Restricting Youth Black Belts

Okay Gang,

I have wrestled with this for a long time, questioning my own resolve and reasons. That is why I consulted Grand Master Luttrell on this. Rhuel shot me straight and said I was doing an injustice to our youth by restricting earning a Black Belt before 16. Rhuel thought I was being this way because I did not want anyone to think Ty was given anything the easy way. When you hear the truth, you can't deny the intensity of it.
Rhuel adheres to a full Black Belt at 16 in all styles except Kenpo and that requires 18 years of age unless there is mitigating circumstances where they had proved themselves in a real life situation against an attacker defending themselves or someone else. A Jr. Black Belt can be earned at age 14, and if they keep training they can obtain a full Black Belt at 16 years of age.
I believe this is a good idea and as of today we are adopting this philosophy in Black Dragon SanShou Jiu-Jitsu.

Peace..........And let's keep rollin'.......