People always get uptight when discussing this topic but, I will try to give you some simple “fail safe” things to look for when finding your Jiu Jitsu Professor. 

1)      Ask to see your Professor’s Black Belt Diploma…

When you go to the Doctor, you will always see his/her diploma hanging on the wall.  He/She spent 8 years going through school to get his/her education.  A black belt in BJJ takes 8-12 years to earn also!  It is not disrespectful to ask to see a Diploma!  Ask to see it.  Make sure that his lineage is legit. 

2)      Has your Professor competed in Jiu Jitsu Tournaments?

This is very important!  How good is your Jiu Jitsu if you have never tested it against other people in competition?  This is the essence of Jiu Jitsu.  Does this stuff really work?  I have won major titles in Grapplers Quest, NAGA, and other National Tournaments.  There is always proof on the web and in owning physical medals!  Make sure that your prospective Professor is a successful competitor…

3)      Has your Professor ever trained/competed in Brazil?

Too many American Jiu Jitsu teachers have never been to Brazil.  Brazil isn’t hard to travel to anymore.  There shouldn’t be any excuse for a Jiu Jitsu Professor to NOT travel to Brazil…  Going to Brazil will change your views on how you train and lean Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Are you going to be training “real” BJJ or are you going to be training some “watered down” version of what some fraud thinks Jiu Jitsu really is???  I have personally lived and competed in Brazil.  I have fought in the 05’ Mundials, 06’ Brazilian Team Championships, 06’ Rip Dorey and 08’ Rio Open.  I have spent more than one year in Brazil.  I lived in the nighborhood of Leblon in Rio.  My Academy is Alliance Jiu Jitsu Rio.  The website is www.alliancerj.com.br. 

4)      Do you get along with him?

Simple…  Can you stand the guy?  Hahahahahahahaha  You will spend countless hours with him so you better like him!  Enough said…

Now Go Train!