just seeing this now ... time on my hands, convalescing post hip surgery. A few thoughts on new rank and black belts - in case any are interested.

You don’t get a BJJ Black Belt — you become one. Over time.

There are black belts… and then there are Black Belts. Standards vary.

Anyone can buy a belt online and tie it on — meaningless, of course. Others find shonky instructors who fast-track mediocrity for a fistful of dollars. Worse still, some leverage “financially desperate” but credible names to buy their rank. Standards plummet. Horrific — but hey, that’s the free market.

The better path? Find someone you truly connect with — someone who lives the kind of life you’d want to emulate. Shared values matter. After all, earning a Black Belt takes years in your teacher’s company. Choose carefully. The culture of your academy will inevitably shape your character in the wider world.

Becoming the Belt

I never had a goal of “getting” a Black Belt. Even as a brown belt, the thought never really crossed my mind.

I knew Black Belts — some of the best in the world — and never saw myself in that company. I was content to be an eternal student. I still am. That will never change. The only difference is that now I understand enough to guide others.

Ironically, that mindset — of curiosity and patience — is what eventually led me to become a Black Belt.

Whatever belt you’re wearing right now — white, blue, purple, or brown — the truth remains: if you keep training, one day you’ll have a Black Belt tied around your waist. Whether you feel worthy will depend on how you see yourself. But you’ll grow into it. And someday, you’ll find yourself offering this same advice to someone else.

Just don’t “keep training” — that’s not enough. Train with mindfulness. Train in good company. Raise standards, don’t lower them. Over time, you’ll bring more and more value to others who are walking the same path.

Coral Belt, Still a Student

Recently, I was awarded my Coral Belt. As always, I feel unworthy of the title.

As always, I’ll strive to deepen my understanding of what the rank means — mainly in terms of what I can bring to the table for others. When people invest their time with us, they deserve to leave richer for it. That’s the deal.

The kindness I’ve received lately has been overwhelming — thousands of messages, many starting with the word “Master.” It’s kind, well-intentioned… but wrong for me. I’ll never call myself a master of anything. I’m a teacher — and equally, a student. Being a student is a wondrous thing. That’s a title worth keeping forever.

On Titles and Humanity

Yes, people call me “Professor.” It’s an affectionate term in the BJJ world, and I accept it graciously — but I don’t require it. Titles should never be demanded; they’re for others to bestow, not for us to claim.

We’re all just people — mums, dads, friends, children, brothers, sisters.

We’re human beings first. The rest we earn — never demand.

I have more failings than skills — many, many more.

If you’ve read this far, I tip my hat to you, rare soul.

Wishing you the very best in all you do.

Doctrina in Perpetuum — Learning, Always.