06/18/2026
A recent statement from Mikey Musumeci sparked a lot of discussion in the jiu-jitsu community. Mikey argued that too many people are earning black belts today and that, in some cases, almost anyone can eventually get one.
To be honest, I understand where he’s coming from. At the same time, I think this conversation needs a little more context.
When I started jiu-jitsu, the sport was very different. There weren’t many tournaments, there weren’t many academies, and black belts were rare. Most of the black belts I met had competed extensively, fought in tournaments, or had been tested in ways that went beyond what many practitioners experience today. Back then, jiu-jitsu was still heavily connected to fighting, challenge matches, and the Vale Tudo culture that helped shape the art.
Because of that, the standards looked different.
Today, jiu-jitsu has grown into something much bigger. We have competitors, hobbyists, coaches, law enforcement officers, military personnel, parents, kids, and people who simply train because they love the art. The reality is that not everyone who trains today wants to be a world champion, and that’s okay.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that competition is not the only measure of skill.
I’ve met hobbyists who never competed but were incredibly tough and technical. Some of them could give serious competitors a very difficult time. Just because someone doesn’t step onto a tournament mat doesn’t mean they aren’t developing a high level of jiu-jitsu.
At the same time, I do believe a black belt should mean something.
It shouldn’t simply be a reward for attendance. It should represent years of dedication, understanding, consistency, and growth. Whether someone competes or not is only one piece of the puzzle.
When I evaluate students, I don’t just look at techniques. I look at how they solve problems. I look at their understanding of positions. I look at whether they’re still challenging themselves or simply staying comfortable.
That’s important because I’ve seen both sides.
I’ve seen hobbyists who train hard, seek difficult rounds, and constantly try to improve. I’ve also seen people who avoid challenges, only train with the same partners, and never push themselves outside their comfort zone.
To me, that matters regardless of whether you’re a competitor or not.
Another point Mikey brought up that I agree with is when instructors become overly protective of their students and don’t want them training elsewhere. In my opinion, cross-training is one of the best things a serious student can do.
Even after more than thirty years on the mats, I still learn when I visit other academies. I still see different approaches, different systems, and different ways of solving the same problems. That’s one of the things that makes jiu-jitsu so special. There isn’t just one path to becoming good.
Every academy should have a system. Every instructor should have a structure. That’s important for developing students and keeping things organized. But students also benefit from seeing different perspectives and understanding that there are many ways to approach the art.
The truth is that jiu-jitsu has changed.
The standards from thirty years ago were built during a completely different era. The sport was smaller, the culture was different, and the expectations were different. Today, jiu-jitsu serves many more purposes than simply preparing people to fight.
So yes, there are more black belts today than there were in the past.
Yes, some standards have changed.
But I don’t think the answer is to judge every modern black belt by standards that were created for a completely different generation of practitioners.
What matters most is whether that black belt represents genuine understanding, years of dedication, and a willingness to continue learning.
Because at the end of the day, the belt itself isn’t what matters.
The understanding behind it is.
What do you think? Has earning a black belt become easier, or has jiu-jitsu simply evolved as the sport continues to grow?
