Guy has never rolled, earns blue belt from Gracies
The Gracie University offers an online instructional course whereby you can earn a blue belt without stepping out to the mat to live roll with training partners.
A lot of jiu-jitsu instructors will tell you that the blue belt might be the hardest belt to attain. Going from white belt to blue belt is when you really find out if someone has the motivation and dedication to really learn jiu-jitsu. Once you are a blue belt, progressing higher is just putting more time in to learn, but you have already established that you want to be a part of the jiu-jitsu world and have the dedication to train.
The Gracie University offers an online instructional course whereby you can earn a blue belt without stepping out to the mat to live roll with training partners.
This guy lives in Austin, Texas and received his blue belt in the mail after having demonstrated a set of basic techniques in front of a camera. He never rolled (live sparring). There are around 10 legit Jiu-Jitsu academies in and around Austin, Texas, where he can be taught Jiu-Jitsu directly.
Gracie jiu-jitsu black belt Kron Gracie released a statement following the report, arguing that a blue belt needs to be earned on the mat:
It’s a shame the way the Jiu-Jitsu is being sold. I am ashamed to say that Ryron and Rener teach classes online, and that you can get a belt from a Gracie over the internet. I am sad to know that it’s happening now. Unfortunately, I can not do anything. I do not own the world, I can only control what I do. Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art. You need to put your blood in the gym, hang out with your teacher and earn the belt. It’s something you do not get with time, experience for money and friendship.
The Underground has always been known as the place that people who train congregate and discuss the sport. So those who have trained in jiu-jitsu, what do you think? Is a blue belt attained by online training legit or should mat time be a requirement?