The belt path
Five belts, white to black
Each belt adds a layer to the one before. A student is promoted when an instructor sees the skills, and every student moves at their own pace.
- 01
White belt
SkillsEscapes from the bottom and the back
Posture and grips in the gi
How to tap, and when
- 02
Blue belt
SkillsGuard passing and guard retention
A few reliable attacks from each position
Up to four stripes mark the steps between belts
- 03
Purple belt
SkillsLinking attacks into chains
Leg entanglements, in a controlled drill
Helping new students at fundamentals
- 04
Brown belt
SkillsRefining timing against partners of every level
Showing a drill to newer students
Judo throws and takedowns to match
- 05
Black belt
SkillsTeaching a full class
Coaching a round
A personal game built on the basics
Sample levels.
Stripes on the belt mark the steps between colors. Teens train in their own class and are promoted by their instructors.
Stripes
Small steps between belts
A stripe is a strip of tape on the end of the belt. Instructors give stripes when they see a skill land in rounds, and a belt has up to four before the next color. There is no schedule for either one.
How it works
Stripes mark skills, not attendance
Promotions happen after class, in front of the group
Every student starts at white belt
Where do I start?
Everyone starts at white belt, whatever else they have trained. A first class shows you the room and the first steps.