In the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world, where tradition and progression systems are deeply rooted, innovation can often lead to controversy. Marvin Castelle, a black belt under the 10th Planet system, recently made waves by promoting adults from white belt to grey belt, a rank typically reserved for children in the sport. This move has stirred a mix of disbelief, humor, and critique within the community, raising questions about the implications for the sport’s culture and integrity.

Breaking Tradition or Diluting Standards?

The traditional BJJ belt progression for adults—white, blue, purple, brown, and black—is designed to represent significant milestones in skill, knowledge, and commitment. Grey belts, along with yellow, orange, and green, have historically been used for children to recognize their development before they reach the age where adult belts are awarded. For many practitioners, the introduction of a grey belt for adults feels unnecessary, even counterproductive.

Critics argue that the established system, supplemented by stripes on belts, already provides sufficient milestones for tracking progress. By introducing a new belt, Castelle has sparked fears of diluting the meaning and prestige of legitimate promotions. The prevailing concern is that such moves could reduce BJJ’s credibility, especially if these changes are perceived as marketing gimmicks rather than innovations grounded in martial arts principles.

A Growing Trend Among Schools?

Interestingly, Castelle is not the first to experiment with non-traditional belt systems for adults. Schools like Straight Blast Gym (SBG), led by Ireland’s first BJJ black belt John Kavanagh, have implemented unique belts between white and blue. Similarly, other academies, such as American Top Team, Robson Moura’s academy, and Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu, have awarded green belts to adults.

These practices, however, have drawn sharp criticism from prominent figures in the BJJ community. Josh Hinger, a 2017 No-Gi World Champion, recently called out the SBG system, labeling it a “McDojo” practice—a term used to describe martial arts schools prioritizing financial gain over quality instruction and integrity. Hinger’s critique highlights the concern that such belt systems might prioritize business interests over teaching core martial arts values like patience, perseverance, and dedication.

The McDojo Debate

The term “McDojo” refers to schools that use questionable practices to maximize profit, often at the expense of the quality of instruction. For Hinger, adding “halfway belts” for adults falls squarely into this category. He pointed out that these intermediate belts could confuse competition rules, as major tournaments recognize only the standard adult belts.

“If these belts are meant to be good for business, then isn’t that exactly what a McDojo is?” Hinger questioned in a scathing social media post. “Maybe students need to learn patience and dedication before they can have any kind of belt promotion. Not giving them ‘halfway belts’ that are generally reserved for children.”

Business Strategy vs. Martial Arts Values

Supporters of non-traditional belt systems often argue that they can help retain students by providing more frequent rewards and recognition, which could lead to better business outcomes for academies. However, opponents argue that this mindset contradicts the values of martial arts, which emphasize earning progress through hard work and perseverance, not through shortcuts.

Critics are particularly concerned about how these changes could impact competition. A grey belt or green belt for adults doesn’t fit neatly into established divisions, leaving questions about how these practitioners would compete fairly without being labeled as sandbaggers.

A Polarizing Discussion

The decision by Marvin Castelle and other academies to introduce grey or green belts for adults has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between innovation and tradition in BJJ. While some view these changes as forward-thinking adaptations to meet modern needs, others see them as a slippery slope toward compromising the sport’s integrity.

As BJJ continues to grow globally, it will be interesting to see whether these practices gain traction or fade away under community pressure. For now, the debate highlights a critical tension in martial arts: staying true to tradition while adapting to an evolving landscape.