Without knowing what the context was I am trying to look at this from as an objective point of view as I can.
Its true that BJJ as a whole has a much larger talent pool than ever before. In agreement with that, getting to the top is much harder than any time in the past.
Getting a Gold in Wrestling or Judo is much more difficult than in bjj based on the size of the talent pool alone. That does not mean the people are less talented in bjj, but it is much smaller percent that make it to the top in Judo or wrestling than in bjj based on numbers alone. I am not saying that the top bjj men and women are less talented than in other sports but its a quicker road to the top. So the fact that the talent pool is larger than it was in the 80s might count for something.
Looking at this objectively, Keenan has never trained with Rickson. So his opinion is just that… opinion. Rickson is most known for “Invisible Jiu Jitsu” The phrase that describes his bjj makes it intangible. You cannot know it unless you feel it… . Having it described that way does make people think that it is a bit mystical. This can cause anyone to have doubt or call it snake oil. I understand.
Keenan competed against and beat a Rickson Black Belt, Kevin Casey in Metamoris. I think at the time either Ryron or Rener stated something a long the lines of, “Even though Kevin lost I would still rather have his JJ than Keenan’s.” This cannot do anything but sour Keenan’s pallet.
Techniques and strategy has definitely evolved from the 80s. There are more types of guards and everything else top and bottom in bjj than ever before.
Since Keenan’s comments were taken out of context and there is truly not a single standard for such an arbitrary ranking system like BJJ, what exactly is a Black Belt? What is a Purple belt? Does a 65 year old Keenan who herniated his disks not deserve his Black Belt because he cannot train with the young elite? Or can an older man or woman retain their belt and be promoted even though they are not actively competing? Do we rank up then back down in belts on ability to compete in elite comps?
As far as people holding up martial artist as deities… it truly happens… a LOT in many martial arts. BJJ is NO exception. I do think that Rickson has been held up by many people who have never trained with him and just need to have him as an idol. Completely unfounded in some cases.
Keenan has not trained with Rickson and as such cannot intelligently comment on his ability. That is the bottom line.
I on the other hand have trained with Rickson. Not as much as many but more than a lot of people. Rickson in my opinion is a black belt through and through. I have seen him fuck people up badly first hand including myself. I have no problem with Keenans skepticism one bit. He just does not know for himself and has every right to not believe so.
Also, in a personal conversation with Rickson he told me his JJ is physics. Its not mystical one bit.
I would hold both Inue brothers as Black Belts but (Enson, I belive) wanted to demote himself because he was not familiar with the current trends.
Anyway, I personally do not think that Rickson needs to prove anything to anyone. He contributed, he developed and he grew JJ and I think that is enough. He “in his prime, may or my not every loose” but that is all speculation and actually does not matter.
I think Michael Jordan would do well in any generation. His genetic make up, his competitive edge, his work ethic and all the other factors are timeless. He does not havce education on current strategies but they can be taught. I don’t think that would lower Jordon’s “belt.” I know for a fact that Einstein is considered one of the most brilliant minds. Why does not not apply to sport IQ (and no I did not call Rickson the Einstein of BJJ). Despite Einstein’s lack of knowledge of proof of Gravitational Waves, he obviously does not understand physics… Oh wait.)
I can tell you from first hand Rickson is not a black belt. He is a master. If you never get to learn more about that first hand, I can say you did miss out. I would say the same for Helio and Carlson.
I am not trashing Keenan, just saying there is no criteria for a BB. He does not know the depth of Ricksons bjj. I am one of those people who have first hand been fucked up by the man himself and watched him actively dismantle prime black belts.
I will have to find this, but I recall Rickson assessing a non-Gracie and stating that he believed that he has the potential of surpassing him technically.
Last point, all the elite who have rolled with him have stated how he fucked them up. I am not elite, but I am not naive. He is that good. I think their statements speak.
This post was taken out of context from a BJJEE shitty tabloid article that I think is pure click bait.
