Quote:
Originally Posted by eastcoastsurfer
Why do we need belts at all? I enjoy learning something new and simply getting better at what I practice (in this case BJJ). I guess a belt could show others that you've reached a certain level of progress, but in my mind that shouldn't matter. Progress is an individual thing. Also, with how easy it seems some belts are to get, they have already been devalued. At the end of the day, it is only you who knows your skill level regardless of a particular belt you have.
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People always know what they and others can do, meaning who is in the talent pecking order. Belts provide a milestone for people to strive toward. True, if they are essentially given without being earned, they lose significance. But if they are earned in some manner, then they can provide a goal to reach and a milestone to appreciate/acknowledge. Perhaps somewhat like rank in the military.
Nothing wrong with it, per se, nor is there inherently anything wrong without it. If you don't prefer that system/order, then you simply don't train in a school that utilizes belts.
I personally find value in them, even if folks at the same level have different abilities. Everyone does have to pass a test with certain common minimum requirements, but some still are more polished/talented. I can always advance someone more quickly if I want, and do so on occassion.
It is also very typical to have a student who is very "brown belt capable" physically, with their ability/technique, but not mentally/emotionally/spiritual ly. They have to grow into their belt in those areas, if you will. Another student might have a comparatively sloppy test compared to that first student (but they still have to pass it!), but they are very mentally mature or have greater spirit; they are brown belts in their heart, and not as much in their body. They need to continue to develop/grow/catch up a bit in a different way (with their ability).
But, in either case, the test provides challenge and motivation, and also, after the fact, acknowledgement of achievement. But people still know who is who and what they can do (or who they are).
Different strokes . . .