That was a long and interesting thread. Sometimes got a little off topic, but that happens. For anyone who is still confused or doesn’t feel like sifting through all the posts for the answer, here are the facts:
YES, Scott Lewis promoted himself to BB. YES, he did in fact earn his brown belt from the Gracies - this, Ryron himself has told me in person. And YES, he has promoted one person to BB under him. Wrong or right - it is what it is.
To those who care deeply about lineage and all that, well we all know where you stand on the topic - and there is nothing wrong with that. But for the others who don’t really care as much, and are just looking for some high quality BJJ instruction from a high quality BJJ instructor, then Scott Lewis is as good a choice as any in the Concord, NH area. There aren’t many schools to choose from in the area, but any of the few are great choices. I know Scott’s skill, personality and his student’s abilities are not in question here, but I would think those things were partially on the mind of the original poster. The facts are what they are, and if Scott wore a pink belt it wouldn’t make him any less of an instructor - although he’d look funny as shit. So anyone considering training under Scott Lewis should stop into Chaos BJJ sometime and meet him, train with him and decide for themselves whether all of this matters to them.
[QUOTE=BJJ 582;2650189]
To those who care deeply about lineage and all that, well we all know where you stand on the topic - and there is nothing wrong with that. But for the others who don’t really care as much, and are just looking for some high quality BJJ instruction from a high quality BJJ instructor, then Scott Lewis is as good a choice as any in the Concord, NH area. [/QUOTE]
The only thing is that new students might not know that, since Mr Lewis does not have a verifiable lineage, he can not register with the IBJJF. As a result, his students can not compete at higher levels of competition in IBJJF sanctioned events. Worlds? Pan Ams? IBJJF Opens? Nationals? Those will not be available to his students at higher ranks. New students may not know that they are shooting themselves in the foot down the line.
Now, if that all changes and someone with a verifiable lineage awards Mr Lewis his black belt, then there is not an issue in regards IBJJF sanctioned events. At that point, the issue is “Would you train under a person who promoted himself in an art where rank and lineage are strictly time-honored qualities?”
I completely agree and when I was reading through this long thread I remember someone stating that he should be open with any new students about his self promoted BB - I also agree 100% with that statement. Some beginners to BJJ will care about this and some will not. But it absolutely should be put out in the open for any potential students to decide for themselves.
I found this entire thread very interesting. For one, I’m very close to this situation and have known this story for years, but never given it a ton of thought. And also because when I began BJJ I didn’t know anything about lineage, history or any of the traditions that make BJJ what it is. And now that BJJ has become a huge part of who I am, I’ve found myself caring more about this topic now so many years after seeing it go down.
First - Thank you for the rules link. I had looked for those before posting but was unable to find them as I’m very new to the site.
Second - You don’t have to be a dick to everyone on here who breaks the rules due to a lack of understanding them. It’s one thing when someone is a repeat offender and I’m sure that’s super annoying to you and other staff members. But you should be able to look at someone’s profile and tell that they are new and possibly need some assistance in learning how to properly post on this site.
Do I now have a better understanding of the rules, and will I do my best to follow them? Yes.
Are you an annoying internet tough guy who loves to prove to the internet world how much perceived power you have, to make yourself feel good? And do you love to attack any new member who breaks one of these precious “rules”, most likely because you’re pissed off at the world due to a lack of getting laid and having friends because you’re a worthless “forum leader” which means nothing in real life? Absolutely.
[QUOTE=BJJ 582;2650981]First - Thank you for the rules link. I had looked for those before posting but was unable to find them as I’m very new to the site.
Second - You don’t have to be a dick to everyone on here who breaks the rules due to a lack of understanding them. It’s one thing when someone is a repeat offender and I’m sure that’s super annoying to you and other staff members. But you should be able to look at someone’s profile and tell that they are new and possibly need some assistance in learning how to properly post on this site.
Do I now have a better understanding of the rules, and will I do my best to follow them? Yes.
Are you an annoying internet tough guy who loves to prove to the internet world how much perceived power you have, to make yourself feel good? And do you love to attack any new member who breaks one of these precious “rules”, most likely because you’re pissed off at the world due to a lack of getting laid and having friends because you’re a worthless “forum leader” which means nothing in real life? Absolutely.[/QUOTE]
First; thanks for the appreciation.
Second; Yes he does. Being nice in this situation has given us nothing but headaches in the past as other idiots believe being nice and cordial as a sign of weakness. IIF and most moderators will crack down, you will learn faster. Lastly you’re “internet tough guy” argument is nothing but stupid ignorance as that is what you’re doing right now; you’re acting like an internet tough guy. There are other stickies you may want to read so we don’t get into the same tired discussions.
[QUOTE=BJJ 582;2650981]Are you an annoying internet tough guy who loves to prove to the internet world how much perceived power you have, to make yourself feel good? And do you love to attack any new member who breaks one of these precious “rules”, most likely because you’re pissed off at the world due to a lack of getting laid and having friends because you’re a worthless “forum leader” which means nothing in real life? Absolutely.[/QUOTE]
You know how you tend to be a little abrupt when you’ve repeatedly done a task thousands of times? Well, the moderators like IIF deliver that type of message multiple times a day. So we’re sorry we chose to be brief in the interest of saving time.
Wait a minute, no we’re not.
Your little rant about being picked on means your internet skin is thin. You were not picked on. You were not attacked. Stop being sensitive or go to MAP to post. They are all very sensitive there.
[QUOTE=BJJ 582;2650981]First - Thank you for the rules link. I had looked for those before posting but was unable to find them as I’m very new to the site.
Second - You don’t have to be a dick to everyone on here who breaks the rules due to a lack of understanding them. It’s one thing when someone is a repeat offender and I’m sure that’s super annoying to you and other staff members. But you should be able to look at someone’s profile and tell that they are new and possibly need some assistance in learning how to properly post on this site.
Do I now have a better understanding of the rules, and will I do my best to follow them? Yes.
Are you an annoying internet tough guy who loves to prove to the internet world how much perceived power you have, to make yourself feel good? And do you love to attack any new member who breaks one of these precious “rules”, most likely because you’re pissed off at the world due to a lack of getting laid and having friends because you’re a worthless “forum leader” which means nothing in real life? Absolutely.[/QUOTE]You are very welcome.
You know what I find most entertaining? When people get butt-hurt, they always start talking about fight prowess.
What does telling you not post in an area have to do with a personal insult? Nothing. Stop projecting, one day you can get laid and follow rules like everyone else.
Before you cry some more, it isn’t about me it is about you not being allowed to defend your teacher.
[QUOTE]Second; Yes he does. Being nice in this situation has given us nothing but headaches in the past as other idiots believe being nice and cordial as a sign of weakness.
Fair enough - It sucks that previous idiots ruin things for the rest of us.
And I wasn’t trying to be the same type of internet tough guy, I was just having a little fun generalizing how I imagine most of those people are, because we all know there are plenty of people out there who sit behind their computer and get off on giving people a hard time and attempting to prove their internet dominance.
And to IIF - it’s not what you said, but more how you said it. But I now understand why you guys are so short and to the point because of how often you have to repeat yourselves.
Second; Yes he does. Being nice in this situation has given us nothing but headaches in the past as other idiots believe being nice and cordial as a sign of weakness.
Fair enough - It sucks that previous idiots ruin things for the rest of us.
And I wasn’t trying to be the same type of internet tough guy, I was just having a little fun generalizing how I imagine most of those people are, because we all know there are plenty of people out there who sit behind their computer and get off on giving people a hard time and attempting to prove their internet dominance.
Dude, trust me, I’ve come across enough of these guys to know you’re probably not one of them. If we were sitting around talking shit to each other face to face none of this would come off the wrong way.
[QUOTE=BJJ 582;2651016]And to IIF - it’s not what you said, but more how you said it. But I now understand why you guys are so short and to the point because of how often you have to repeat yourselves.
Mr. Lewis is not my teacher.[/QUOTE]How I said it? Let me spell it out for you. Did I call you any type of name or resort to any personal insults? No.
Did you? Yes.
That’s it. If someone is being an “internet tough guy” don’t be one be different.
Fair enough - It sucks that previous idiots ruin things for the rest of us.
And I wasn’t trying to be the same type of internet tough guy, I was just having a little fun generalizing how I imagine most of those people are, because we all know there are plenty of people out there who sit behind their computer and get off on giving people a hard time and attempting to prove their internet dominance.
Same level?
Quit trying to excuse your actions and move on. Oh and I knew exactly how long you’ve been here and I did not need to look at your profile. Figure that one out.
[QUOTE=jnp;2651000]Your little rant about being picked on means your internet skin is thin. You were not picked on. You were not attacked. Stop being sensitive or go to MAP to post. They are all very sensitive there.[/QUOTE]
I still don’t have this quote thing down, so I apologize ahead of time if this comes out wrong like the last one I tried to quote. I didn’t feel picked on or attacked. I just felt that IIF’s attitude was inappropriate and uncalled for in his response. And being brand new to the site, it kind of turns me away from what seems to be a pretty cool site. However, I’m sure you guys do have to say these kinds of things over and over - so I suppose I can understand, and I’m sure I’d act the exact same way.
Either way, again thank you for the rules links and everything.
[QUOTE=It is Fake;2651018]How I said it? Let me spell it out for you. Did I call you any type of name or resort to any personal insults? No.[/QUOTE]
Agreed - It was just due to how short and to the point you were, which can be mistaken for attitude, especially when you’re just reading words on a screen instead of hearing how someone is saying it. But it’s all good bro - I understand that you weren’t on the attack. Just keep up the good work with your sweet website.
[QUOTE=Scut Farkus;2651043]Dude, get over it. It Is Fake is a dick. But we’re nice to him because he’s our black friend.[/QUOTE]This is our resident confirmed racist. He’s been banned for recruiting to stormfront.