Noob question about BJJ and grappling schools

[rw4th]

[Method2Madness]

If your asking if some schools dont give out rankings via a belt then the anser is yes. Some schools choose to focus on nogi grappling and ,most of the time, in nogi you don't get ranked with a belt. Now if you want to get a ranking and are training nogi then you'd probably have to go to another instructor, unless your current one has a rank in BJJ and is able to promote.

[RoninPimp]

Unless you train with somebody who is at least affiliated with a recognized black belt, you won't get recognized BJJ rank. No big deal if your focus is no-gi whether sub wrestling or MMA. Plenty of good quality places to train at like this.

[G8]

From what I understanding BJJ ranks are performance based. You beat people at your level, and you move up (with the ratios sometimes varying from school to school).

That's not quite accurate. Your rank reflects your instructor's assessment of your overall skill level; your understanding of technique counts for as much or more as your competitive results. That's not to say that you can get a belt without proving yourself by rolling, but there's not a one-to-one correspondence between your results & your rank. There are plenty of purples who can tap browns and even blacks, for example; you don't move up just because you tap a higher belt.

Assuming you've learned good technique, then no, you shouldn't have to start the whole process over. You'd probably start with a white belt, but if you've truly learned blue (or higher) skills, that should be immediately evident, and your new instructor should recognize it quickly.

[Hannibal]

Just out of curiosity how much are they charging ?

But appart from that it sounds fine. They are involved in competition which is a good thing. So what if they are not focused on handing out rank for money ? I think more martial arts clubs should have that attitude.

You show up to training, you train and you fight. When your good enough to learn more, they show you more. That's the best way to keep it.

[rw4th]

Just out of curiosity how much are they charging ?

Something like $150-$160 for 3 months with good deals for 6 months and 1 year of training.

Everybody else: thanks for the help and the advice.

[GoldenJonas]

That pricing sounds VERY reasonable. Breaks down to about $50/month and that is pretty damn good for a school that puts out sub grap quality. Do they put out good MMA fighter? any guys with pro records train there? if so then you are getting a deal.