st Dan OKKF Kobudo, Black sash in Shing-Yi Chuan. So hes no stranger to teaching.

Like I said there are also higher ranked trainers who come in from other schools that also help instruct.

[Ryan]

I would ask his blessing in the future when you plan on getting a new belt if he mind you testing with another instructor. Tell him you want to come back and help teach and help others advance as well.

[Dave Bryan]

I am definitely going to try the Shark Tank out (The Black Belt school) I'm sure I can figure something out.

[Mdrnsamurai]

The obvious answer would be to travel further and attend class with the Black Belt Instructor, However the this also depends on certain factors that effect all BJJ schools. Seldom do Black Belts teach beginners, normally you can learn very strong basics from a Senior Blue Belt or Purple Belt before there becomes a need for moving onto more advanced moves and techniques.

Now the honest answer. If you are happy where you are, and still progressing then stay there. The grass is never as green as it appears, and it can be really tough to find a real home in BJJ. Jiu Jitsu shouldn't be about what rank you are, but more about how much training you are doing.

The only real difference between a Black Belt and a White Belt is time. Rank does give you great technique, great technique gives you Rank.

Train Hard, Stay Safe,
Good Luck

[Dave Bryan]

The obvious answer would be to travel further and attend class with the Black Belt Instructor, However the this also depends on certain factors that effect all BJJ schools. Seldom do Black Belts teach beginners, normally you can learn very strong basics from a Senior Blue Belt or Purple Belt before there becomes a need for moving onto more advanced moves and techniques.

Now the honest answer. If you are happy where you are, and still progressing then stay there. The grass is never as green as it appears, and it can be really tough to find a real home in BJJ. Jiu Jitsu shouldn't be about what rank you are, but more about how much training you are doing.

The only real difference between a Black Belt and a White Belt is time. Rank does give you great technique, great technique gives you Rank.

Train Hard, Stay Safe,
Good Luck

Well I've only been at this place for a week before that I just did Judo, now I am looking for a place to go so it isnt like I have been at this school for a long time. And the Black Belt school does teach beginners I have talked to the guy.