Progression in Jiu-Jitsu: Stripes and Grading

HOW DOES THE GRADING SYSTEM WORK AT NBJJA?

We follow the belt colour grading system outlined by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), plus additional requirements outlined under the Pedro Sauer curriculum.

FOR KIDS AGED 3.5 TO 15 YEARS
When you first sign up, you're given a white belt to wear with your Gi (uniform). It will take around one year to earn your grey and white belt, with stripes awarded throughout the year. Stripes are based on a combination of attendance, attitude, skill progression and commitment to our values (listening, respect, love your parents, have fun). You must have 4 stripes on your belt to be eligible to grade.

Students may take longer than the requirements. We take ranking seriously and want to make sure you know and can execute the techniques with the required level of proficiency. Don’t be in a hurry to get rank, keep showing up, do the work and it will come. It will be worth every minute of time you put into it!

FOR ADULTS AGED 16+
When graduating from the kids to our adults program at the age of 16, the belt colour worn will be at the discretion of the Head Coach. When first starting out, all adults 16+ will be given a white belt. It takes a minimum of 200 hours of instructional classes to be eligible for your blue belt, with 4 stripes awarded to show progression along the way. You will be notified when you are ready to grade well in advance.

Graduating from blue to purple, purple to brown and brown to black all have different instructional hours and technical requirements - please speak to Head Coach Jack Cox for details.

WHAT HAPPENS ON GRADING DAY?

On our Kids Grading Day we cancel all the regular classes as it is a huge event! All our Nippers, Grommets and Titans members who are grading are given a list of techniques they are required to demonstrate well in advance. We will go over these techniques several times in the weeks leading up to the grading. On the day, you will be asked to stand up in front of friends, colleagues and family and demonstrate these techniques. Once everyone has had their turn, a Certificate of Achievement will be presented and a new coloured belt will be tied on, while the crowd goes wild from the sidelines! It's a fun, relaxed and exciting day for everyone involved.

Adults Grading Days are a little more ad hoc, depending on how many people are grading at once. Plenty of notice is given before a grading takes place, with a uke (training partner) required to demonstrate the techniques. If the Head Coach is satisfied with the demonstration, a new belt will be awarded and worn with pride.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about our grading system, please reach out to Jack Cox on 0420 988 420 or email info@northernbeachesjiujitsu.com.au.