The Iron Man tradition was started by my Coach Matt Thornton which he did based on watching Rickson Gracie roll every attendee at his seminars without rest. Matt used to end all his classes and seminars by iron manning all his students. He thought that’s what you were supposed to do. Matt then started doing this with his students to push their individual jiu jitsu games. Matt progressed to doing it for belt promotions within his gym and then it spread to all the gyms globally.
Basically, the person being awarded their belt is told to take the center of the mat. They don’t get to pick the day, time, or even the position they want to start in. All the attendees are told to line the wall in the order of their belt color. Once you heard the music start you slap the hand and bump the fist of each person that stood in front of you until there was only one left which was your coach. Matt for instance would then loom over you and work his way into a position to tie your new belt on. Once the belt has been tied, the coach would submit you to close it out. You then are elevated up to be hugged by everyone in the room to solidify the bonds built and the respected achievement.
The Iron Man represents a longstanding tradition within the Straight Blast Gym organization, highlighting the dedication and hard work invested in honing your Jiu Jitsu skills. It serves as a poignant reminder of the steadfast assistance received from your coaches and gym community throughout your journey. It is not merely a venue to earn a belt; rather, it is a stage to showcase the culmination of the skills you have already earned through your perseverance and commitment.
Beyond being a mere celebration, the Iron Man stands as a significant achievement, symbolizing the peak of your efforts and the passage of time dedicated to understanding Jiu Jitsu. It stands as a testament to the enduring support provided by your coaches and training partners. Each Iron Man experience is deeply personal and holds a unique significance to the individual, reflecting their growth and evolution within their martial arts community. Ultimately, the Iron Man serves as a mirror, offering valuable insights into one’s growth, abilities, resilience, and personal development in the realm of Jiu Jitsu.
