I'm in Canberra (Capital of Australia, pop 320k) and BJJ's pretty light on here. We've only just recently got a legit Black Belt (Humaita) and the other instructors are all Purples and one Brown.
Anyway, about 2 years ago I hear rumours of a BJJ Black Belt that's set up shop. I ask around a bit and learn the following things:
- Yes, he's claiming to be a BJJ Black Belt. - Who happens to be 'vision impaired'... - And got his BB from Renzo Gracie.....
There's three problems with this:
1 - BB's are still rare as in most parts of Aus. 2 - How many 'blind' BB's are there? I know of two - Vandry and that young guy. 3 - Renzo? The dude is legendary for being 'stingy' (in a good way).
Combining all three, I suspect shenanigans. So, a quick email to Renzo's academy and sure enough, they've never heard of him.
I also found out of my Judo coach at the time, that this particular chap was known for 'enhancing' credentials, stories and the like.
So I start telling anyone who'll listen that Renzo's academy have never heard of him and before long (not saying I was responsible) he just sort of fades away....
You mean me?
Besides Vandry and myself I don't think there are any tyhat are VI.
I've only been training for a little over 2 years and just received a 2nd stripe on my blue belt. And I couldn't be more proud. Can not understand why people have to lie about rank, records and who they train with. It's insecurity on their part and really shouldn't bother me, but it does...
walbjj - that was roli delgado. it came off as being really shady in the show, and i have no idea why roli chose to explain it in such an ass backward manner. he seems intelligent so could have summed it up more concisely. roli as it turns out is indeed a legit bb
I suspect he was a little confused by the question and nervous when he answered.
I trained quite a bit with Saporito. If you have a pic of this guy who claims to be a BB under him, post it! I can tell you if I ever saw him there...
I couldnt make out exactly what he looks like from the video.
BenBJJ is not referring to the guy in the video whos name is Adriano. Adriano is a legit BB, evident in the video as it was a BB test and he was getting smashed ... hehehe.
Back in the day we had a guy who bought his BB and being a bit athletic, the group let him train. He actually bought a Gi and with a red magic Marker put 'Hapkido' on the back (which bled when he sweated).
One day he came into my new dojo and wanted to spar. I put on the gear and got ready. He was about 4" taller than me and maybe 10lbs heavier.
About 3 minutes into sparring, I sorta had him backed into a corner and was just kinda tapping him with a couple punches, nothing that aggressive. He suddenly stopped and said 'I need to make a phone call'. I was 'Huh?'
He went into the office, talked on the phone and then said he had to leave. He packed up his stuff and left. At the time I was a colored belt. The guy could throw a few gi-snapping kicks and he was athletic and lanky. But otherwise he had nothing. I rarely saw him around after that.
About 5 years later, I saw him at a tournamet in town, and he'd gained about 30lbs, big gut, still wearing that gi, and had permed his hair. LOL. He was 'co-hosting' the tournament. Oh well, it takes all kinds. Figure he was a 5th degree by that time. How, or with whom, I have no idea.I think he had 'fooled' one of the Korean BB's into accepting his 'rank'. LOL.