Incidentally, I heard a story from a long time black belt this weekend. He was talking about a bout he refereed at a tournament a while back. The match was between a well known world champion black belt who’s name everyone would immediately recognize if I said it. The black belt was matched up against a no name purple belt. The black belt got destroyed by the purple belt. It happens. Black belts aren’t indestructible and the cult that exists around the belt is unhealthy as it sets up unrealistic expectations. We all lose. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Nice article that gives a fresh perspective on what it means to be a black belt in BJJ when you’re just a hobbyist, not a world champion. The comments are worth reading too.

It also inspired this podcast by Brandon MC.