10 BJJ Myths That Are Simply Untrue

In this blog post, I will debunk 10 common BJJ myths that are simply untrue.

BJJ is a martial art that has gained immense popularity over the years.

However, with popularity comes myths and misconceptions.

From the idea that a BJJ black belt is always a kind and honorable person to the belief that ego is not a real thing, I will explore and dispel these myths one by one.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, it's important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to BJJ.

So, let's dive in and get to the truth behind these BJJ myths.

But first....

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One of the most common BJJ myths promoted by cult-like BJJ academies is that all BJJ black belts are basically honorable and kind person and whatever they say is the truth.

While it's true that many BJJ black belts are respectful and humble, the belt itself doesn't guarantee those qualities.

Just like in any other martial art or sport, there are individuals who may have achieved a high rank but don't necessarily embody the values associated with that rank.

In fact, some high-ranking BJJ practitioners have been involved in scandals or controversies that contradict the idea of being kind and honorable.

On the other hand, there are also lower-ranked BJJ practitioners who display exceptional character and values.

A black belt is just a symbol of technical proficiency and dedication to the art, and it's up to each individual to live up to the values associated with that rank.

Heel hooks are indeed dangerous submissions in BJJ but they are not as dangerous as choke submissions that can cause death or spine locks and neck cranks that can cause paralysis or death.

A heel hook can certainly cause significant damage to the knee joint but the worst-case scenario is typically a broken leg or torn ligament that can be repaired through surgery.

In contrast, choke submissions like the rear-naked choke or the triangle choke can cause death if applied improperly or for too long.

There is no cure for death so far.

Similarly, spine locks and neck cranks can cause severe damage to the spinal cord and nerves, potentially resulting in paralysis or death.

While it's important to approach all submissions with caution and respect, it's also important to recognize that some submissions are inherently more dangerous than others.

This is probably the most stupid of all BJJ myths.

The belief or dogma that washing your BJJ belt will cost you the skills you learn on the mat is just nonsense and illogical.

This myth likely stems from the idea that the belt represents the knowledge and experience that the practitioner has gained over time, and that washing it would somehow wash away that knowledge.

However, this is simply not true.

The knowledge and experience that you gain through training and practice is not tied to the physical belt that you wear.

Instead, it is a result of your own effort, dedication, and hard work.

Washing your belt is simply a matter of hygiene and cleanliness, and has no bearing on your skills or abilities on the mat.

In fact, many high-level BJJ practitioners wash their belts regularly as part of their overall hygiene routine.

It's important to dispel this myth and encourage practitioners to prioritize cleanliness and hygiene, both on and off the mat.

The idea that training every day will make a BJJ practitioner better faster is something that needs to be put into context.

While consistent training is certainly important for improving one's skills and abilities in BJJ, the idea that simply showing up to class every day will automatically lead to rapid improvement is a myth.

In fact, the quality of training is much more important than the quantity of training.

A practitioner can come to class every day, but if they do not put much effort into the actual drilling and rolling, they will not gain much.

On the other hand, a practitioner who trains with focus, intensity, and purpose, even if it's only a few times a week, will likely see much more progress in their skills and abilities.

It's also important to remember that overtraining can lead to burnout, injury, and other negative consequences.

It is important to find a balance that works for each individual practitioner, taking into account their own goals, abilities, and limitations.

Remember, it's not about how often you train, but how well you train.

The idea that BJJ allows smaller people to beat bigger, stronger opponents must be viewed carefully.

BJJ does allow a smaller person to beat a bigger, stronger opponent, but only if the latter is completely untrained in grappling.

In reality, a big, strong person with some basic grappling skills can be overwhelming to handle, even for a skilled BJJ practitioner.

This is why it's important for beginners to approach BJJ with a realistic understanding of what it can and cannot do.

While BJJ techniques can certainly level the playing field against larger opponents, they are not a magic bullet that guarantees victory in every situation.

Instead, BJJ should be viewed as a set of tools and strategies that can be used to defend oneself against larger, stronger opponents, but only if those tools and strategies are applied skillfully and strategically.

Success in BJJ comes down to a combination of technical proficiency, physical fitness, mental toughness, and strategic thinking, and you must be prepared to work hard and consistently to develop these qualities over time.

The myth or thought that a higher belt in BJJ must always be able to beat lower belts every time to prove the legitimacy of the rank needs to go away.

Higher belts generally have more technical knowledge and experience than lower belts but the idea that they must always be able to dominate lower belts in every situation is simply not realistic.

In fact, the ability to teach and mentor lower belts is a key aspect of being a higher belt in BJJ, and this often involves allowing lower belts to experiment and learn by giving them opportunities to apply their techniques against higher belts.

BJJ is also a dynamic and ever-evolving martial art, and the techniques and strategies that work in one situation may not work in another.

Therefore, it's important to approach training with an open mind and a willingness to learn from all partners, regardless of their rank.

Ultimately, the legitimacy of a belt rank in BJJ should be based on a combination of technical proficiency, experience, teaching ability, and character, rather than on the ability to dominate lower belts in every situation.

By dispelling this myth and focusing on the qualities that truly matter in BJJ, we can create a more positive and inclusive training environment for all practitioners.

This is one of those BJJ myths that often comes from those calling themselves the "old school" or "traditional" practitioners.

As a guy who prefers the gi myself, I think it is dumb to think that practitioners who train only no-gi do not deserve to be ranked.

The growth of no-gi BJJ in recent years has led to a greater recognition of its value as a martial art in its own right.

No-gi BJJ places a greater emphasis on takedowns, wrestling, scrambles, and free for all submission techniques that can be applied in real-world self-defense situations, making it a valuable addition to any BJJ practitioner's skill set.

In fact, many high-level BJJ practitioners and competitors have achieved success in both gi and no-gi competitions, demonstrating the versatility and applicability of both styles.

It's important to recognize that practitioners who train only no-gi can still achieve a high level of technical proficiency and experience, and can be just as deserving of rank promotions as practitioners who train in the gi.

At the end of the day, the decision to train in the gi or no-gi should be based on the individual practitioner's goals, preferences, and training environment, and should not be used as a basis for judging their skill or worthiness for promotion.

Come on, you would think or believe that Nicky Rod will suddenly lose his ability to smash most black belts in the world just because he puts a gi on?

While it's true that BJJ can be a physically demanding martial art that requires strength, endurance, and flexibility, it's also true that BJJ is accessible to practitioners of all fitness levels and abilities.

Many BJJ practitioners start training specifically to improve their physical fitness, and find that the training itself is a fun and engaging way to get in shape.

Additionally, BJJ is a highly technical martial art that places a greater emphasis on leverage, timing, and technique than on raw physical strength or athleticism.

This means that even smaller or less physically imposing practitioners can properly train and execute BJJ moves by using proper technique and strategy.

Of course, it's always important to approach any new physical activity with caution and to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional before beginning training, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

However, the idea that you need to be in great physical shape to start training BJJ is simply not true, and should not be a barrier to anyone interested in exploring this dynamic and rewarding martial art.

It is wrong to say that BJJ practitioners who do not compete are fakers and that they do not legitimately represent their belt ranks nor deserve promotions.

The idea that competition is the only way to truly test one's skills in BJJ is a narrow and limiting view of the martial art.

BJJ is a diverse and multifaceted martial art that encompasses a wide range of techniques, strategies, and approaches, and it's important to recognize that different practitioners may have different goals, priorities, and interests within the art.

Whether a practitioner competes or not, their dedication to training, their technical proficiency, and their commitment to the principles of BJJ are what truly matter in determining their worthiness for promotion.

It is also important to recognize that hobbyists and recreational practitioners are just as important as competitors to the growth and development of the BJJ community.

These practitioners help to create a welcoming and inclusive training environment, and provide a valuable source of support and encouragement for all members of the community.

The BJJ community is stronger and more vibrant when we embrace and celebrate the diversity of approaches and perspectives within the art, rather than trying to impose a narrow and exclusionary view of what it means to be a "legitimate" practitioner.

Oh, the myth of "there is no ego in BJJ" - what a load of nonsense!

Of course, everyone involved in BJJ has an ego, and everyone hates to lose.

The only difference is that some practitioners are better at keeping their egos in check than others.

When they get beaten, they acknowledge that they need to work harder and drill more to improve their skills.

Others, however, can't handle the fact that they're not the best, and they either get bitter, enraged, or they just quit altogether.

And let's not forget about the practitioners who only roll with people they know they can beat, all in the name of protecting their precious ego and pride.

It's like they think they're too good to roll with anyone who might actually challenge them.

But here is something to think about; if you're not willing to roll with people who are better than you, then how are you ever going to get better yourself?

So, let's all just admit that we have egos, and that's okay.

It is how we deal with them that really matters.

The next time you get tapped out, instead of throwing a tantrum or storming off the mat, take a deep breath, congratulate your training partner, and use the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.

After all, that's what BJJ is really all about - constant learning and improvement.

So, there you have it; the 10 most common BJJ myths and misconceptions.

After reading this post, you should be able to see that many of these BJJ myths are simply untrue or need to be viewed more carefully.

By dispelling these myths and embracing the diversity and complexity of BJJ, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community that values all practitioners, regardless of their goals or abilities.

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