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Saturday, December 8, 2012

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Red Belt

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.

Helio Gracie, Carlos's younger brother, is often credited as the one who truly transformed the Japanese-style Jiu-Jitsu into the Brazilian style we are familiar with at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms and schools around the world. Helio is also another of the five men who has earned this highest form of red belt.

George Gracie, another of Carlos's younger brothers, also earned the honor of 10th degree red belt. He was a fierce and highly successful competitor, known throughout Brazil during his heyday of the 1920s and 1930s. The other two men with this ranking are two more Gracie brothers - Gastao Gracie and Oswald Gracie. This honor has been bestowed only on the pioneers of this martial art, and is probably unlikely to be given out again.

The 9th-degree red belt is also limited to just a few names, and among them are UFC co-founder Rorion Gracie. This Gracie is credited with bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to North America and opening the first Gracie-Barra Academy. Armando Wridt is another legendary name in the sport, and he also earned a red belt, which was presented to him by none other than Helio Gracie. There are few fighters with red belts that have no connection to the Gracie's; however Oswaldo Fadda, who is known for bringing the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the poorer classes, especially the poor of Rio de Janeiro is one.

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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