Average Rank

[ewallace]

What is the average (or good) rank of a BJJ instructor?

[Water Dragon]

It depends on where you're at. If you're in Southern California, you should be working with a black belt. If you're in an area where BJJ is scarce (most areas in the U.S.) a Purple or Blue is more than adequate.

It's just like Gong Fu. You're teacher doesn't have to be an acknowledged master or lineage head as long as they can do two things:

1. Help you grow and improve.
2. Pass you up to someone higher when they can no longer help you improve.

[3D Man]

An instructor with a blue belt based on a year or more training knows a lot.

The problem is that blue belts vary in quality. A blue belt that got his belt last month will not have the skill level or the knowledge of a blue belt that has had their blue for two years.

So, if you only have a blue belt to learn from, do. Roll with him, if you can hold your own with him, go by some videos and find a training partner. You'll be better off. If he mauls you, you found a solid blue. Purple and above you should be good to go.

I guess what I am saying is some folks blue belts are bluer than others.

[Chang Style Novice]

At the beginning of class, they should be clean and unsmelly. At the end of class, they can be as rank as they want. You, too.

(I'd like to apologize in advance to everyone for this wisecrack.)