Irish BJJ Belt Listing

Clive · 15-11-2006 1:04am #1

I salvaged this from Irmac, seems timely to update it now! If anyone sees any mistakes, let me know!

1 Brown Belt
11 Purple Belts
84 Blue Belts

Brown Belt
John Kavanagh- Matt Thornton 2005, SBG Ireland

Purple Belts
Andy Ryan- Matt Thornton 2006, SBG Ireland
Caoimhe McGill 2005 Carlos Gracie Jr.
Dave Roche- Matt Thornton 2002, SBG Ireland
David Jones- Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Fergal Quinlan - Fabio Santos 2005
Graham Keys- Mauricio Gomes 2005, G-B N.Ireland
John McAteer- Carley Gracie 2004, Milford JJC
Liam Beechinor- Rodrigo Meideros
Mick Kelly - Matt Thornton 2005, SBG Ireland
Paul McVeigh- Matt Thornton 2005, SBG Ireland
Robert - Roger Brooking 2005, Alliance GB

Blue Belts
Aengus Ryan - 2006, John Kavanagh, SBG Ireland
Aisling Daly - 2006 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Alan Lowery- Mauricio Gomes 2002 G-B N.Ireland
Alan Sullivan- Royce Gracie 2004
Andy O Connor - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Anthony Baker- Royce Gracie 2003, DJJF
Arran Wall - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Arni Isaksson 2005
Charmaine Hughes- Royce Gracie 2004, Milford JJC
Colin Noone - Royce Gracie 2004
Colm O'Reilly- 2002 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Connie McShane- Royce Gracie 2003 (1 stripe) DJJF
Conor Cassidy Royce Gracie 2003 (1 stripe) DJJF
Conor Flanagan- John Kavanagh, 2005, SBG Ireland
David Bradley-Royce Gracie 2004
David McConkey 2005
Darren Friel- Royce Gracie 2003, DJJF
David Stalford– Mauricio Gomes 2002, G-B N.Ireland
Deirdre Dunk - SBG Ireland
Dennis Brosnan- Carley Gracie 2004
Dermot Nolan - Royce Gracie 2004
Eddie GBNI - Roger Gracie 2004, G-B N.Ireland
Emmet Clarke - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Emmet O Connell 2003 Royce Gracie
Eugene Smith- 2004 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Francie Mahon– Royce Gracie 2004(1 stripe)
Gabriel McAteer- Royce Gracie 2003, Milford JJC
Gareth GBNI - Royce Gracie 2004, G-B N.Ireland
Gary Redmond 2002 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Hugh Fullerton- Mauricio Gomes 2002, G-B N.Ireland
Ian Kelly - Royce Gracie 2004
Ian Ward - 2005 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
James McAuley- Royce Gracie 2004, DJJF
Jim McInerney - Matt Thornton 2005, SBG Ireland
Joe Cunnane - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Joe Ruddock - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
John Curry- Royce Gracie 2003, DJJF
John Fitz - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
John Fitzgerald- Royce Gracie 2003, Milford JJC
John McTasney - John Kavanagh, 2005, SBG Ireland
John Walsh- Matt Thornton 2004, SBG Ireland
Jonathan McGookin- Mauricio Gomes 2003, G-B N.Ireland
Jonny Burrows – Roger Gracie 2004, G-B N.Ireland
Josie Murray- Royce Gracie 2002 (4 Stripe), DJJF
Juan Cullen - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Keith Clack - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Kevin Durkin - Matt Thornton 2002 SBG Ireland
Kevin Gallagher- Royce Gracie 2003, G-B N.Ireland
Lar Doyle - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Liam Heffernan 2005
Liam O’Toole - John Kavanagh, 2005, SBG Ireland
Maeve Harkins - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Mark Leonard- Matt Thornton 2004, SBG Ireland
Mark Oogan - Royce Gracie 2004 (1 stripe)
Martin O'Brien - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Matt Hickmott - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Michael Devlin- Royce Gracie 2003, DJJF
Michael Downs - Royce Gracie 2004 (1 stripe)
Michael Leonard- 2004 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Mick Hagan - 2006, John Kavanagh, SBG Ireland
Nerjius 2005/6
Ninja SBGI- Matt Thornton 2002 SBG Ireland
Owen Dempsey - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Owen Roddy- 2002 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Pat Ferry- 2004 Carley Gracie, Milford JJC
Patrick Corcoran - 2004 Royce Gracie
Peter - 2006, John Kavanagh, SBG Ireland
Peter Lavery - John Kavanagh, 2005, SBG Ireland
Philip Graham- Matt Thornton 2004 SBG Ireland
Philip Scollard - 2002 Matt Thornton SBG Ireland
Ray Conway - Royce Gracie 2004 (1 stripe)
Ross Glynn - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Roseleen McFeeley- Royce Gracie 2004, Milford JJC
Shane Courtney 2005
Shawn Gallagher- Royce Gracie 2003, Milford JJC
Shane Nolan- Royce Gracie 2004
Suzanne Ferris - SBG Ireland
Tim Murphy - 2006 Matt Thornton SBG Ireland
T.J Davitt- 2006, John Kavanagh, SBG Ireland
Tom Carlisle- Mauricio Gomes 2003, SBG Ireland
Tom Egan 2006
Tom King 2005
Waqar Ahmed GBNI – Royce Gracie 2004, G-B N.Ireland
William Toye- Carley Gracie 2004, Milford JJC

DDJF: Donegal Jiu-Jitsu Federation
G-B N.Ireland: Gracie-Barra Northern Ireland
Milford JJC: Milford Jiu-Jitsu Club
SBG Ireland: Straight Blast Gym Ireland
NGI: Next Generation Ireland

gymrabbit · 15-11-2006 1:30am

Full names:

T.J. Davitt
Conor Flanagan

Dave Jones is purple

gymrabbit · 15-11-2006 1:37am

Aren't Deirdre Dunk and Suzie bluebelts?

Clive · 15-11-2006 1:41am

Cheers dude, I've added those and the most recent NG promotions.

dlofnep · 15-11-2006 2:01am

I thought I read Josie got his purple? Could be wrong though.

Also, Patrick Corcoran got his blue from Royce. I think it was 2004.

15-11-2006 2:38am

SBGI Bluebelts I don't see

Tom King 2005?
Tom Egan 2006?
David McConkey 2005?
Arni Isaksson 2005
Shane Courtney 2005
Nerjius 2005/6?
Liam Heffernan 2005

dranoc · 15-11-2006 9:32am

gymrabbit wrote:

Full names:

T.J. Davitt
Conor Flanagan

Dave Jones is purple

The Conor that got the blue belt on Sunday was

Conar Dunne SBG Northside

I think Conor Flanagan already has his blue

(??)

Aisling! · 15-11-2006 7:18pm

Few more SBGI blue belts, Aisling Daly got mine off Matt this year 2006 and I think Ian Ward is missing as well he got his off Matt in 2005.

Tim_Murphy · 15-11-2006 9:29pm

I got a blue belt from Matt Thornton, 2006

dlofnep · 15-11-2006 9:36pm

Perhaps we could keep this stickied?

Roper · 15-11-2006 9:36pm

dranoc wrote:

The Conor that got the blue belt on Sunday was

Conar Dunne SBG Northside

I think Conor Flanagan already has his blue (??)

Thats Conor Dunbar AFAIK!

john kavanagh · 15-11-2006 10:01pm

dlofnep wrote:

Perhaps we could keep this stickied?

in fairness you'd then have to do a sticky for belts in every other style 'judo belts', 'tkd belts', 'karate belts'

dlofnep · 16-11-2006 12:54am

Yah, I guess you're right.

gymrabbit · 16-11-2006 1:26am

I don't think any other organisation on Ireland would be able to come up with a accurate list of their members and grades.

It doesn't need to be stickied to be honest because it's not going to change all that often. And they're only mere belts!! :rolleyes: (I'm just annoyed I don't have one).

But fair play to conor dunbar, sound as a pound. He's a smallish guy but very good grappler. Great editon to SBG N I loved rolling with him.

Perhaps a page on www.sbgnorthside.com or www.sbgireland.com could be created as a permanent accurate record of Irish BJJ gradings, particularly the SBG ones.

dranoc · 16-11-2006 3:27pm

Roper wrote:

Thats Conor Dunbar AFAIK!

Pretty sure my name is Conar Dunne.

I havent met this Mr.Dunbar guy yet. He sounds like a nice guy!!

Roper · 16-11-2006 3:48pm

dranoc wrote:

Pretty sure my name is Conar Dunne.

I havent met this Mr.Dunbar guy yet. He sounds like a nice guy!!

LOL:D Well, you would know. That's what you get for referring to yourself in the third person.

Who the hell is Conor Dunbar so?:D

dranoc · 16-11-2006 4:09pm

Roper wrote:

Who the hell is Conor Dunbar so?:D

Could be my evil twin :eek:

Gorman · 16-11-2006 4:43pm

Hey I'm a lurker here for a few months and for my first post I'd like to be added the list!

I started off with Mr. Kavanagh only for a month or two and then moved to Canada, I got my blue last year under Rodrigo Munduruca.

Philip O'Gorman - Rodrigo Munduruca 2005 - Munduruca Winnipeg

Thanks!

gymrabbit · 16-11-2006 4:48pm

Well done Philip.

Actually anyone know what happened to Philip Scollard? I remember doing a little judo competition with him 5/6 years ago. Then I met him in Greece and he said he was doing MMA competitions (I didn't know what MMA was then). Haven't seen him around since. I presumed he trained with Dave Jones. Did he go to England?

MartinC2006 · 16-11-2006 5:08pm

Going slightly off topic but is BJJ grading system fairly universal? Would you expect all blue belts to be within limits around the level? Is there different syllabus dependant on the senior instructors etc? I mean could someone who graded under Royce train under John or Matt and be learning the same stuff or will there be differences?

I’m just wondering as with other martial arts there’s a massive difference even with those claiming to be the same style. For example I train in a Wado variant but with all the splits, pragmatism, sporting stuff etc what I do could seem every different to someone with the same grade round the corner.

Martin.

weemate · 16-11-2006 5:45pm

Conor Dunbar actually trains with Kaizen jiu jitsu/Gracie Barra in Belfast.He got his blue from Roger a few months ago to the best of my knowlege.....or it could have been last year.........God I hate having a bad memory!

john kavanagh · 16-11-2006 6:09pm

MartinC2006 wrote:

Going slightly off topic but is BJJ grading system fairly universal?

for the most part, yes. the fact we 'roll' against resisting opponents keeps it that way.

MartinC2006 wrote:

Is there different syllabus dependant on the senior instructors etc?

there is no 'syllabus' per se - its more a recognition of achieving a certain level of performance. think of an Amatuer boxer being awarded his first belt after getting a grasp of all the boxing techniques, footwork and most importantly can now spar to a decent level. its not a case of just been able to regurgitate a number of set techniques against pre determined attacks with compliant partners.

MartinC2006 wrote:

I mean could someone who graded under Royce train under John or Matt and be learning the same stuff or will there be differences?

well each instructor has his own 'flavour' but all with teach the basics of 'escapes from bottom', 'passing the guard' etc.

MartinC2006 wrote:

what I do could seem every different to someone with the same grade round the corner.

as a bjj instructor/coach i want to make sure that anyone i award a blue belt to can go anywhere in the world and roll against another blue belt and look like they belong there. they may not win everytime but they shouldn't lose everytime either

O'Leprosy · 16-11-2006 6:48pm

of Defendu.ie. Not sure who awarded him his blue belt but he has trained in the US for several years with Relson Gracie black belt Phil Migliarese's Team Balance of Philadelphia, Brad Parker of Defend University Phoenix and Steve Kardian of Defend University New York.

So Clive, get typing

David Jones · 16-11-2006 9:16pm

Philip Scollard is in the Army heading ranger direction last time I was talking to him. Pops in periodically to kneel on some poor indidviduals head. Philip started training with me as part of a transition year programme i run and continued it through school and before he joined up. He is 3 - 0 in pro vale tudo with referee stoppages against Greg Loughran and 2 against Aidan Marron both from progressive combat.

john kavanagh · 16-11-2006 11:41pm

David Jones wrote:

Philip Scollard is in the Army heading ranger direction last time I was talking to him. Pops in periodically to kneel on some poor indidviduals head. Philip started training with me as part of a transition year programme i run and continued it through school and before he joined up. He is 3 - 0 in pro vale tudo with referee stoppages against Greg Loughran and 2 against Aidan Marron both from progressive combat.

if 'pee wee' was to ever go into mma seriously he would be a force to be reckoned with!

gymrabbit · 17-11-2006 12:04am

that's cool because I fought him when I was in 4th or 5th year in a judo competitoin. I think dave jones was there watching. I was told he was a ground specialist. he pulled guard I think and tried to do an armbar but I legged it. I got him with a throw eventually. he had a cool hair cut and a wrist support he looked kinda like a street fighter character. That's well impressive beating aidan and greg and reading up he got his blue belt yonks ago. Good to hear he's doing well for himself thanks for the info.

David Jones · 17-11-2006 12:39am

if 'pee wee' was to ever go into mma seriously he would be a force to be reckoned with!

Totally agree. Freakish strength to size ratio and completely ignored ample submission opportunities in a fight in favour of punching opponent in the head! (all while smiling)

weemate · 17-11-2006 10:03am

Phil was unreal when he fought in Belfast.I fought him in the best of the best events that John ran,obviously got tapped but there you go!Im not bitter!!!!!

weemate · 17-11-2006 11:24am

Is Robbie Walsh not at least a blue?He was another demon I recall.

MartinC2006 · 17-11-2006 1:37pm

Cheers for the reply. I didn't think there was a syllabus based around compliant dead technique but I assumed you needed to know certain things as well as do certain things to reach a grade. Sounds like a really good way of doing things, I’ve been doing a form of jujitsu for around 18 months now but the skill/knowledge mix is very different dependant on club/instructor. It almost seems like people are thrown in for grades regardless if they are ready as long as they meet the time criteria. I can compete and often submit people well above my grade and I’m fairly useless tbh :P As such the belt system there seems like a poor way to judge someone’s ability. I’ve trained with Peter Lavery a few times and I intend to again soon when my shoulder heals up. I really had my eyes opened, completely different story and I probably learned more there in a few weeks than I did in months off the other stuff.

Martin.

bjj-fighter · 17-11-2006 5:40pm

Darragh Mooney is a purple belt.I think it was given to him by a Rorion Gracie Instuctor but I can ask him

MaeveD · 21-11-2006 10:19pm

Clive, a few more to add to your list from DUI BJJ...

Ray Butcher - Blue 1 stripe
Patrick 'Benny' Conaty - Blue

and HUGE surprise..........ME........ a BJJ blue belt!!!!

was away training in the US for the last 10 days and was given it last Saturday in New York... still hasn't sunk in properly yet!

All given by Steve Kardian Black Belt under Royce and Rorion

Clive · 21-11-2006 11:55pm

1 Brown Belt
11 Purple Belts
93 Blue Belts

Brown Belt
John Kavanagh- Matt Thornton 2005, SBG Ireland

Purple Belts
Andy Ryan- Matt Thornton 2006, SBG Ireland
Caoimhe McGill 2005 Carlos Gracie Jr.
Dave Roche- Matt Thornton 2002, SBG Ireland
David Jones- Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Fergal Quinlan - Fabio Santos 2005
Graham Keys- Mauricio Gomes 2005, G-B N.Ireland
John McAteer- Carley Gracie 2004, Milford JJC
Liam Beechinor- Rodrigo Meideros
Mick Kelly - Matt Thornton 2005, SBG Ireland
Paul McVeigh- Matt Thornton 2005, SBG Ireland
Robert - Roger Brooking 2005, Alliance GB

Blue Belts
Aengus Ryan - 2006, John Kavanagh, SBG Ireland
Aisling Daly - 2006 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Alan Lowery- Mauricio Gomes 2002 G-B N.Ireland
Alan Sullivan- Royce Gracie 2004
Andy O Connor - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Anthony Baker- Royce Gracie 2003, DJJF
Arran Wall - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Arni Isaksson - 2005 SBG Ireland
Campbell Marshall - 2006 Matt Thornton
Charmaine Hughes- Royce Gracie 2004, Milford JJC
Colin Noone - Royce Gracie 2004
Colm O'Reilly- 2002 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Conar Dunne - John Kavanagh, 2006, SBG Ireland
Connie McShane- Royce Gracie 2003 (1 stripe) DJJF
Conor Cassidy Royce Gracie 2003 (1 stripe) DJJF
Conor Dunbar Roger Gracie 2006 G-B N.Ireland
Conor Flanagan- John Kavanagh, 2005, SBG Ireland
David Bradley-Royce Gracie 2004
David McConkey - 2005 SBG Ireland
Darren Friel- Royce Gracie 2003, DJJF
David Dunk - SBG Ireland
David Stalford– Mauricio Gomes 2002, G-B N.Ireland
Deirdre Dunk - SBG Ireland
Dennis Brosnan- Carley Gracie 2004
Dermot Nolan - Royce Gracie 2004
Eddie GBNI - Roger Gracie 2004, G-B N.Ireland
Emmet Clarke - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Emmet O Connell 2003 Royce Gracie
Eugene Smith- 2004 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Francie Mahon– Royce Gracie 2004(1 stripe)
Gabriel McAteer- Royce Gracie 2003, Milford JJC
Gareth GBNI - Royce Gracie 2004, G-B N.Ireland
Gary Redmond 2002 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Hugh Fullerton- Mauricio Gomes 2002, G-B N.Ireland
Ian Kelly - Royce Gracie 2004
Ian Ward - 2005 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
James McAuley- Royce Gracie 2004, DJJF
Jim McInerney - Matt Thornton 2005, SBG Ireland
Joe Cunnane - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Joe Ruddock - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
John Curry- Royce Gracie 2003, DJJF
John Donnelly - SBG Ireland
John Fitz - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
John Fitzgerald- Royce Gracie 2003, Milford JJC
John McTasney - John Kavanagh, 2005, SBG Ireland
John Walsh- Matt Thornton 2004, SBG Ireland
Jonathan McGookin- Mauricio Gomes 2003, G-B N.Ireland
Jonny Burrows – Roger Gracie 2004, G-B N.Ireland
Josie Murray- Royce Gracie 2002 (4 Stripe), DJJF
Juan Cullen - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Keith Clack - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Kevin Durkin - Matt Thornton 2002 SBG Ireland
Kevin Gallagher- Royce Gracie 2003, G-B N.Ireland
Lar Doyle - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Liam Heffernan - 2005 SBG Ireland
Liam O’Toole - John Kavanagh, 2005, SBG Ireland
Maeve D'arcy - Steve Kardian 2006 DUI BJJ
Maeve Harkins - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Mark Leonard- Matt Thornton 2004, SBG Ireland
Mark Oogan - Royce Gracie 2004 (1 stripe)
Martin O'Brien - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Matt Hickmott - Chris Brennan, 2006, NG
Michael Devlin- Royce Gracie 2003, DJJF
Michael Downs - Royce Gracie 2004 (1 stripe)
Michael Leonard- 2004 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Mick Hagan - 2006, John Kavanagh, SBG Ireland
Nerjius 2005/6 - SBG Ireland
Ninja SBGI- Matt Thornton 2002 SBG Ireland
Owen Dempsey - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Owen Roddy- 2002 Matt Thornton, SBG Ireland
Pat Ferry- 2004 Carley Gracie, Milford JJC
Patrick Conaty - Steve Kardian DUI BJJ
Patrick Corcoran - 2004 Royce Gracie
Peter - 2006, John Kavanagh, SBG Ireland
Peter Lavery - John Kavanagh, 2005, SBG Ireland
Philip Graham- Matt Thornton 2004 SBG Ireland
Philip O'Gorman - Rodrigo Munduruca 2005 Munduruca Winnipeg
Philip Scollard - 2002 Matt Thornton SBG Ireland
Ray Butcher - Steve Kardian DUI BJJ (1 stripe)
Ray Conway - Royce Gracie 2004 (1 stripe)
Ross Glynn - Chris Brennan NGI 2005
Roseleen McFeeley- Royce Gracie 2004, Milford JJC
Shane Courtney - 2005 SBG Ireland
Shawn Gallagher- Royce Gracie 2003, Milford JJC
Shane Nolan- Royce Gracie 2004
Suzanne Ferris - SBG Ireland
Tim Murphy - 2006 Matt Thornton SBG Ireland
T.J Davitt- 2006, John Kavanagh, SBG Ireland
Tom Carlisle- Mauricio Gomes 2003, SBG Ireland
Tom Egan - 2006 SBG Ireland
Tom King - 2005 SBG Ireland
Waqar Ahmed – Royce Gracie 2004, G-B N.Ireland
William Toye- Carley Gracie 2004, Milford JJC

DDJF: Donegal Jiu-Jitsu Federation
DUI BJJ: Defend University Ireland BJJ
G-B N.Ireland: Gracie-Barra Northern Ireland
Milford JJC: Milford Jiu-Jitsu Club
SBG Ireland: Straight Blast Gym Ireland
NGI: Next Generation Ireland

Clive · 21-11-2006 11:56pm

I can't edit the original post anymore, but I'll stick these up on some webspace at some stage.

John.D · 22-11-2006 10:25am

Get me in there Clive can't believe you forgot me!! :eek:

Unpossible · 22-11-2006 12:02pm

How long does it usually take for someone to get a blue belt?

22-11-2006 12:09pm

Unpossible wrote:

How long does it usually take for someone to get a blue belt?

Depends on mat time more than anything else but I'd estimate it's usually 1 to 2.5, maybe 3 years.

john kavanagh · 22-11-2006 12:11pm

how long is a piece of string? seriously anywhere between 3mths and many many years.

maybe we could put that list up on www.ibjja.ie

Unpossible · 22-11-2006 12:23pm

ah ok, sorry for hijacking the thread. I'm just half thinking of taking up BJJ, also some kind of average timeframe is nice when looking at those belt listings (it shows how hard it is to get those belts).

john kavanagh · 22-11-2006 12:38pm

if you train for the belt then it'll take longer

if you train for fun then the belt will come

the journey is the destination

weemate · 22-11-2006 12:50pm

john kavanagh wrote:

if you train for the belt then it'll take longer

if you train for fun then the belt will come

the journey is the destination

very profound John............very profound

Unpossible · 22-11-2006 1:30pm

if you train for fun then the belt will come

Well I always loved grappling on the ground, thats the reason I'm thinking of BJJ. Not really concerned with belts, was just wondering about the timeframe thats all.

gymrabbit · 22-11-2006 1:36pm

john kavanagh wrote:

maybe we could put that list up on www.ibjja.ie

This is cool. I hope it takes off. A well run national governing body can make it a lot easier for new clubs to take off and attract new members. Certainly in the case of most colleges, it's much easier to get a club off the ground if you've affiliation to a NGB.

Andy seems to be really getting stuck into BJJ/MMA, having a full time fully equipped gym, having a good website for it, getting the BJJ NGB going etc. etc.

Onwards and upwards.

gymrabbit · 22-11-2006 1:49pm

Unpossible wrote:

Well I always loved grappling on the ground, thats the reason I'm thinking of BJJ. Not really concerned with belts, was just wondering about the timeframe thats all.

There are plenty of good judo clubs in finland, I know you have a bad experience with one but you should try and shop around. In your particular location I'm not sure if there is a BJJ club but there some in the Helsinki/vantaa location and further west/south. MMA (finnfight) is fairly popular so a good grappling club shouldn't be TOO hard to find.

I'll give you my beginner outlook on BJJ because you're a beginner too. The grading system is very different to the grading system in TKD and similar martial arts. The BJJ gradings vary from club/organisation/instructor to club/organisation/instructor but the fundamental criteria is if compared to other people of the same grade can you hang with them on the mat. So when you spar, is it 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 between you and the people already graded. In BJJ there is a strong emphasis of skill and technique over strength and power. So it's not like in terms of TKD sparring where a bigger faster guy is always going to ut muscle the smaller weaker person, in BJJ that doesn't make you a better BJJist.

So there isn't a fixed time. Some TKD clubs say 6months between each grading. In BJJ you could grade more often, or skip a grade, if the person awarding you the grade felt you deserved it. Nor does a promotion need to be associated with a grading test or ceremony, it may be after a competition or just given to you after a training session.

Further along, there aren't any patterns or forms/kata to be learnt or performed. Nor will you be asked to perform a bery specific technique. in TKD a instructor might be critical of your patterns and tell you the need ot be improved (you may have done a wrong movement or not put your foot in the correct position), or critical of your technique (the angle of your foot relative to your body wasn't correct when doing a particular kick). Although there are fundamental positions in BJJ that you need to be able to maintain, escape from, avoid getting into, get into they won't be tested like a Judo grading in which you demonstrate them with a compliant partner. They will be drilled.

So when JK said "how long is a piece of string" he wasn't being facetious he was telling the truth. If you're a quicker learner and take the correct path concerning training methods and philosophical approach and you train regularly you could be looking at a year, a year in a half. If you don't and you train focusing on your attirubutes, your strengths and ignoring your weaknesses you may never get there.

Final word, a bJJ grading is a symbol of you being at a particular standard of artistry within BJJ, a TKD grading is an award for passing an exam.

dunkamania · 22-11-2006 1:56pm

Cant believe you left me out,Clive!

yomchi · 22-11-2006 1:57pm

MaeveD wrote:

Clive, a few more to add to your list from DUI BJJ...

Ray Butcher - Blue 1 stripe
Patrick 'Benny' Conaty - Blue

and HUGE surprise..........ME........ a BJJ blue belt!!!!

was away training in the US for the last 10 days and was given it last Saturday in New York... still hasn't sunk in properly yet!

All given by Steve Kardian Black Belt under Royce and Rorion

Thats fantastic stuff Maeve well done to you and Benny!

See you Thursday and no showing off

yomchi · 22-11-2006 2:01pm

This is cool. I hope it takes off. A well run national governing body can make it a lot easier for new clubs to take off and attract new members. Certainly in the case of most colleges, it's much easier to get a club off the ground if you've affiliation to a NGB

A little off topic, but from my experience NGB's in Ireland were the downfall for Taekwon-Do. This is where politics comes to the fore. It would be a shame to see BJJ go the same way.
An association of course is a good idea, with affiliation. NGB's are a bad idea in my opinion.

dlofnep · 22-11-2006 2:04pm

Irish BJJ association.. When did this come about? Still getting off it's feet... I assume JK is heading this..? Or is it Andy.

Unpossible · 22-11-2006 2:10pm

There are plenty of good judo clubs in finland, I know you have a bad experience with one but you should try and shop around.

Im sure there are, infact I would guess that the instructors for the advanced classes in the club I tried would be better (given that they are university lecturers and speak english). I only have an issue with the beginners instructor, besides the training times for the beginners lessons clash with my HMD training. I can't "shop around" as there is only one Judo club in Kuopio, the nearest town with aother judo club is over an hour away by bus (and Kuopio is hours away from Helsinki). The local MMA club do BJJ two nights a week so I was thinking of looking into it.

Clive · 22-11-2006 7:13pm

Sorry to John.D and Dave.D - duly added!

crashanburn · 22-11-2006 11:31pm

Nice one Clive, i thought the list had vanished when IRMAC went down and i could not find a copy on my PC. Nice to see the no. of purples increasing, can see a few more being added in the next several months.

one more name for the Blue Belt list: Campbell Marshall (Matt Thornton 2006)

Trevor

Irish BJJ Belt Listing

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