Surviving physical hardship becomes a matter of pride, as well as a method of team building. There are those who will take a perverse pleasure in suffering through an especially tough warm-up, or grin after a really intense sparring session. I have noticed that there is an unusual attitude to pain in contact sports, especially martial arts. Why is it that grown women and men will happily let others slap them around with belts, or even drop-kick them in the chest? I suppose you could equally ask why do we let people try and cut off the flow of blood to our brains: both are fairly strange, as consensual activities go.
It is an optional exercise, not a test, which has resulted in numerous beautiful videos up on YouTube, such as this fine example by Jimmy Da Silva:Ĭompare that to the infamous test at Godoi Jiu Jitsu (though also note there are plenty of hugs and smiles at the end): Alternatively, there is the method Roy Dean uses: after he has decided somebody is ready for the next belt, he asks if they would like to perform a demonstration, involving techniques and then sparring. I much prefer the tradition at the Roger Gracie Academy and its affiliates, where a promotion entails a handshake and a round of applause. Personally, I would rather do without belt-whipping (for a range of opinions on the topic, check out this and this). That is just as painful, and offers you the chance to give as good as you get. You might well think you've suffered enough, and could at least have the opportunity to prove your skill, such as by a lengthy spar against all your team mates. You've already been squashed, squeezed and crushed for several years to earn this privilege, and now you're expected to let everyone else beat you up with impunity. They want to be a part of your achievement, because in a very real sense, it is their achievement too, as a team.įor others, however, belt whipping is barely removed from the macho 'male bonding' of frat-boy antics and hazing rituals. They are your training partners and your friends, the people who offer you advice and support along with the bruises. They've twisted your limbs and choked you out, while getting mangled and strangled in return. It is a way for the club as a whole to celebrate your success: these are the people who have seen you sweat, bleed and struggle, overcome your limitations and reach the next level.
Reasons ranged from somebody washing their belt through to welcoming an old student back to class.įor many, belt whipping is a team bonding exercise. Sometimes this is extended to all sorts of occasions, like birthdays: I remember when I trained at Nova Força, there was a whipping or three almost every session. Normally that involves everyone else in the club taking off their belts, forming into two rows, then 'whipping' the newly graded student as they walk (or run) down the middle. There is a tradition in certain Brazilian jiu jitsu schools called "running the gauntlet", which occurs after you've been promoted.
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