Jackson’s Introduces an MMA Belt Ranking System

[Steve]

http://www.mmaweekly.com/jacksons-introduces-an-mma-belt-ranking-system

“It took us a long time to develop it. It basically takes everything from his books and in the gym into one system, and basically Greg wrote the new curriculum, so there’s actually a legitimate MMA belt system. We’re already testing on it at Jackson’s Martial Arts and Fitness Academy, and it’s working beautifully,” said Ricky Kottenstette, gym manager at Jackson’s in Albuquerque, N.M.

While on the one hand, why not? But on the other hand, it smacks of a money maker and is counter to the culture of MMA, where the guys take pride in training in a style without belts.

What do you guys think?

 

[chinto]

I guess it is a case of time will tell. not a person who does MMA, but I would think if it does not fill a need it will not last.

 

[Makalakumu]

It's just a way of organizing the curriculum. I trained at a studio that did the same thing that belts do, but with certificates.

 

[frank raud]

While there may not be a standardised belt sytem in MMA, that doesn't stop the fighters, promoters and announcers from touting that so and so fighter has a black belt in BJJ or Judo, a Kru ranking in Muay Thai, etc. I guess the big question is if to be in the elite of MMA, you need to have black belt level skills in more than one discipline, does that mean to be a black belt in MMA, you need the same skill levels in the various subsets?

 

[ralphmcpherson]

While there may not be a standardised belt sytem in MMA, that doesn't stop the fighters, promoters and announcers from touting that so and so fighter has a black belt in BJJ or Judo, a Kru ranking in Muay Thai, etc. I guess the big question is if to be in the elite of MMA, you need to have black belt level skills in more than one discipline, does that mean to be a black belt in MMA, you need the same skill levels in the various subsets?

Quite true, and as someone else said, it helps organise the class into skill levels. Personally, if I was an instructor with a room full of people Id rather have them in belts so I could quickly work out who is at what level. As a practitioner belts are a great way of knowing which other students I can go to for some advice as I can quickly see who is of a higher rank than myself. I have a lot of mates who do MMA and none of them "take pride in training in a style without belts", in fact I dont think they would care either way. I really cant see a downside to be honest.

 

[ETinCYQX]

I think Greg can do what he wants without losing much face

 

[Buka]

I'm surprised it took this long, a lot of folks have been talking about it for years. Is it any good? Damned if I know. But the training sure is fun.

 

[frank raud]

I'm surprised it took this long, a lot of folks have been talking about it for years. Is it any good? Damned if I know. But the training sure is fun.

Steve"Nasty" Anderson has been offering belts in MMA for awhile now. Of course, he is not as well known in the MMA community as Greg Jackson, but others have tried before.

 

[Buka]

Steve"Nasty" Anderson has been offering belts in MMA for awhile now. Of course, he is not as well known in the MMA community as Greg Jackson, but others have tried before.

I don't like Nasty. I usually refrain from saying something like that. But I don't like Nasty.

 

[WC_lun]

In my opinion, one of the refreshing things about MMA was the focus on the training, not on the belts. I do understand using the belts as a way to coordinate the curriculum or to help motivate students. I just find it sad one of the unique positive things about MMA might be lost if this is a trend.

 

[Ironcrane]

In the case of MMA, I personally think they should not bother with a belt ranking system, and instead use a beanie ranking system.

 

[72ronin]

"KaChing goes the cash register baby!

 

[Cyriacus]

The MCMAP has a Belt System.
It works swell.

Does MMA need a Belt System? Not really. But debatably, any System could just outright do away with that and call it a day, and get by just fine.

 

[72ronin]

Well, that was my first impression anyway, i guess i dont have that strong an opinion on it,

Edit: It would be Gregs individual system, although based in MMA, not an actual ranking in MMA as i first took it to be so, thats a little different.

Good luck to him.

 

[Grenadier]

Jackson's system is called "Gaidojutsu," which is his own martial art. If he wants to offer belts as rankings in Gaidojutsu, then it's his own choice to do so as the founder, plain and simple. To me, it's no different than someone the likes of Maeda offering black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, since it was his creation, after all.

As 72ronin pointed out, that since he's not offering any sort of official MMA ranking, I see no problem here at all.

 

[lklawson]

It's interesting you should mention this. I recently (re)wrote an article on the subject:

http://cbd.atspace.com/articles/ranking/ranking.html

The decision to go to a grading/belt-ranking/whatever system is a balance between the advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest advantages of a belt / grading system are:

1) Allows the instructor (particularly visiting instructors) to instantly know the student's minimum capabilities and adjust the instruction accordingly.

2) Assists the student in tracking his personal advancement and gives him a clear understanding of what he must learn or improve to continue advancement
2a) [subset of 2 I suppose] Gives the student a valuable tool in setting and meeting personal goals

3) Is "main stream" and accepted, even EXPECTED by potential students, thus raising credibility in the community.

The biggest DISadvantages of a belt / grading system are:

1) Has limited meaning outside of the training system or in some other martial system.
1a) Not usually transferable to another martial system.

2) Exposes the student to vulnerabilities of egotism ("I'm a Black Belt and I can kick your butt!").

3) Generates risk of "next belt" syndrome whereby the student focuses too heavily on simply attaining rank and not on true practice and understanding.

4) Exposes school to the risk of "McDojo" syndrome whereby the school or instructor "sells" rankings without imparting true knowledge or whereby the school imposes countless fees and testing requirements for insignificant advancements.

If an organization or school is considering implementing a ranking system, these are the pros and cons that they typically weigh.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk