BJJ Bullshido artist

**Beneath Contempt** · Posted On: 3/18/2005 1:38pm

On this Steven Clark, I have no opinion. Seeing as how he hasn't claimed any supernatural powers or anything, I don't see the harm in having contacted him FIRST before ripping into him. I accept that some people here like the fact that Mr. Clark may not look the part - but surely anyone who actually grapples can tell you that looks are often deceiving. I know several highly competent judoka and BJJ-ka that look like total fat mugs but are in reality deadlier than Pol Pot.

I'm also disappointed by the continuing notion that BJJ.org is some kind of oracle that is omniscient in matters relating to BJJ. Whilst I admire the site and the information that it provides, being on the site is very much a matter of either being well-known, or making yourself known to the administrator there.

For example,"Leao" Teixeira Filho - who has been associated with Carlos Jr for years was not listed until very very recently. Does that mean I should call bullshit on his 5th degree bb? Of course not.

Similarly, Felipe Souza wasn't listed until recently - but no one doubts his ranking.

Notwithstanding Mr. Clark, I think it's time for a little grown-up thinking. Some of you guys have to accept that there are some BJJ people out there (coaches, fighters etc.) that simply do not give a **** about the internet. Having their name listed on bjj.org is not in any way a priority or necessity for them.

Conversely, look at the "academy logos" and "coach photos" sections on bjj.org. Lots of those guys are blue or purple belts. These are lower-ability fighters/coaches (relative to the black belts) that do give a **** about the internet, and get themselves up there tout suite.

En · Posted On: 3/18/2005 1:43pm

If you don't get a reply from him, you should email the school about it and ask them to remove his bio from their page. Something like that is degrading and insulting. Furthermore, it tarnishes the repuation of the business school that he belongs to have blatant lies on their website from one of their students.

**beka** · Posted On: 3/18/2005 1:44pm

well techinically the Great Neck cardio class says their program "utilizes proven techniques for self-defense," which isn't the same as saying "this will teach you to defend yourself". They are saying that they use techniques ie kicking ang punching, that have been used as self defense techniques.

But still, it's slippery, and it gives the wrong impression. It's like an escort saying "you're paying for my time, and what two consentual adults may happen to do in that time frame is none of LE's business"

I think cardio kb classes are fun. We have one at my dojo, it's free to the regular MA students. But yes, advertising them as a self defense class is wrong. I'd hope anyone who sought a cardio class for SD purposes would soon realize something's wrong and run away.

**TylerDurden** · Posted On: 3/18/2005 1:46pm

BJJ.org is not an oracle, but it's a nice reference. And there is no other mention of this guy in competition or fighting anywhere. I have met a number of black belts and brown while training and not one has been in bad shape. His claims are obvious bullshit, so why not call him on them?

**afronaut** · Posted On: 3/18/2005 1:55pm

Originally Posted by Beneath Contempt

I'm also disappointed by the continuing notion that BJJ.org is some kind of oracle that is omniscient in matters relating to BJJ. Whilst I admire the site and the information that it provides, being on the site is very much a matter of either being well-known, or making yourself known to the administrator there.

That's not the only place we looked.

For example,"Leao" Teixeira Filho - who has been associated with Carlos Jr for years was not listed until very very recently. Does that mean I should call bullshit on his 5th degree bb? Of course not.

Similarly, Felipe Souza wasn't listed until recently - but no one doubts his ranking.

No source is complete.

Notwithstanding Mr. Clark, I think it's time for a little grown-up thinking. Some of you guys have to accept that there are some BJJ people out there (coaches, fighters etc.) that simply do not give a **** about the internet. Having their name listed on bjj.org is not in any way a priority or necessity for them.

That's why you look in other places. No kidding super-ass-beaters from Brazil (etc.) don't generally make sure their e-credentials are up-to-date. But people who have ascended to the level of BJJ black belt will leave traces elsewhere on the web and that can be checked.

Besides, Stephen Clark is not one of these that doesn't care about the web, otherwise he wouldn't have a web page.

**Ronin** · Posted On: 3/18/2005 2:02pm

In theory I can claim to teach BJJ, I have the background and the arsenal, and I even speak portuguese, I do great fake brasilian accent :)

But IF I claim to be a BJJ Balck belt, I better be willing and able to bakc it up, with lineage because BJJ is a relatively youing system and easy to trace and on the mat.

One thing ALL BJJ-ka have in common, an open "rolling" policy.

So...

**TylerDurden** · Posted On: 3/18/2005 2:13pm

But can you wear the thong without getting hair everywhere? I think not!

**Anthracis** · Posted On: 3/18/2005 2:13pm

No contact yet from this guy. Here's the letter I sent:

"Stephen,

I saw your website and I am really into Jiu-jitsu. Could you tell me a little more about your style and where you trained? I need to find out a little more info."

I wanted to sound non-confrontational and get info. Also, I sent my letter before Rob. I apologize but I took the initiative as soon as I saw the opportunity. I will let rob take over from here. I will however post anything this idiot sends me as a reply.

-out :pottytrai

**Judah Maccabee** · Posted On: 3/18/2005 2:15pm

I have a feeling this guy is going to see 5 emails questioning or challenging his credentials and he's either going to weave an artful tale of deception or he's going to **** his pants and circle the wagons.

Still, I think that how this is being handled so far is very appropriate, and I eagerly await the outcome.