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1 Stripe BJJ White Belt but Better than Blue Belts? | Chris Matakas
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Are you a 1 stripe BJJ white belt and feel as though you should have been promoted already? Do you have a background in wrestling or another grappling sport and find yourself crushing blue belts or purple belts? If that is the case, you might have experienced some frustration and asked yourself, “Why haven’t I been promoted beyond 1 stripe on my belt yet?”
This is a great question that I know a lot of newer students have, especially from those who have backgrounds in grappling and wrestling or are extremely athletic. “I am crushing everybody! Why haven’t I been promoted past 1 stripe white belt yet?!”
In this video I provide the perspective as an instructor and give recommendations to progress forward as a 1 stripe white belt.
If this video brought any value to you it would mean the world if you hit that like button, left a comment to share your thoughts on the subject, and subscribed to our channel.
I am grateful for you, friends! -Chris
(P.S., Feel free to find me on Instagram and say “Hi!”, @MatakasBJJ)
Links to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Books by Chris Matakas
On Jiu Jitsu: amzn.to/2HdQHcE
5 Rules for White Belts: amzn.to/2VhEE1I
Hero: amzn.to/2Yq3rTr
Links to Other BJJ Tips Videos
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White Belt but Better Than Blue belts? • 1 Stripe BJJ White Bel...
Gi vs No Gi - Is One Better? • BJJ Gi vs No Gi Jiu Ji...
5 Must-Know Tips for White Belts: • 5 BJJ White Belt Tips ...
Professor Chris Matakas is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Professor Ricardo Almeida and is owner of Matakas BJJ in Florence, NJ.
DISCLAIMER: This video and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on them, Chris Matakas may receive a small commission. This helps supports the Chris Matakas KZfaq channel and allows us to continue to make more videos. Thanks for your support!
@stewmeat9261 3 жыл бұрын
i'm 52, just got my blue belt after 2 years a white belt. I worked hard my coach saw it. there are younger more flexible white belts that still tap me. It doesn't bother me because I know I earned it by showing up, working hard, following instructions and helping new guys like they helped me.
@JBrooksNYS 4 жыл бұрын
I've been a white belt for 10 years. I've only actually trained for 6 of them. I got a stripe almost 2 years ago but it eventually fell off and I didn't even bother putting it back on. If I concerned myself with promotions, I would drive myself crazy at this point. So my only goal is to show up regularly, learn new techniques and refine the ones I already know. I can see my own improvement and if I'm a white belt forever, so be it. I love BJJ and I'm never going to stop.
@stevenmanzo1226 4 жыл бұрын
KingOfKings I like your attitude
@gardennovice7896 4 жыл бұрын
I hear you brother I feel your struggle as I am also a 10-11 year white belt. I would like to have something to show for, but it doesn't really matter since I'm only after the skill level.
@BFerreira82 3 жыл бұрын
I hate to be that guy but here it goes. Guys... You have 2 options : 1. Change schools OR 2. Ask your professors how can you improve and tell them you want to progress in your skills and correct mistakes. ( Not talking about asking for promotions. None of that.) Something is wrong. It's great to train only for skills and not caring about belts, but believe me...something is really off. It's my take. Hope it was positive and constructive enough. No bashing, nor trolling. For real. Thank you for the attention. Keep Rolling 🤙🏼
@SSniperFly-lr7zb 3 жыл бұрын
Do you only show up once a year?
@archimedesblackhearr3704 2 жыл бұрын
So you have been paying for ten years of classes and took six months? Your instructors love you. Free money.
@luisdiaz2854 3 жыл бұрын
My stripes are the years I have to endured without training after devastating injuries and be able to muster the courage to step back in the mat and keep rolling. 13 years as a blue belt not complaining just learning.
@benjamindelfs2718 6 ай бұрын
I love this. I respect someone who’s honest and doesn’t make excuses.
@TheProdigy260592 4 жыл бұрын
This is the best video I’ve ever seen regarding how bjj promotes. It’s you VS YOU
@richmello2710 2 жыл бұрын
The ranking system in BJJ is completely subjective, it's someone's decision. This is why ranking varies widely from one school or association to the next. There is also limitless toxicity involved in it. Favoritism, using it as a form of retention and attrition, etc.
@jonathanweinzierl4125 2 жыл бұрын
Also interesting to read, that a lot of guys in the US get their blue belt promotion after 2 years or so... Here in Germany you must be a super talent and train 7 days a week to make this. Otherwise you train 5 years or so to get promoted
@richmello2710 2 жыл бұрын
@@jonathanweinzierl4125 I went to a seminar/promotion at a different school than where I trained at the time and I literally saw someone get a blue belt that couldn't do a bridge escape from bottom mount.
@CaveMan2729 4 жыл бұрын
I was seeking out a video like this and it was absolutely perfect. I wrestled in college and am a one stripe but have been feeling like the hard work I’m putting in is all for not despite my results during my rolls. This video has refocused and changed my perspective.
@tededo Ай бұрын
51 yo, grizzled seasoned blue. Since early 2000. I've crossrained often and no authorized instructor to give me stripes or new belts, HOWEVER, I've found new metric to measure my progress. Even if beating others isnt the ethic way to compare, it helps me to benchmark my progress: for instance, if I cannot beat most white belts, then my game is suffering as a long time blue. But the truth is, I've finally managed to technically submit a comp purple belt instructor who usually places 2nd at OPENs, and this is decent enough for me to view where I am. And of course, my actual self is lightyears ahead of the one that earned his blue in 2005. Love you observations, thank you.
@chadadams6750 3 жыл бұрын
Extremely helpful in mindset shifting!
@ksmith4712 Жыл бұрын
I have a white belt I've worn so long it's brown, and thread bare in the knot and I'm damn proud of it.
@benjamindelfs2718 6 ай бұрын
You’re being taken advantage of then.
@ksmith4712 6 ай бұрын
@@benjamindelfs2718 Not really, my TKD master died, nobody can judge my advancement since they weren't there at my beginning. I stood inline with the white belts in another class. At the water break a 5 year old girl came up to me and pointed to a BB saying "He is a 1st Dan". Then pointing at the instructor she said, 'He's a 2nd Dan.' She then looked at me, her eyes narrow with suspicion, she said, 'What level BB are you?' I just shrugged and smiled.... I know master smiled too.
@benjamindelfs2718 6 ай бұрын
What’s TKD got to do with being a BJ student. And if you’ve been a white belt that long that your belt is changed colour it’s either you are completely issueless, have a physical injury stopping you or you are being ripped off and the instructor hates you.
@ksmith4712 6 ай бұрын
@@benjamindelfs2718 I'm not a BJJ student...
@benjamindelfs2718 6 ай бұрын
Okay, but this is a Bjj post? TKD and karate are the fastest promotions in martial arts. Doesn’t it only take like 6 years to get a TKD black belt?
@ifiwas195 4 жыл бұрын
The best advise you can ever get. Thanks for posting this video. The people who are so focused on belt promotion are normally the ones with the biggest egos. Watch this video once a week and your Jits will improve as your mindset changes. 👍🏻
@Alexism.1999 3 жыл бұрын
I'm a 4 stripe whitebelt but I have trouble with the type of whitebelts that use aggressive strength/brute force, while im trying to focus on using proper technique. It honestly frustrates me.
@HeritieuxKialanda 3 жыл бұрын
Just survive. One day u will submit them and they will learn that strenght/agressivness is not the best thing to do
@seagreen01 3 жыл бұрын
Been trying this since day one cause I only weigh 130 and it’s tough cause they always give me the 200+ guys
@pancho33pistolas28 3 жыл бұрын
It's better for you to practive with agressive partners, It's more real.
@Alexism.1999 3 жыл бұрын
@@pancho33pistolas28 that's true
@Jindo44 3 жыл бұрын
Depending on the weight difference, i feel that they tend to tire out. I like to gas them out.
@tinkywinky3680 3 жыл бұрын
Love this analogy of the stripes and belts. It gave me a clearer understanding of my journey.
@taygenormandy4284 5 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Thanks for the change in mindset. Trying to be the best you instead of better in comparison to others is pure gold. Thank you Sir🙏
@fox2102 3 жыл бұрын
My first martial arts instructor told me something that stuck with me for the rest of my life. "Never compare yourself to someone on a different path than yourself." Belts are not always a representation of skill but a personal exchange between ourselves and our instructors.
@greekpimp77 Жыл бұрын
EXACTLY!! It took ME 8+ years to get a purple belt.
@DanielMolinaLife 5 жыл бұрын
10-4 Good words! Needed to hear that! I think the key is to “Stay Humble” allow the process to promote you. Oss! 3 stripe white belt here 😬🤙
@ChrisMatakas 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you've found value!
@StevesSwift 2 жыл бұрын
I’m a 1 stripe white belt. I’ve trained on and off for a year and a half, took 5 years off and I’ve been back for 2 months consistently. I’m getting better every week, but at the same time, I could improve in every category of BJJ.
@antwanali3484 3 жыл бұрын
Defeating opponents with your ability and skill that's Martial arts acquired thru wrestling, judo, catch,bjj ect ect...time requirements in rank that's just business not personal development. It that was the case in large schools there would be promotions every week
@nodnalneyugn8753 4 жыл бұрын
speaking like a wise master.
@lohascha462 3 жыл бұрын
Belts are overrated If you are smashed, who care about your techniques? You can't even execute them
@mattb8309 3 жыл бұрын
Terrible mindset you can’t always rely on strength and speed when you get older then what
@ecosby100 3 жыл бұрын
Every one that got a strip ahead of me. I demolish. It’s what ever. Coaches should really take conditioning into consideration. If you are not training to get stronger then others
@bobbydabutcha 5 жыл бұрын
A year and a half, pretty consistent with class and rolling. No stripe white belt lol
@bobbydabutcha 5 жыл бұрын
I think it’s because I’m inconsistent with techniques. Sometimes I forget proper posture when in someone else’s guard, I’ll use the wrong knee for a knee shield, I leave way too much space when passing guard etc. I’ll do a few things right a few times but I’ll do something else wrong a few times lol
@twinsunpredator7998 4 жыл бұрын
9month in here c, 4 time a week .. nothing ... lol
@twinsunpredator7998 4 жыл бұрын
@@donaldturner5124 belt aint going to save your life .. but same as you , i think need to be able to tape pp frequently ... very often ..
@willliftsweights9870 4 жыл бұрын
Your gym gives stripes?
@bobbydabutcha 4 жыл бұрын
@Greg Lurik I got two stripes now actually so I'm kind of a big deal... lol Just kidding, I still suck :D
@FR-ty5vn 2 жыл бұрын
Yes 👍🏼 - I always ask the person if s/he is better than 6 months ago - that’s all that matters…
@ChrisMatakas 2 жыл бұрын
I agree!
@FR-ty5vn 2 жыл бұрын
@@ChrisMatakas enjoying your channel…good stuff…have you done a video of advice for purple belts? I’d be very interested…especially for 55 year olds 😉
@ChrisMatakas 2 жыл бұрын
@@FR-ty5vn Thanks for passing along your thoughts on the channel, F R! I appreciate it! Purple belt was a wildly formative time for me, and I have many thoughts and reflections..AND many recommendations I'd pass along for purple belts (and older purple belts :D ). I'll make a video about it - thanks for the idea!
@FR-ty5vn 2 жыл бұрын
@@ChrisMatakas awesome 👏 - can’t wait - thank you 🙏
@GS-en1nz Жыл бұрын
Solid video. Awesome..
@humblewarriorus 3 жыл бұрын
I asked the main instructor what do I need to improve or work on( I am a one stripe white belt) and he thought I was asking for a promotion 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ so I dont even ask anymore, I just work and show up 4-7 times a week. I cant even imagine what would happen if I ask what do I need to do to get to 2 stripe white belt lol, I would prob get demoted from my one stripe.
@thebizness5596 5 ай бұрын
Been promoted yet?
@mrtruthshallprevail 4 жыл бұрын
Well said!
@chadmichaels1896 5 жыл бұрын
Great video!!! I loved how instead of asking why I'm not being promoted what can I do to get better. Sound advice.
@bobbydabutcha 5 жыл бұрын
I go back and forth between using clean techniques, but I end up using speed and sheer aggression as pressure is put on. It may be Ok for Submission Grappling or MMA but for Jiu-Jitsu, especially crisp text book technique, I'm very rusty in comparison.
@ryancrules623 5 жыл бұрын
jiu jitsu is submission grappling.
@bobbydabutcha 5 жыл бұрын
For me, no Gi (submission grappling) speed seems to be a greater factor than it is with Gi BJJ.
@ryancrules623 5 жыл бұрын
@@bobbydabutcha Absolutely
@christopherpakney8542 2 жыл бұрын
I'm 6'6" and compete at 194lbs and am very flexible. My game is spider and lasso and I can generally slow down and stall to my advantage. That's my game. My game gets demolished by wrestlers and guys with a ton of pressure and speed. I cant transition with them once they figure out how to counter my game. I say play your game and find the techniques that suit your style and energy. If we roll, give me your best speed and aggression game, I'll play my game and lets have fun.
@StrumVogel Жыл бұрын
Sometimes I feel like people walk into the sport because they got something to prove. And that’s a bad mentality to walk in with.
@edgardooblena6210 11 ай бұрын
I'm starting to have a hearing problem. I'm not able to hear his voice and my volume is already maxed out.
@patgrogg4586 3 жыл бұрын
The 230 ish mark . I’m an empath . My love is based off others how do you answer that ?
@ChrisMatakas 5 жыл бұрын
Get a FREE* copy of Hero. Hero retails for $14.99, but we bought it for you! We just ask that you pay your shipping / handling to receive it. go.chrismatakas.com/yourfreecopyofherobook
@Petestanton 3 жыл бұрын
Very good👍
@andresmiguel2573 3 жыл бұрын
Hey just because you’re a 45 year old man doesn’t mean a young blood is going to smash you! 💪👨🏻🦳
@ghostduster1 2 жыл бұрын
I'm a 4 year white belt. I just stopped caring about promotion @ this point. If I'm supposed to promote, they'll promote me, if not I didn't deserve it.
@archimedesblackhearr3704 2 жыл бұрын
In other words completely arbitrary. If the instructor feels like it. 🤞 oh and how long can i string this person along to keep money in my pocket.
@rumchata6569 3 жыл бұрын
That’s why you see black belts get subbed in the UFC by none black belts
@gabowen7303 2 жыл бұрын
I'm a 2 stripe blue tapping black belts, I feel like I'm going backwards when people who joined the club years after me get promotion before me, painful.
@reactionaction194 2 жыл бұрын
Been a 1 stripe a year but definitely progressing. That’s all that really matters at the end of the day
@2lilkenneth Жыл бұрын
There letting you work to build your game. You have to know your not really tapping out a professor at blue belt.
@benjamindelfs2718 6 ай бұрын
You’re not tapping black belts legitimise, they’re letting you work. You’re also likely telling everyone you’re tapping black belts and now they’re holding you back,
@thebizness5596 5 ай бұрын
They letting you tap them buddy 😂😂
@robcubed9557 3 жыл бұрын
I don't understand the obsession with belt rankings. I'd rather learn the techniques and submit people instead of focusing on the belt. It's better to know the techniques and have a low rank than it is to suck at the techniques and have a high rank. The latter predisposes one to being submitted by lower ranking students.
@anorginalname805 7 ай бұрын
Id say its more about people putting in the work in their gym and not getting recognized. Not the belt itself.
@kayshaun3871 3 жыл бұрын
I’m a no stripped white belt and I’m subbing people who are 1 stripe and sometimes blue belts.
@kayshaun3871 3 жыл бұрын
I have been doing it for 6 months. Why haven’t I gotten my stripe?
@noxchosalev3698 2 жыл бұрын
Thats so unfair i got only 2 stripes today for my Whitebelt but i tapped half of the black belts i only wanted my blue belt
@ChrisMatakas 2 жыл бұрын
😆
@benjamindelfs2718 6 ай бұрын
No you didn’t. Quit lying.
@practicaltheory 2 жыл бұрын
The truth is that most of the time the dude just wants to be able to tell chicks at the bar that he's a tough guy without having to explain that he's still a white belt because the..."oh uh huh whatever"
@sagesarabia5053 2 жыл бұрын
Belts are garbage. Go into a match and let’s see what you can do. I’m a white belt and I put a black belt Into a head and arm and they couldn’t fucking move. What does that say about belts?
@ChrisMatakas 2 жыл бұрын
There are many high-level competitors on the scene today who aren’t black belts..some of them have been training for only a couple years and are breaking into ADCC!
@sagesarabia5053 2 жыл бұрын
@@ChrisMatakas thanks brother.
@sagesarabia5053 2 жыл бұрын
@@ChrisMatakas not saying I’m high level… more so pointing out the watered down and highly subjective belt promotion system. The other day, I watched a video that said he gives out promotions based upon a guy’s “baseline” skill. In other words if you suck and you improve a lot but you still suck, you could get a promotion.
@Burzurk1987 3 жыл бұрын
Because your instructor knows that you have trained at other places, have experience and already have skills and you are trying to make yourself look better by smashing blue belts who probably have less overall experience than you do. I can spot these kinds of “white belts” a mile away. They actually try to come in and wreak havoc and smash the higher belts while wearing their “white belt” jus to make themselves look great and move up quickly. My instructor can spot these people too. They have to do their time and pay their dues like everybody else. They have to spend their time on the mats. They don’t get promoted just for smashing higher belts.
@antwanali3484 3 жыл бұрын
Then he robbing those people. your Instructor should be elevating those white belts, if they defeat the higher ranks its combat sport and a business it not a religion. Time requirements in rank that business, True acknowledgement of skill that's martial arts
@craigbabbitt7776 3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like traditional martial arts bullshit. If you are a high level wrestler blue belt should be an automatic promotion.
@antwanali3484 3 жыл бұрын
Agreed ...if the Wrestler can match the blue belt level and submit them on a regular basis then the time requirement is trash..just brain washing and dragging out payments
@LoudPackMuzikChannel 2 жыл бұрын
I can’t say I completely agree. Yes, wrestling can be ridiculously dominate in jujitsu if properly used. Which is why you’re seeing more gyms incorporate catch wresting into their training. Most gyms don’t allow leg attacks from their lower belts. This is a a huge advantage for wrestlers but the second roll with a higher belt or run across a gym where they attack your legs. Your wrestling is useless if you don’t know how to defend and work around it. There’s a lot of technique that you need to know before you can be considered a blue belt.
@jeremywilliams9363 4 жыл бұрын
B/c BJJ is a money scam
@ahlulbaytthetruesalaf2724 3 жыл бұрын
Maybe you just mad because you aren't getting promoted
@robcubed9557 3 жыл бұрын
Nah, it's great exercise and builds mental toughness (being able to think clearly and fight back despite someone actively trying to strangle you).
@antwanali3484 3 жыл бұрын
100percent correct cash scam...And its brain washing also. your paying for a product without the business giving you a clear path to advance with techniques and rank. Some people have greater natural abilities than others if they can defeat on average multiple members of the blue rank there size. Using some skill regardless of time in rank premote them. The Blue belt that was defeated needs to tighten up his game or the guy is just that good...It's nothing spiritual about it, its a grappling business thats it. LOL pay your dues to a business, right into the professors wallet
@antwanali3484 3 жыл бұрын
Yes it's great exercise but it's a business.
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