Japanese-American martial arts legend Enson Inoue has been a BJJ black belt for over 20 years now, but he’s claimed that the IBJJF has decided not to officially acknowledge his rank.
In an post on social media, Inoue described the situation:
“I got my black belt from John Lewis in 1999 and I was never concerned about putting on my degrees but it was brought to my attention that I need to be certified by the IBJJF in order to be able to have my school, Purebred registered as an official team.
So I contacted the Japanese IBJJF and after waiting for over a year they told me that the main office will not acknowledge it. I got my black belt in 1999 so I am suppose to be a 5th degree. I don’t understand why they won’t acknowledge it. It’s just a bummer that I can’t register Purebred as an official gym of the IBJJF.
Thank you Nakai Yuki and Naoya Uematsu for trying to help me. What’s up IBJJF?
With that said, I’m not worried. I never actually cared about putting on stripes or framing a certificate. I have an awesome affiliate in @bjj_united that Purebred can compete under. Just unfortunate the Purebred banner can’t be flown respectfully . Sorry @purebredbjjguam, @purebredfukuoka @purebredfightfitness @fisticuffs_lg I tried.“
Inoue is best known for his MMA career, which saw him compete mainly for Shooto and Pride, though he also took home an armbar win in his first and only UFC fight back in 1997. He’s also an ADCC veteran and competed in the first-ever ADCC superfight against Mario Sperry.
In a follow-up post, Inoue expressed his disappointment in the IBJJF’s decision primarily due to the fact that his students wouldn’t be able to compete under his academy, Purebred. Thankfully, though, Purebred is affiliated with BJJ United, and Inoue’s students will be able to compete in IBJJF tournaments under that banner instead.
This news comes not long after the IBJJF prohibited members of BJJ Globetrotters from competing in IBJJF tournaments under the “jiu-jitsu nomad” organization’s umbrella.
The Jiu-Jitsu Times has reached out to the IBJJF and will provide an update if we receive a response.
