Rigan Machado did not hold back when discussing the current state of belt rankings during his appearance on the BSC podcast. The eighth degree black belt and member of the Machado family addressed what he sees as a serious problem in modern jiu jitsu culture.
When asked about the ranking system Machado outlined the traditional structure.
“The first levels are blue, purple, brown and black.”*
He explained that while many martial arts use far more belt levels jiu jitsu keeps its system relatively simple. The difference he noted is time. In most martial arts a black belt can be achieved in roughly three and a half to five years while jiu jitsu traditionally requires much longer dedication.
Machado then delivered his blunt assessment of how that standard has eroded.
“Today you have two ways to get a black belt. It’s kind of sad but it’s true. You can contact somebody on the internet and buy your belt.”
He acknowledged that this issue exists across martial arts but stressed that a legitimate path still remains.
“You can contact somebody on the internet and buy your belt. That happens in all martial arts today. But there is another path. There are still people with integrity who put sweat and blo0d behind the belt. That is the kind of belt I tell my students I want them to have. You have to put your sweat and your blo0d to be honored to wear the belt.”
Machado drew a clear line between appearance and skill.
“The ones who take advantage and become black belts we see them but we don’t respect them. You know what I mean. It’s like whatever. But the ones you respect are the ones you know put in the time and put in the effort.”
He emphasized that real rank comes from years of proper training and the right environment.
“I put in the time. I put in the effort. I had some of the best trainers at that time. I was very lucky to have the coaches and the environment to train.”
Machado’s comments reflect a broader concern within the jiu jitsu community about the commercialization of rank and the erosion of traditional standards. His message is simple and consistent with his legacy. A belt only has value if it represents real work real sacrifice and real growth. Without that it is just fabric.
*Quotes have been edited for clarity
