Friday, November 30, 2012

The Red Belt: Only A Few Have Earned This Honor

By Rod Bourgoine


Within the belt ranking system of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the highest level one can achieve is a red belt. The black belt is typically the highest level that fighters reach. Those that continue to progress eventually reach the black belt 7th and 8th degrees and receive a red and black belt. At the 9th and 10th degrees, a red belt is earned. There are fewer than two dozen people with a 9th degree red belt and only five with a 10th degree red belt.

It is hardly a surprise that among the five who have earned a 10th-degree red belt that all of their last names are Gracie. Carlos Gracie, the first to observe and learn Kodokan Judo and begin teaching it at his own school, is perhaps the true pioneer of the sport. He, of course, has this esteemed red belt, and were it not for his vision, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might not exist today.

His youngest brother, Helio Gracie, also has earned the 10th degree red belt. Because of his smaller size and physique, he was unable to perform some of the judo-style moves and altered the art to fit his weaker physical strength which has had a huge influence on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Three of Carlos's other brothers also have earned this 10th-degree belt as they, too, contributed greatly to the beginnings of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. George Gracie, in particular, was instrumental in showcasing this new martial art throughout Brazil. While he was often at odds with his brother Carlos, George was dedicated to the sport and helped to popularize it. Oswald Gracie and Gastao Gracie were the two other brothers who earned this much revered red belt.

Those with the 9th-degree red belt include names such as Rorion Gracie, who co-created Ultimate Fighting Championship and brought Gracie-Barra Jiu-Jitsu to the United States. Others among this elite group include Armando Wridt, who boasted not only an undefeated record, but is also one of the few people on earth to receive the red belt directly from Helio Gracie. Oswaldo Fadda is yet another red belt earner, and one of the very few who was not part of the Gracie family or school.

Even if the red belt seems like an unattainable honor, the black belt or brown belt are certainly something you can earn if you commit yourself to this martial art. It is important to train with excellent teachers, so look for a San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym that has several top instructors. It is also wise to choose a gym that allows you take an unlimited amount of classes each week for one flat fee. This will allow you to improve your skills more quickly.




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