So I am in Black Belt classes now, and it's an education for sure. I had a pretty good humbling on Monday night that has threatened my "this is definitely where i belong" theory. Let me put it like this- I'm still going to go, but damn Monday basically felt like the nightmares I was having before attending my first white belt introduction. The beatings come swiftly, they are merciless and basically I was left feeling like I never knew what the fuck I was doing in the first place. LoL. The up side is that after 3 more months of this I will probably be surviving again, and 6 months after that I'll be gaining some advantages. It's a crazy steep learning curve, but I gotta just keep on showing up, and keep on processing the lessons.
I now understand why so many new blue belts cling to the relative safety of the intermediate group. While I empathize I can't see myself doing the same. Fear is a killer, but there is nothing to fear. Pride is a bitch- but you gotta get over that if you want to make progress. My plans moving forward remain the same- to split time between intermediate and black belt. I'll begin this with the 3 class per week rotation ratio of 2/1. To begin I'll go 2 x Intermediate and 1 x Blackbelt, then I'll carry it over to 1 x intermediate and 2 x black belt, and then finally 3 x black belt. My intent is to make the full transition within the next 3 months.
We shall see how it goes.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Taking every possible lesson- Black Belt class, and a Saturday double Rolla-palooza Fundamentals, and Intermediate
Thursday of last week I stepped up to my first "real" Black Belt class. I attended one once before, but we had a substitute coach, and being honest it felt like a modified intermediate course. Thursdays Black Belt class was 1.5 hours long. 90 minutes. It felt different too. We "warmed up" rolling at 10% for about 10 min, just flowing from position to position, submission to escape- no "finishing" and not really even fighting- just trying to move through the repertoire of techniques. I rolled with a purple belt who was a very accommodating training partner with excellent input regarding technique. After the flow drills we worked an up-down-out drills for a while which gave me the chance to roll with pretty much everyone in the class. It was a large class due to all the new Blue Belts. I was glad to get to Roll a little with Professor Larry I think he came away from it feeling secure in the decision to promote me. I know he would have liked to have rolled with me a bit before hand, so I was glad when his response to me sweeping him was "GOOD!!!". I think it put ease to both of our minds.
the lesson of the week was attacking half guard, and we worked on position, and drilling for quite a while. Black Belt seems to be more about rolling though- and we did. I think of the 90 minutes about an hour was spent actually sparring. The sessions at the end were shining moments for me. After the sparring sessions I felt like I was where I belonged. I felt like I was competent enough to be there, and I felt like I could learn more in this environment.
Saturday morning we decided to pack up the whole fam and go to class. Shannon was going to do the Fundamentels class from 10am to 11am, and then I was going to do the Intermediate class from 11am to 12pm. my mother in law came along to watch Lila. all 4 of us piled into the truckster and headed down to the Denver school. When we got there I noticed one of my buddies had showed up for the Fundamentals class, so I decided to dress for that as well and just do a "double" for the day. The Fundamentals class was fun- they were working on escapes from half guard last week and we did a lot of drilling, and finished the hour with up-down-out grappling with the intermediate class I was due to attend next.
Intermediate began as normal- we did a review of the weeks lesson which I knew from last Tuesday was escapes from scarf hold. After a few minutes of drilling Prof. Junior called us in, paired us up and declared the day a "training day" meaning we would spar full speed from the knees for the remainder of class. I had some decent rolls. My first pairing was a 2 stripe white belt who was very lanky and flexible like I am. he got the tap with an americana in our first roll, then we set up again and I submitted him with an arm bar, set up again and I submitted him with a straight arm bar. speed kills, and I haz it.
My next partner was another blue belt- no stripes just like me. I had rolled with this guy on Thursday and knew he was vulnerable to arm bars. I submitted him 3 times in 5 minutes. Next I moved on to one of my favorite training partners. Jason is a good dude, has his head in the right place, is extremely strong and skilled in his BJJ. I determined to stay away from going to guard on this day as I know that this is my "safe place" but rolling with Jason I feel more comfortable trying to break out of that routine. I need to develop a more well rounded game, and this will include attacks from side control, escapes from mount, side control, escapes from the guard- all areas that need work, and this is a training partner who can definitely help me refine in those areas. I "lost" all the way through the 5 minutes, and that was cool because I feel like I got some idea of what needs to be worked on before I go to competition. I rounded out class with the 2 stripe I started with, and then off to the home front to reflect on what I had learned, and where I felt I needed to work to improve.
here is a list
Learned-
refining the fake-out. The art of showing one intent while actually setting up something else. I was doing well with this faking for a fan sweep and grabbing the arm bar.
The rolling choke I learned from John Boyle. I worked it a few times both Thursday and Saturday. I like it, and I think with more practice I'll get to use it as a regular part of my game.
Needs work-
Attacking without pulling guard. The guard game is strong. Time to break away from it and grow. I have an idea.
Chokes from the back. I'm climbing on too high- I need to remember to be low enough that my head is below the shoulder.
Strength- I know this is a finesse art, but putting on some muscle wouldn't hurt.
All told I attended 4 classes last week 2x Intermediate, 1x Black Belt, and 1x Fundamentals- so i traversed the full spectrum of Easton's BJJ offerings for the week. I feel pretty good about that!
the lesson of the week was attacking half guard, and we worked on position, and drilling for quite a while. Black Belt seems to be more about rolling though- and we did. I think of the 90 minutes about an hour was spent actually sparring. The sessions at the end were shining moments for me. After the sparring sessions I felt like I was where I belonged. I felt like I was competent enough to be there, and I felt like I could learn more in this environment.
Saturday morning we decided to pack up the whole fam and go to class. Shannon was going to do the Fundamentels class from 10am to 11am, and then I was going to do the Intermediate class from 11am to 12pm. my mother in law came along to watch Lila. all 4 of us piled into the truckster and headed down to the Denver school. When we got there I noticed one of my buddies had showed up for the Fundamentals class, so I decided to dress for that as well and just do a "double" for the day. The Fundamentals class was fun- they were working on escapes from half guard last week and we did a lot of drilling, and finished the hour with up-down-out grappling with the intermediate class I was due to attend next.
Intermediate began as normal- we did a review of the weeks lesson which I knew from last Tuesday was escapes from scarf hold. After a few minutes of drilling Prof. Junior called us in, paired us up and declared the day a "training day" meaning we would spar full speed from the knees for the remainder of class. I had some decent rolls. My first pairing was a 2 stripe white belt who was very lanky and flexible like I am. he got the tap with an americana in our first roll, then we set up again and I submitted him with an arm bar, set up again and I submitted him with a straight arm bar. speed kills, and I haz it.
My next partner was another blue belt- no stripes just like me. I had rolled with this guy on Thursday and knew he was vulnerable to arm bars. I submitted him 3 times in 5 minutes. Next I moved on to one of my favorite training partners. Jason is a good dude, has his head in the right place, is extremely strong and skilled in his BJJ. I determined to stay away from going to guard on this day as I know that this is my "safe place" but rolling with Jason I feel more comfortable trying to break out of that routine. I need to develop a more well rounded game, and this will include attacks from side control, escapes from mount, side control, escapes from the guard- all areas that need work, and this is a training partner who can definitely help me refine in those areas. I "lost" all the way through the 5 minutes, and that was cool because I feel like I got some idea of what needs to be worked on before I go to competition. I rounded out class with the 2 stripe I started with, and then off to the home front to reflect on what I had learned, and where I felt I needed to work to improve.
here is a list
Learned-
refining the fake-out. The art of showing one intent while actually setting up something else. I was doing well with this faking for a fan sweep and grabbing the arm bar.
The rolling choke I learned from John Boyle. I worked it a few times both Thursday and Saturday. I like it, and I think with more practice I'll get to use it as a regular part of my game.
Needs work-
Attacking without pulling guard. The guard game is strong. Time to break away from it and grow. I have an idea.
Chokes from the back. I'm climbing on too high- I need to remember to be low enough that my head is below the shoulder.
Strength- I know this is a finesse art, but putting on some muscle wouldn't hurt.
All told I attended 4 classes last week 2x Intermediate, 1x Black Belt, and 1x Fundamentals- so i traversed the full spectrum of Easton's BJJ offerings for the week. I feel pretty good about that!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
I'm a Blue Belt Ya'll...
It's been just shade over 17 months since the first time I was coaxed to set foot on the mat last year. I've learned a lot of lessons in that time, not just lessons in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu technique, but I've also learned about myself.
I came off the couch to train BJJ. In the beginning I was in terrible shape, and I was not working out in any capacity. Just 17 months later I am training 4 times a week, and thanks to the confidence in my physical well being I just ran the 10 mile 2011 Tough Mudder CO at Beaver Creek. 10 miles up the side of a ski mountain at 11,000 feet- climbing over 12 ft walls, running through the mud, swimming in 32 degree water... It is the kind of challenge I'd have shrugged off a few years ago, but can do today because I have stopped being a "Dreamer", and have become a "Doer". I feel stronger, better than ever before and I can seriously thank BJJ, my Professors, Coaches, and training partners for showing me a way to get where I've always wanted to be.
The fighter I am today could tie the man I was into knots. I am finally an athlete again, and it feels SO GOOD!!!
I came off the couch to train BJJ. In the beginning I was in terrible shape, and I was not working out in any capacity. Just 17 months later I am training 4 times a week, and thanks to the confidence in my physical well being I just ran the 10 mile 2011 Tough Mudder CO at Beaver Creek. 10 miles up the side of a ski mountain at 11,000 feet- climbing over 12 ft walls, running through the mud, swimming in 32 degree water... It is the kind of challenge I'd have shrugged off a few years ago, but can do today because I have stopped being a "Dreamer", and have become a "Doer". I feel stronger, better than ever before and I can seriously thank BJJ, my Professors, Coaches, and training partners for showing me a way to get where I've always wanted to be.
The fighter I am today could tie the man I was into knots. I am finally an athlete again, and it feels SO GOOD!!!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
2nd Year Goals- Progress report
I wrote about my 3 2nd year goals earlier in the year, and now it is June, meaning the halfway point of 2011.
How am I doing?
Blue Belt- I have not yet tied on a blue belt, BUT Professor Junior has signed off on it, so really I'm just waiting on promotion day.
Compete- I DID! In April I rolled in my first competition. I finished 1-2, in a double elimination tournament. I lost my first match by choke, won my second by triangle, and lost my third by choke. I did not place in my bracket, but I DID learn a lot from the effort which has positively influenced my training. I must also say that it broke me out of a comfort zone I had been developing and that was a very positive outcome. I do want to compete again.
Cut Weight to 180lbs- I now "walk around" at 180lbs. I cut down to 180lbs from 202lbs by modifying my diet, and cutting out things like soda. Cutting the weight has been very good for me as I sleep better, and I am also more agile.
So there you have it! I may need to come up with some additional goals! I had no idea I could accomplish these three so fast.
How am I doing?
Blue Belt- I have not yet tied on a blue belt, BUT Professor Junior has signed off on it, so really I'm just waiting on promotion day.
Compete- I DID! In April I rolled in my first competition. I finished 1-2, in a double elimination tournament. I lost my first match by choke, won my second by triangle, and lost my third by choke. I did not place in my bracket, but I DID learn a lot from the effort which has positively influenced my training. I must also say that it broke me out of a comfort zone I had been developing and that was a very positive outcome. I do want to compete again.
Cut Weight to 180lbs- I now "walk around" at 180lbs. I cut down to 180lbs from 202lbs by modifying my diet, and cutting out things like soda. Cutting the weight has been very good for me as I sleep better, and I am also more agile.
So there you have it! I may need to come up with some additional goals! I had no idea I could accomplish these three so fast.
Monday, June 6, 2011
It's been 15 months and you're STILL a White Belt??? LoL
I have been signed off on my Blue belt for about 3 weeks now. I’m waiting on the Belt Promotion Ceremony to tie on my blue, but my journey continues as a 4th stripe white belt until that time. This has given me some time to reflect on the past 15 months I have invested in my training, and in the belt promotion process as a whole. I also helps that my internet BJJ aquaintance Julia "Jiu-Jiu" Johansen posted some very relevant thoughts, and asked some very specific questions regarding her own belt promotion. Congrats again to Julia if you are reading this.
One of the first things you realize when you undertake the study of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that there are very few steps in promotion. there are only 4 belts for an adult practitioner to earn.
1st Belt isn't an "earned belt"- Everyone gets a white belt- it signifies that you have begun your training AND it keeps your Gi closed. I don't have any facts to back this up, but based on my observations in my own school, I'd say 70% of the student body is at some level of white belt (the student body is also 100% bruised, but thems the facts of life in BJJ right?).
Q: How is it possible that there are so many white belts, and so few higher ranking belts?
A: There is attrition that occurs over the course of training. Mostly this happens during the White Belt conditioning. I think students come to realize that maybe they aren't cut out for the physicality of BJJ, or maybe they don't have the time that they thought they had to dedicate to training. Economics can also come into play, as can life changes like having children, or relocation to other cities, countries, planets... There are also those who lack the patience- they want that validation of belt promotion ASAP, and the fact that it can take over a year really wilts their determination. This all combines to create a factor- and that factor is that the vast majority of white belts probably won't get to Blue Belt.
From what I have seen, there is a similar attrition among Blue Belts. Many will not make it to Purple, although that seems to be where the attrition rate decreases. Many purples go on to Brown, and I honestly believe most Browns go on to Black. This progression takes an average of 10 years.
Compare that to my little cousins ascension to Black Belt in TKD- I think it was under 2 years to get her 1st dan Black Belt. She worked hard for it. I'm sure the testing standards are rigorous, and challenging- but then she quit. With no more worlds to conquer she moved on. Now those of us schooled in Martial arts know, there were in fact PLENTY more worlds to conquer- 1st dan begets 2nd dan and so on and so forth- these are the "degrees" in the progression, but she IS a Black Belt on record, and in title. Anyone who doesn't know jack shit about martial arts will bow down to that. To me, she is a Blue Belt that quit- just my opinion.
So there are very few Belts to progress through in BJJ, but each is extremely significant on your journey.
The next question is always about promotion. Why does it take so long?
For the sake of contrast lets look at the promotion model of Tae Kwon Do (or TKD as I often refer to it)
I don't claim to be an expert on this, but I do know that Tae Kwon Do has a very rigid structure regarding promotions. I know this because when I was 10 I took TKD for a few months before my parents chose to discontinue my martial arts activities. You go to class, learn and practice the "Kata" or "Forms". It is all Pass/Fail. On test day (usually about once a month) you show up and perform the movements before a jury. The jury then awards you with a rank, or you go back and practice some more and test again next month. There is very little sparring in beginners TKD. I remember this, but I also remember that I was pretty good at sparring, and not so good at the kata... Either way, I did achieve some rank while I was practicing, and then I was abruptly withdrawn.
not to get to far off the subject, but I recall being told that my Mother was unwilling to subsidize my training, hence the activity was no more. At my current age and maturity I can clearly understand that my Stepmonster was actually becoming concerned for her safety (as an abusive parent, she certainly should have been) and had pushed for my training to end. either way, TKD would have done little good to assuage the torment of bullies I would encounter in my teen years, unless I were a practicing Black Belt at that time- which would likely have given me a protective aura of mystery, and unpredictability.... Nah, those motherfuckers would have jumped me anyway, and no kata will defeat 4 or 5 guys attacking one. I'm no Chuck Norris. I digress...
In BJJ Promotions happen differently.
Easton has a formal/semi-formal type of promotion. We DO have check sheets for each stripe on the white belt, and those check sheets are signed off on by our Coaches and Professors during scheduled Randori for Checklist sessions that happen several times per week. There is also a standardized number of classes a student should have attended to be eligible for their next stripe. That would be the “formal” methodology. The “informal” is the part where a Professor is watching, and rolling with you in class. He knows where you are, and sometimes even though your check sheet isn’t fully signed off- the Professor promotes anyway. It goes the other way too though. Sometimes even when the check sheet is fully completed, and class attendance requirement is met a student still doesn’t get promoted. I can only guess that their head just isn’t “right” yet. I have seen at least one example of this in my school. The guy has been a 4th stripe for 9 months, He knows his stuff, but he is terrible to train with. If we run a full speed drill- like a reversal, or replacement from half guard- he will set himself up to succeed before the drill starts so he can “win”. I think a person with the right mind frame can understand the problem with that mentality. He doesn’t- hence, no promotion. We don't drill to "win" we drill to learn. You can still learn from a loss- in fact I think sometimes I learn more from a loss. The gist here is that BJJ isn't pass/fail at all- it is more than that. BJJ is about how you are learning as much as it is about what you have learned.
This guy I have described above has taken the longest road possible to get to his 4th stripe- and the road to his Blue Belt has been, and will continue to be equally arduous. This is the beginning, and I bet once he gets his blue, it will be the end. I don't think this is really the logic, but in that mischievous part of my mind I wonder if the Professor doesn't realize this as well and is therefore sandbagging to continue collecting mat fees... NAH. LoL.
What are my thoughts on standardizing belt testing in BJJ?
I dislike this idea for the very reason I stated above. I like that the Professors have latitude to promote students who are “worthy”, while holding off on promoting students like the one I mentioned above. A standardized “test” removes that subjectivity- and while that might lead to faster promotion for some students, or more clarity of expectation- I don’t think it makes for a “better” school environment even though it would probably lead to a larger student body (and profitability for the school). Even having only trained for a short while I can say I understand it is good that some students “wash out”. Sometimes it is better for the whole school that some guys get frustrated and quit- whereas standardized testing might keep them around. Also, standardized testing, and gratuitous promotion is very "McDojo" while the tradition of BJJ promotion is the antithesis of that business model.
I honestly believe in the current “schedule” of promotion being left to the instructor. The instructor knows his/her student far better than the student sometimes even knows himself/herself- they have a much more objective point of view regarding the students progress. With that said, when you get your blue belt, purple belt, brown belt, or black belt it isn’t up to you- it is your instructors decision, and I am sure it is based in a very clear understanding of where you stand in your progress.
My Professors have always said- getting your blue belt doesn’t mean you have to be able to tap out every white belt in the room, or that you “win” every roll in class or comp. Blue Belt is a way point in the journey- It means that you have embraced and understand the fundamental aspects of the art (moves), and you understand what it is to “train” as opposed to “fight” when you are on the mats in the school. A blue belt should have the mentality of a professional student, and a teacher/facilitator. This will keep the students "safe" from one another. We spar all the time- it is important that those who posses the advanced knowledge are responsible with that knowledge. LoL at the Spiderman "With great knowledge comes great responsibility" reference, but seriously it applies. The professors are judicious over who learns what- and for a very good reason. Who wants a meat head injuring their new students? Not me!
One of the first things you realize when you undertake the study of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that there are very few steps in promotion. there are only 4 belts for an adult practitioner to earn.
1st Belt isn't an "earned belt"- Everyone gets a white belt- it signifies that you have begun your training AND it keeps your Gi closed. I don't have any facts to back this up, but based on my observations in my own school, I'd say 70% of the student body is at some level of white belt (the student body is also 100% bruised, but thems the facts of life in BJJ right?).
Q: How is it possible that there are so many white belts, and so few higher ranking belts?
A: There is attrition that occurs over the course of training. Mostly this happens during the White Belt conditioning. I think students come to realize that maybe they aren't cut out for the physicality of BJJ, or maybe they don't have the time that they thought they had to dedicate to training. Economics can also come into play, as can life changes like having children, or relocation to other cities, countries, planets... There are also those who lack the patience- they want that validation of belt promotion ASAP, and the fact that it can take over a year really wilts their determination. This all combines to create a factor- and that factor is that the vast majority of white belts probably won't get to Blue Belt.
From what I have seen, there is a similar attrition among Blue Belts. Many will not make it to Purple, although that seems to be where the attrition rate decreases. Many purples go on to Brown, and I honestly believe most Browns go on to Black. This progression takes an average of 10 years.
Compare that to my little cousins ascension to Black Belt in TKD- I think it was under 2 years to get her 1st dan Black Belt. She worked hard for it. I'm sure the testing standards are rigorous, and challenging- but then she quit. With no more worlds to conquer she moved on. Now those of us schooled in Martial arts know, there were in fact PLENTY more worlds to conquer- 1st dan begets 2nd dan and so on and so forth- these are the "degrees" in the progression, but she IS a Black Belt on record, and in title. Anyone who doesn't know jack shit about martial arts will bow down to that. To me, she is a Blue Belt that quit- just my opinion.
So there are very few Belts to progress through in BJJ, but each is extremely significant on your journey.
The next question is always about promotion. Why does it take so long?
For the sake of contrast lets look at the promotion model of Tae Kwon Do (or TKD as I often refer to it)
I don't claim to be an expert on this, but I do know that Tae Kwon Do has a very rigid structure regarding promotions. I know this because when I was 10 I took TKD for a few months before my parents chose to discontinue my martial arts activities. You go to class, learn and practice the "Kata" or "Forms". It is all Pass/Fail. On test day (usually about once a month) you show up and perform the movements before a jury. The jury then awards you with a rank, or you go back and practice some more and test again next month. There is very little sparring in beginners TKD. I remember this, but I also remember that I was pretty good at sparring, and not so good at the kata... Either way, I did achieve some rank while I was practicing, and then I was abruptly withdrawn.
not to get to far off the subject, but I recall being told that my Mother was unwilling to subsidize my training, hence the activity was no more. At my current age and maturity I can clearly understand that my Stepmonster was actually becoming concerned for her safety (as an abusive parent, she certainly should have been) and had pushed for my training to end. either way, TKD would have done little good to assuage the torment of bullies I would encounter in my teen years, unless I were a practicing Black Belt at that time- which would likely have given me a protective aura of mystery, and unpredictability.... Nah, those motherfuckers would have jumped me anyway, and no kata will defeat 4 or 5 guys attacking one. I'm no Chuck Norris. I digress...
In BJJ Promotions happen differently.
Easton has a formal/semi-formal type of promotion. We DO have check sheets for each stripe on the white belt, and those check sheets are signed off on by our Coaches and Professors during scheduled Randori for Checklist sessions that happen several times per week. There is also a standardized number of classes a student should have attended to be eligible for their next stripe. That would be the “formal” methodology. The “informal” is the part where a Professor is watching, and rolling with you in class. He knows where you are, and sometimes even though your check sheet isn’t fully signed off- the Professor promotes anyway. It goes the other way too though. Sometimes even when the check sheet is fully completed, and class attendance requirement is met a student still doesn’t get promoted. I can only guess that their head just isn’t “right” yet. I have seen at least one example of this in my school. The guy has been a 4th stripe for 9 months, He knows his stuff, but he is terrible to train with. If we run a full speed drill- like a reversal, or replacement from half guard- he will set himself up to succeed before the drill starts so he can “win”. I think a person with the right mind frame can understand the problem with that mentality. He doesn’t- hence, no promotion. We don't drill to "win" we drill to learn. You can still learn from a loss- in fact I think sometimes I learn more from a loss. The gist here is that BJJ isn't pass/fail at all- it is more than that. BJJ is about how you are learning as much as it is about what you have learned.
This guy I have described above has taken the longest road possible to get to his 4th stripe- and the road to his Blue Belt has been, and will continue to be equally arduous. This is the beginning, and I bet once he gets his blue, it will be the end. I don't think this is really the logic, but in that mischievous part of my mind I wonder if the Professor doesn't realize this as well and is therefore sandbagging to continue collecting mat fees... NAH. LoL.
What are my thoughts on standardizing belt testing in BJJ?
I dislike this idea for the very reason I stated above. I like that the Professors have latitude to promote students who are “worthy”, while holding off on promoting students like the one I mentioned above. A standardized “test” removes that subjectivity- and while that might lead to faster promotion for some students, or more clarity of expectation- I don’t think it makes for a “better” school environment even though it would probably lead to a larger student body (and profitability for the school). Even having only trained for a short while I can say I understand it is good that some students “wash out”. Sometimes it is better for the whole school that some guys get frustrated and quit- whereas standardized testing might keep them around. Also, standardized testing, and gratuitous promotion is very "McDojo" while the tradition of BJJ promotion is the antithesis of that business model.
I honestly believe in the current “schedule” of promotion being left to the instructor. The instructor knows his/her student far better than the student sometimes even knows himself/herself- they have a much more objective point of view regarding the students progress. With that said, when you get your blue belt, purple belt, brown belt, or black belt it isn’t up to you- it is your instructors decision, and I am sure it is based in a very clear understanding of where you stand in your progress.
My Professors have always said- getting your blue belt doesn’t mean you have to be able to tap out every white belt in the room, or that you “win” every roll in class or comp. Blue Belt is a way point in the journey- It means that you have embraced and understand the fundamental aspects of the art (moves), and you understand what it is to “train” as opposed to “fight” when you are on the mats in the school. A blue belt should have the mentality of a professional student, and a teacher/facilitator. This will keep the students "safe" from one another. We spar all the time- it is important that those who posses the advanced knowledge are responsible with that knowledge. LoL at the Spiderman "With great knowledge comes great responsibility" reference, but seriously it applies. The professors are judicious over who learns what- and for a very good reason. Who wants a meat head injuring their new students? Not me!
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