🥋 Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Ranking System (Ages 4–15)

Structured Progression – Discipline, Growth, and Motivation

At our martial arts academy, we honor the traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system for children, designed to reward commitment, effort, behavior, and technical growth. This proven system helps keep young students motivated while providing clear goals during their martial arts journey.

---

🎓 Children’s Belt Progression Order (Age 4–15)

Each belt includes four stripes, followed by full belt promotion:

• White (Beginner)

• Grey/White

• Solid Grey

• Grey/Black

• Yellow/White

• Solid Yellow

• Yellow/Black

• Orange/White

• Solid Orange

• Orange/Black

• Green/White

• Solid Green

• Green/Black

🔹 Each belt is awarded in sequence based on age, time on the mat, behavior, knowledge, and performance.

---

📅 Stripe Promotions – School Term Based

Our academy follows a term-based promotion system to reinforce consistent training and progress:

• One stripe is awarded at the end of each school term (approximately every 8–10 weeks).

• Upon receiving the fourth stripe, a child becomes eligible for a belt promotion—if they meet both moral and technical expectations.

• If the student is not ready to advance, they will continue at the current belt with four stripes, reinforcing the values of patience and discipline.

⏱️ New students must train for a minimum of five weeks before they become eligible for their first stripe.

---

🧒 Age Requirements for Each Belt Group

The belt color a child may earn depends on their age:

• Grey Belts (Grey/White, Solid Grey, Grey/Black)
  Ages 4 to 15

• Yellow Belts (Yellow/White, Solid Yellow, Yellow/Black)
  Ages 7 to 15

• Orange Belts (Orange/White, Solid Orange, Orange/Black)
  Ages 10 to 15

• Green Belts (Green/White, Solid Green, Green/Black)
  Ages 13 to 15

---

🔄 Transition to Adult Belts at Age 16

When a child turns 16 years old, they are required to move into the adult belt system, which follows a different timeline and criteria:

• Adult Belt Progression:
  White → Blue → Purple → Brown → Black

• Minimum Time on Belts:

  • Blue: 2 years

  • Purple: 1.5 years

  • Brown: 1 year

🧭 Transition rules:

• Students aged 16 who hold grey, yellow, or orange belts will typically restart as white or blue belts, depending on skill and coach evaluation.

• Students who hold a green belt may be promoted directly to white, blue, or even purple, based on ability, character, and coach discretion.

---

💡 Why a Ranking System Matters for Kids

✅ 1. Motivation Through Milestones

Children do not always see improvements the way adults do. Progress in Jiu-Jitsu can feel slow, and a clear system of stripes and belt changes provides important motivation. These small wins build excitement and a sense of pride—essential for young minds.

✅ 2. Understanding Hierarchy and Respect

In martial arts, hierarchy fosters respect. The belt system teaches children to honor their coaches, respect those with more experience, and set a strong example for lower ranks.

✅ 3. Tracking Progress Transparently

With visual markers like belts and stripes, parents and students alike can track improvement. This transparency is essential for long-term engagement and building a love for martial arts.

---

👕 Uniform Starting Point

Every new child begins their journey in a white gi and a white belt with no stripes.

• As they train, behave respectfully, and develop technique, stripes and belts are awarded with careful consideration.

• Promotions are never given based solely on attendance. Effort, growth, humility, and responsibility all play a role.

---

🏆 The Long-Term Goal

At our martial arts academy, belt promotions are not the finish line—they are waypoints on a greater journey. Jiu-Jitsu is about becoming hard to kill, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Every belt earned represents more than skill. It represents dedication, maturity, and the will to become better each day.