The Controversy of Learning Jiu-Jitsu Online – Can It Be Done Effectively?
The Controversy of Learning Jiu-Jitsu Online – Can It Be Done Effectively?
There is no shortage of controversy about the topic of learning jiu-jitsu via the internet. Some people tend to dislike the idea because they believe the nu
There is no shortage of controversy about the topic of learning jiu-jitsu via the internet. Some people tend to dislike the idea because they believe the nuances of jiu-jitsu can’t be taught via a screen. Modern practitioners love it, as they can stay on top of the newest trends and techniques for competition.
Video technology has been the driving force behind the evolution of jiu-jitsu since the days of VHS tapes, and the digital age has seen an explosion of media come into existence that satisfies almost every jiu-jitsu practitioner, from the old-school grappler to the modern-day competitor.
Many online training portals exist, with world champions such as Marcelo Garcia, Caio Terra, the Mendes brothers, Braulio Estima, Keenan Cornelius and many more all offering instructions via subscription-based websites.
The Gracie Academy online training website – headed up by Ryron and Rener Gracie – is one of the most controversial of all, and a regular target of scorn within the jiu-jitsu community. Not – it should be stated – for the content they produce, but due to the fact they awarded ‘online’ blue belts for trainees who submitted video examinations.
These were people who had maybe never had a formal lesson in their lives, and did not have to prove that they engaged in live training – they only had to demonstrate a set curriculum of techniques as prescribed by the Gracie Academy. Many within the community felt this was selling out and spoke out against the practice – including members of the Gracie Family, such as Ryron and Rener’s uncle Royce Gracie and their cousin Kron Gracie.
The rules were changed in response, so that those wishing to test for an 'official' blue belt must go to an accredited training center to do so.
With all the focus on the negative, it is worth remembering that behind every online belt test is a real person, some who are simply unable to train jiu-jitsu in any other way.
This video focuses on one such person. Josh Wardlow is a Gracie jiu-jitsu blue belt who lives 4 hours away from the nearest gym, and so online training is the only way he can learn the art of jiu-jitsu.
Video technology has been the driving force behind the evolution of jiu-jitsu since the days of VHS tapes, and the digital age has seen an explosion of media come into existence that satisfies almost every jiu-jitsu practitioner, from the old-school grappler to the modern-day competitor.
Many online training portals exist, with world champions such as Marcelo Garcia, Caio Terra, the Mendes brothers, Braulio Estima, Keenan Cornelius and many more all offering instructions via subscription-based websites.
Gracie Academy Online Training: A Cause For Controversy
The Gracie Academy online training website – headed up by Ryron and Rener Gracie – is one of the most controversial of all, and a regular target of scorn within the jiu-jitsu community. Not – it should be stated – for the content they produce, but due to the fact they awarded ‘online’ blue belts for trainees who submitted video examinations.
These were people who had maybe never had a formal lesson in their lives, and did not have to prove that they engaged in live training – they only had to demonstrate a set curriculum of techniques as prescribed by the Gracie Academy. Many within the community felt this was selling out and spoke out against the practice – including members of the Gracie Family, such as Ryron and Rener’s uncle Royce Gracie and their cousin Kron Gracie.
The rules were changed in response, so that those wishing to test for an 'official' blue belt must go to an accredited training center to do so.
Learning Jiu-Jitsu Online: A Success Story
With all the focus on the negative, it is worth remembering that behind every online belt test is a real person, some who are simply unable to train jiu-jitsu in any other way.
This video focuses on one such person. Josh Wardlow is a Gracie jiu-jitsu blue belt who lives 4 hours away from the nearest gym, and so online training is the only way he can learn the art of jiu-jitsu.