Enson Inoue is a pioneer in mixed martial arts. He earned a black belt from John Lewis 18 years ago, and owns several Purebred gyms in Japan, Saipan, Palau, and Guam, as well as affiliated gyms in Thailand, Canada and the USA. He holds a win in MMA against Randy Couture. And he holds what is widely considered to be the greatest show of heart in mixed martial arts history.

At PRIDE 10 on August 27, 2000, Inoue withstood a terrible, terrible beating at the hands of Igor Vovchanchyn. When the doctor finally stopped it, Inoue took the mic, apologized to the fans for not being strong enough, and was taken the hospital where he spent weeks, recovering from swelling on the brain.

His fight nickname is Yamato Damashii – The Soul of Old Japan.

Now 49, he has taken an unprecedented step, and revoked his own black belt, and is starting again at purple.

Via Facebook.

I know this journey will be long and hard and I want to be real. This is no bulls*** nor is it a joke but I’m going to demote myself to purple belt.

I got a black belt 18 years ago and as we all know BJJ is always evolving. I jumped off the BJJ bandwagon 10 years ago and it has pulled far far ahead.

I did the Purebred beginning class again today and again ALL the moves were new to me. Also my body has stiffened so much that I couldn’t even move fluidly.

At the time I got promoted to black belt I was a black belt at that time. However, what BJJ has become I can honestly say I am NOT a black belt. Yeah it’s cool to be a black belt but to me a true black belt should be technically and spiritually sound. I feel confident spiritually but not technically.

A black belt is not about status but about respecting the art of BJJ and for me to put a black belt on would be disrespecting the sport.

So I’m officially a purple belt and this is where my journey back to BJJ will continue.

Inoue’s decision to be less is a beacon of reality and honor, in a world where everyone wants more everything.

H/T PTM2020