As I've been reading BJJ blogs and watching videos, there's been no doubt in my mind that I am not on a comparable level with a BJJ purple belt. I actually think I might not even quite be considered a blue belt yet by some, based on my knowledge and time in. Since I compete in BJJ tournaments, as a purple belt I would be considered an "advanced" competitor. Ha. Ha. Ha. I am not being self-derogatory, just honest, when I say that I am not at that level yet.
The good news is that our school has now decided to slow down our testing schedule, and adjust our belts so that the requirements and timeline are closer to BJJ. They are putting a temporary hold on testing for most of the blues and purples. Since our hybrid system has always more closely resembled BJJ than TJJ in practice, this just seems to make sense.
Some people may be upset about having to wait to test, but I am ecstatic! I felt like I would be misrepresenting my actual level by telling BJJ people that I was a purple belt without adding the clause "but it's not as good as your purple!" ;) My happiness might also have a little bit to do with the fact that I would gladly go back to being a white belt if they would let me. Whenever my test for purple finally does come around, I'm probably still going to try to talk them into letting me test for blue again instead. I feel like I could really ace it this time around!