This week, the IBJJF changed its belt requirement policy regarding lower belts that have won a Worlds event. For instance, under previous IBJJF rules, this meant that no matter your status, you would have to serve a minimum of 2 years at blue belt.
In theory, this isn’t a massive issue – however, at the very pinnacle of the sport this policy did become a problem. Imagine someone gets their blue belt and wins Worlds. Now, even though they’re literally the best in the world at their weight and belt rank, they would have to continue as a blue belt for at least another year. In true competitive spirit, these people would turn up to Worlds one year later, to potentially win gold yet again.
Because of this, some claimed that these competitors were sandbagging and if you’re already a Worlds champion at your belt rank then you clearly are too good for that belt anyway. This is why IBJJF changed its rules.
Now, if someone has won a gold at a Worlds even (such as gi or no gi), then they can be promoted to the next belt. However, for everyone else – the previous rules still apply. Basically, if you’re the best in your division then you can get promoted after winning gold. For everyone else, there is no change.
Recently, Heath Pedigo student Jacob Couch won no gi Worlds at brown belt. Because of the new rule settings, he was promoted to black belt on the podium. Under previous IBJJF rules, he would have had to remain as a brown belt for longer due to a technicality. This shows that arguably, common sense has prevailed and overall it marks an improvement in the IBJJF’s rules and regulations.
Of course, there are still people who don’t promote within the rules of the IBJJF anyway. Famously, Olympic Judoka Travis Stevens earned his BJJ black belt within 2 years which was fine, provided he didn’t compete at any IBJJF events during this time. At the same time, he was obviously a black belt in terms of skill. In short, even though people can be quick to bash IBJJF, this change should be welcomed in the name of fairness. Still, the reality is that it only applies to a tiny percentage of elite competitors.
