I feel kinda funny even posting about this but I wouldn’t mind some "outside" input.
I went to a BJJ seminar last night (Carlson Junior).
When I walked in, I was kinda surprised/happy to see Dan Inosanto there. I caught his eye and bowed to him --out of respect. He HALF-NODDED to me in return…OK, whatever. That's not the problem.
At the beginning of the seminar when we were lining up and I politely asked Guro Inosanto to move over as technically I out rank him in BJJ. He didn't understand, so I said: "Move over, I go there".
He was totally cool about it and moved right over. But my teacher overheard this exchange and said: "Porra, that's Guru Inosanto!"
I said: "I know, I was just saying please move over".
My teacher says: "He's the master, he goes wherever he wants"
Now --I should point out—Mr. Inosanto didn’t care at all. But now, 20 min later, I'm afraid he thinks I am some kind of crazy A-hole. It was REALLY bugging me for some reason, so as we were watching Junior teach a technique I whispered to Guru Dan: "I know who you are. But I have another Black Belt too. PLUS I have trained a lot of other martial arts. Just wanted you to know.”
He nodded his head.
Cool. So, everything's fine.
Then at the end of the seminar, I think I hear a couple of his students actually joking about it! Now THIS is where I got pissed. I walked over there and CLEARLY explained to them loud enough for everyone to hear: "Look, I have my own organization, multiple ranks in multiple arts and my own students just like him. I even have my own system, technically making me a Grandmaster. He puts his gi pants on the same as me and all I ask for is a little respect."
As a result, my teacher asked me NOT to come out to eat after class and asked me not to come to class next week, as he is so pissed.
Seriously though, was I WRONG to follow proper protocol at a formal BJJ event...? Isn't that exactly WHEN you are SUPPOSED to use proper protocol?
I guess I am just someone who values his reputation and therefore annoyed with being forced to look like some kind of jackass in front of everyone.
TTT
I think it would have been ok if you just worked around him, no one would have thought any less of you. I see your point. and he did just earn his Black Belt but he was a visitor. It kind of sounds like you let your ego motivate you a little bit.
I'm sure Mr. Inosanto wasn't offended in the first place but the fact that your instructor heard the confrontation probably didn't make you look well.
It was also kind of wierd that you reiterated to him later on. Before that point a simple apology would have sufficed.
His students were probably joking about it because their instructor is so famous that the whole situation seemed a little petty. Then when you confronted them it probably sounded very "do you know who I am-ish".
I would smooth things over with your instructor and maybe pay a visit to Inosanto Academy. just my opinion
You should have clock choked the fagit.
Good one Shen!!!
oh god....
10+
If George Costanza were a black belt
ok ill bite... considering that Mr. Inosanto is a black belt under the machados i don't see how you "outrank him". Also maybe it's you speaking broken english to a person what is a very articulate and well spoken man....
@Shen,
You know, fundamentally I agree with you. This is the time where formalities and tradition should play an important role... and be followed.
HOWEVER, you did kind of blow it out of proportion...
That is one of the reasons I love BJJ... because where I have trained (lots of places), there hasnt been any type of formalities.
In my opinion (as a lowly blue belt in BJJ - my other ranks are irrelevant cause I do not train them)... do what they said above: Smooth it over, apologize, and remember it for next time...
Was it really a big deal? NO. Do I agree with you? YES.
You, mon ami, are an artist.
It seems like everything was blown out of proportion. Every academy I go to has a different tradition or ceremony. I never worry about it or really care. I left traditional martial arts to get away from all the bowing and subservient posturing. I just want to train and get better, I don't care about orders or rank pulling. I think you might have missed the point and made a big deal out of nothing.
Shen makes it look so easy.
Shen, when are you releasing "Trolling Made Easy"?
Let the dojo storming begin!
Master Shen,
At first I thought this was a troll post, and I partially dismissed you as a crazy nut who has no regard for world renowned martial artists like Guru Inosanto. However, I then noticed that you have 12,402 posts on this forum. That proves that you are a disciplined and accomplished master at posting, and I immediately felt ashamed for questioning the sincerity of your post. I humbly apologize for not taking you seriously Master Shen.
No, you were not wrong to follow proper protocol at a formal BJJ event. However, notice that your teacher admonished you only after he exclaimed "Porra." You did not do this when addressing Guru Inosonto. You yourself did not follow proper BJJ protocol when you attempted to correct the Guru. We all make mistakes, and we learn more everyday. I think you learned a little more than just techniques from this seminar, didn't you?
Alright...
--FRAT WARNING--
I called my teacher this morning to apologize/explain. Apparently he wasn’t even that mad about the incident.. He said it was more about a joke I made. Honestly, I completely forgot about some little, off-hand comment I made, because it was truly nothing...
Junior was telling a funny story about his dad and I injected something –just to be “funny”- like: “I thought your daddy didn’t like Creonte “ and pointed to Mr. Inosanto. (HA, HA. I know kinda lame). But I was pointing to him because he has had many teachers and I know for a FACT Mr. Inosanto takes privates with several different BJJ instructors. You have to know that to get the joke, I guess.
Honestly though, I was just “bustin’ balls” --as anyone does when around peers.
But I guess I’m not his peer, at least in SOME people’s eyes.
I mean, I know I’m no “Dan Inosanto”, but I’m also not nothing in the martial arts. I guess that is my whole point. I told him a little about my experience because I don’t think he really knew who I was and I didn’t want him to think I was just some BJJ guy. Like I told Mr. Inosanto: “I’ve been in this martial arts game a long time too”.
I guess I’d just like to be treated that way.
So.... long question short: Call Mr. Inosanto and clarify or just let it slide...?
What say you???? (serious replies only, please).
To save Shen's "Face", I went to the local JKD academy, peed on the Mok Jong dummy and ran out.
I would think just the fact he trained with Bruce Lee, has been around the block, is still training, and is up there in age...... let him bow in ahead of you.
if Bill Superfoot Wallace was at a class i was attending, i wouldnt have a problem with him bowing in on the front line, even with a white belt in BJJ.
pencilboy25 - I would think just the fact he trained with Bruce Lee, has been around the block, is still training, and is up there in age...... let him bow in ahead of you.
if Bill Superfoot Wallace was at a class i was attending, i wouldnt have a problem with him bowing in on the front line, even with a white belt in BJJ.
Ohhh... So if people are old and trained with Bruce Lee they can just do whatever they want? Is THAT the protocol? Because I SURE don't recall learning that rule!
Btw, I've "Been around the block" too. That's my whole point.
You ever train with Grandmaster Bong Soo Han (who did the fight scenes in "Billy Jack")?
Well, I HAVE!
How's that for gettin' 'round the block?
Like I said, I have a good amount of respect for the guy, I just wish it was returned.
Being a BJJ black belt he should have known his place in line. Maybe he owes you an apology?
Commence the dojo storming!!