417 - Can You Get Your BJJ Black Belt Without Affiliating with a Specific School?
Feb 11, 2025
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In this discussion, Paul Kindzia, a BJJ black belt known for his unique training journey as a 'homeschooled' practitioner, dives into the challenges of achieving a black belt without a traditional school affiliation. He shares insights on training safety, the importance of quality partners, and the emotional nuances of moving between schools. Paul also tackles cult-like dynamics in some BJJ environments and the evolving landscape of jiu-jitsu over the past decade, emphasizing personal growth and adapting to new training paradigms.
The evolution of jiu-jitsu culture over the past decade has shifted from aggression to prioritizing safety and technical skills during training.
Individualized training experiences, like the 'homeschool' approach, highlight opportunities for personal growth outside traditional jiu-jitsu school affiliations.
Recognizing and escaping toxic training environments is essential for practitioners to enhance their enjoyment and progression in jiu-jitsu.
Deep dives
A Unique Journey in Jiu-Jitsu
Training in jiu-jitsu can take many forms, as exemplified by a practitioner's journey, which began at 46, coming from a triathlon background. This individual emphasizes the importance of safety, technical skill, and joy in training over competition or performance metrics. His late start in jiu-jitsu highlighted unique challenges, particularly in rolling with larger, more aggressive partners, where adjusting techniques and training styles becomes crucial for success. The excitement and curiosity for jiu-jitsu grew from early exposure to events like the first UFC, leading him to embrace a path dictated by personal passion rather than external expectations.
The Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu Culture
The culture of jiu-jitsu has evolved significantly over the past decade, moving from a more aggressive, 'kill or be killed' environment to a focus on technical training and safety. Ten years ago, many practitioners faced a harsh reality where injuries were common due to the lack of awareness and education around safe practices. The narrative surrounding these experiences illustrates the transformation in teaching methods, where modern schools now prioritize student safety and technical awareness, thus attracting a more diverse group of practitioners. With improved safety protocols, many who might have exited the sport due to injury are now able to enjoy and progress in their training.
The Importance of Training Partners
Finding the right training partners can significantly affect one’s jiu-jitsu journey, particularly for smaller or less experienced practitioners. This individual emphasizes that rolling with a select few compatible partners can enhance skill acquisition and enjoyment, creating a healthier training environment. The concept of a 'safe roll' is introduced, highlighting the idea that rolls should be intense yet respectful, enabling both partners to learn without the fear of injury. As training preferences evolve, having access to a stable group of training partners is shown to improve retention rates within the jiu-jitsu community.
Navigating Toxic Cultures in Jiu-Jitsu
Many jiu-jitsu schools grapple with toxic cultures that can deter practitioners from progressing or enjoying their experience. The fear of leaving a school with bad behavior or toxic instructors often keeps practitioners locked in unhealthy environments, similar to escaping a cult. As the dynamics within jiu-jitsu schools shift, it becomes critical for practitioners to recognize when it's time to leave for a healthier atmosphere that promotes personal growth and enjoyment. This narrative not only sheds light on unsafe practices but also encourages individuals to seek out schools and communities that align with their goals and values.
Finding Alternative Paths to Black Belt
Achieving a black belt in jiu-jitsu often involves navigating complex school structures and cultural expectations, but alternatives exist for those willing to explore them. The story illustrates a practitioner's journey through several schools before ultimately seeking a black belt from a respected mentor outside the traditional path. This 'homeschool' approach allows for a tailored training experience, emphasizing personal growth over rigid adherence to a single school's methodologies. As disruption becomes more commonplace in jiu-jitsu, practitioners are encouraged to identify unique routes that suit their personal aspirations and lifestyles, leading to a more enriching journey.
Paul Kindzia describes himself as a "homeschooled, non-denominational, it takes a village black belt" and had a very unique route to getting his BJJ black belt. He was a ronin, training at different schools and did a lot of his training in his home dojo. This paid off because he was a top IBJJF Masters competitor at blue, purple, and brown belt, before being awarded his black belt by a coalition of other black belts (myself included) in October of 2024.
In this episode we talk about so many things, including - How to get really good if you don't train at a top-tier school - Key aspects of training safely - How to say no to training with people who don't have your best interests at heart - What you need to do to calibrate your skills if you mainly train one-on-one - Cult-like dynamics at some BJJ schools - What professional BJJ competitors do that sets them apart - How to get promoted if you train independently - How jiu-jitsu training has changed in the last 10 years - And so much more.
For more about Paul's jiu-jitsu journey check out his site, The Balanced Grappler (https://www.thebalancedgrappler.com/) and his book, Master Jiu-Jitsu, Master Life (https://www.amazon.com/Master-Jiu-Jitsu-Life-Extraordinary-Through/dp/069216197X)
Please give this episode a thumbs up and share it with someone else you think might enjoy it.
Thanks so much, Stephan Kesting
P.S. Check out my own book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic at https://www.stephankesting.com/perseverance-book
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