Jeff Glover was a recent guest of The Jason Chambers Podcast, where the two discussed many interesting things; one of them being the belt system in Jiu-Jitsu. Chambers mentioned that, even though some people are well-respected black belts, when a person such as Nicky Rodriguez steps up the plate and beats them with very little experience… It kind of puts a dent into the importance of what “belt” you are.
Glover agreed and used an example of wrestlers (because Rodriguez is a highly proficient wrestler) to prove a point:
Yeah, I think that just assumes that Jiu-Jitsu is superior to wrestling. People think that: “Oh, that black belt was beaten by this athletic blue belt dude.” And why are we shocked by that?
Well, I think it’s because we put Jiu-Jitsu on this pinnacle, on this shelf, and it holds so much value. Like: “Yo, Royce won the UFC 1, 2, 3 with Jiu-Jitsu! He beat all of these other martial artists. Jiu-Jitsu is the best! Jiu-Jitsu can’t be proven wrong!” And then some dude comes along, like Nicky, who doesn’t know sh*t about Jiu-Jitsu… And wins.
Glover also emphasized that wrestling is a fighting sport:
But also, you know, wrestling is a martial art if you ask me, man. You don’t see kids in high school wrestling programs getting picked on. It’s a fighting art!
And I think that wrestlers are just as, if not more, dangerous in the streets and in bar fights than a Jiu-Jitsu black belt is.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
đź’Ą What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
đź’ Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
