belts are a funny thing, they really mean nothing. Some people make a big deal about them.. but Honestly I think they hinder more than they help. I like the hole levels idea, and have a set curriculum for each level. Its somewhat a semantic and in a way I am splitting hairs but its not the same thing. I think I talked to Dave Ross(owner of NYSANDA) about this topic before.
Why would training with people have anything to do with belt? I roll (No Gi and GI grappling) with people who range from white to black. I submit blues sometimes and get submitted by whites(although I will say its much really rarely happens THANK G-D!).
The gym I train at, and my JJ coach teaches one class for all levels. At first I hated this idea.. I was stuck learning hard moves, that I couldn't do.. and never getting enough time with the basics. The funny thing is I'm happy he teaches this way. It forces me to put forth the effort to ask, research, and drill. I can honestly say that I would not have progressed as fast if my Coach didn't teach in this manner.
Thats me, I know for a fact that MANY of his students do not understand the basics. Thats just understanding, I'm not talking about the muscle memory or the fine details just.. the basic ideas. They didn't put forth the effort I did.
Its all based on personal teaching style. If I owned or had my own class/school I would combine the two extremes. Have a basics class and have mostly open classes, were everyone rolls with everyone. Just as a point that is how NYSANDA does things. Its a very smart method, and I'm happy they do it that way.
But to continue the question about belts, allot of people get upset if you hold two belts in different styles. Sometimes teachers feel that its a insult to them or their skills. I can honestly understand, but if you study two different styles it should not be a issue. EXAMPLE MT and BJJ/sambo/csw/ect..
Some schools are very very strict about the belt thing, and those schools tend to suck (JMO). If you go to a school with a specific family name (everyone knows the name), I tend to find the belt issue a big deal.
again, the schools (not the teachers or the family or the style) tend to suck and you often get much less for your money.
JMO
If you live in NY come train with us, I know for a fact Dave doesn't care who you trained with or what belt you have. His only deal is come without the ego, and keep your hands up. :D
Don't you love the Carmine Zocchi/ NYSANDA plug Dave?
oh forgot the website...
http://nysanda.com and
http://www.geocities.com/carmine.zocchi/