It seems a modest proposal.Perhaps a fair way of running BJJ’s ranking system is to make it fluid by testing every exponent, say, yearly and promoting or indeed demoting exponents based upon their performance. This would negate the embarrassment of bloated, old high ranking martial artists, (or indeed clueless academics (ahem)/medical doctors/police/musicians etc since it could be applied to all pastimes, sports and professions). Think of the money that could be made by associations and professional bodies 😉 Or simply add ‘emeritus’ to the end of bloated, incapable martial artist’s ranking.
Does this idea make you feel uncomfortable?