This is the starting point in the adult ranking system. This rank is where you will build a solid foundation in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Every new student needs to understand with the utter importance that the philosophy of a fight is, “If you are forced to fight, win the fight by any means necessary.” It is the view of Jiu-Jitsu that in combat it is best to use the strategy of bringing the fight to the ground, and through positional heirarchy reach the most dominant positioning to win by strikes or submission.
To maximize training in the academy, a jiu-jitsu practitioner must assume that the opponent is bigger, stronger and heavier than he/she is. Keeping this assumption in mind, the practitioner will rely on leverage instead of strength, technique instead of force, and strategy instead of ignorance. Training is a process, as a white belt you will tap many times. It is important to take this in stride and understand that it is okay to tap; tap before injury and learn from your mistakes.
Stripe 1
Student demonstrates the biomechanic skills needed to perform a variety of jiu-jitsu physical activities.
- standing base in all directions
- shrimping forward and backward
- rolling forward and backward
- bridging
- base and posture on the ground
Stripe 2
Student demonstrates knowledge of concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and executing jiu-jitsu.
- simple mount escape
- cross side control
- maintain mount
- clinch
- basic double leg tackle
- novice clinch takedowns
- one guard pass around the opponent’s open guard
- one guard pass over the opponent’s legs
Stripe 3
Student demonstrates knowledge of concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and executing jiu-jitsu.
- developing or maintains a level of jiu-jitsu fitness
- participates in jiu-jitsu drills and sparring
- demonstrates basic takedown and clinch strategies
- ability to close the distance to the clinch
- demonstrates cross side controls from the top position
- demonstrates mount controls from the top position
- demonstrate ground transitions such as passing the guard, cross side to mount, mount to back
- demonstrate cross side escapes to the guard and/or standing
- demonstrate guard defenses against a striking opponent
- demonstrate fundamental submission attacks from the core mount, guard, side, back
Stripe 4
Student demonstrates and utilizes knowledge of concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and executing jiu-jitsu.
- illustrate a level of self-responsibility
- participate in group dynamic social activities.
- demonstrate the characteristics of sharing in a jiu-jitsu activity
- participate as a leader and a follower during class
Blue Belt Standard
Students demonstrate well rounded bio-mechanics and understanding of jiu-jitsu strategy, has working knowledge of skills and patterns needed to perform jiu-jitsu, student demonstrates knowledge of movement concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of jiu-jitsu.
- Demonstrate an awareness of distance management while moving in different directions at high, medium, and low pace.
- Change speed and directions while standing in response to the tempo and flow of the fight using biomechanical concepts : walking, running, leaping, hopping, and jumping.
- Demonstrate the understanding between pressure and transition, slow and fast, heavy and light, and hard and soft while on the ground.
- Knowledge of standing self-defense escapes, counters and releases from the front and side positions.
- Knowledge of additional leg tackling takedowns.
- Knowledge of front, side and back clinches along with associated takedowns.
- Knowledge of sprawling strategies and balance from the clinch position
- Knowledge of additional guard passing strategies from the full guard on the knees and/or standing.
- Knowledge of additional guard opens from the knees and standing positioning.
- Knowledge of additional cross side controls from the top position.
- Knowledge of additional mount controls from the front and from the back.
- Knowledge of additional submission attacks form the core positions including bent and straight armlock & chokes with arms and legs.
- Knowledge of guard sweeps to turn position from bottom to top against a kneeling and standing opponent
- Knowledge of guard defense against punches against opponent on the knees or standing
- Knowledge of mount escapes against a punching opponent on the knees
- Knowledge of back mount escapes
- Ability to spar with a knowledgeable training partner for 10 minutes
- Demonstrate effective practices for working with a group to improve the group as a whole.
Sample Skill Set Of A Blue Belt:
1. Trap and Role Escape
2. Americana Armlock
3. Positional Control Mount
4. Take the Back (Mount)
5. Rear Naked Choke
6. Leg Hook Takedown
7. Clinch (Aggressive Opponent)
8. Punch Block Series (Stages 1-4)
9. Straight Armlock (Mount)
10. Triangle Choke
11. Elevator Sweep
12. Elbow Escape (Mount)
13. Positional Control (Side Mount)
14. Body Fold Takedown
15. Clinch (Conservative Opponent)
16. Headlock Counters
17. Double Leg Takedown
18. Headlock Escape 1
19. Straight Armlock (Guard)
20. Double Ankle Sweep
21. Pull Guard
22. Headlock Escape 2
23. Guillotine Choke
24. Shrimp Escape
25. Kimura Armlock
26. Standing Headlock Defense
27. Punch Block Series (Stage 5)
28. Hook Sweep
29. Rear Takedwon
30. Haymaker Punch Defense
31. Take the Back (Guard)
32. Guillotine Defense
33. Elbow Escape (Side Mount)
34. Standing Armlock
35. Twisting Arm Control
36. Double Underhook Guard Pass
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About The Author:
Jeff Reese, Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Royler, Rodrigo, Rolker, Ralek, Rener, and Ryron; he teaches at Gracie NEPA in Scranton, PA.
