Initially, in Japanese martial arts, belts of two colors were used to fasten the kimono. White, a symbol of nothingness, was intended for beginners and symbolized the willingness to sacrifice oneself to achieve the highest standards of style. Black marked skill and meant that the fighter had overcome the fear of death and the style became the philosophy of his life. Later, a system of colored belts was adopted to visually track students' progress.
Graduation of belts in jiu jitsu by color and order
They go in strict sequence. Each one must be earned by going through a certain stage of preparation and demonstrating fighting qualities in sparring.
Important! A huge role is played not only by the physical and technical, but also by the spiritual growth of the athlete, as well as his accuracy and discipline.
White can be worn from the first day of training. The student observes, gets acquainted with the basics of the style, masters basic stances, techniques of falls, movements, grabs and strikes. Strengthens physical strength and endurance.
To receive each subsequent belt, applicants pass an exam. The conditions for admission to it are regular attendance at classes for a certain period of time, knowledge of terms and commands in competitions. The exam includes:
- demonstration of technical elements (on the spot, in motion, with a partner);
- one or more fights with other candidates.
Yellow – can be obtained no earlier than six months after the start of training, passing the standards and one sparring. Its owner continues to study the least traumatic wrestling techniques, basic mid- and long-distance movements, and incorporates the technique of turns.
Orange is assigned after systematic training for a year or more. The exam evaluates the clarity and speed of movements, strikes, ability to handle weapons and the results of two fights with other applicants. An important point is the philosophy of self-defense. You need to be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent, note mistakes, and adjust the training process taking them into account.
Green – the student has sufficiently mastered defense techniques. Knows how to free himself from holds and strangulations, and avoid blows. Proficient in most basic attack techniques. I have taken the path of jiu jitsu, I am balanced, I trust my feelings.
Blue is a reward for achieving high results in martial arts. Issued only from 16 years of age. During this period, jitsers learn to combine movements, study advanced techniques, comprehend the power of the psychological impact of the style, and practice its conscious application.
Magenta (violet) can be issued after 4–5 years from the beginning of training and 2 years after the previous certification. This is the middle of the path for a fighter with patience and a strong inner core.Acquired skills are polished and shortcomings are eliminated. Athletes decide on a wrestling style, choose a vector for further development and can take on their first students.
Brown is a dangerous and merciless opponent even for a master. Its owner is a fighter who has worn the purple belt for 1.5 years and whose sports experience is at least 5 years. He hones technical knowledge and skills in close combat, forms his own style, improving the speed of reaction and movements. As an instructor, he actively conveys the basics of skill to beginners, and as a professional, he brings new technical combinations to the general treasury of martial art.
Black is a symbol of a master, an expert.. At the time of receiving it, the athlete must be 19 years old. The time required is 8 years of training and 1 year in the rank of brown. The master lives Brazilian jiu-jitsu and strives for constant self-improvement. To receive a certificate, you must register as a member of one of the existing branches of the International BJJ Federation. Can wear hakama - long, wide pleated pants - the traditional clothing of Japanese samurai.
Holders of black belts begin to be assigned dans - degrees of mastery. The wait for 1st, 2nd and 3rd dan is on average 3 years, 4th, 5th and 6th - five years from the date of assignment of the previous one. After another 7 years, you can reach 7th and 8th dan, receiving coral and red-white belts, respectively. The highest rank has a red belt, which is a reward for the ninth degree of mastery.
What do the stripes on the belt mean?
For that To stimulate the growth of students, schools use strips of plaster - stripes. They are awarded all belts below black for obvious progress in training and victories in sports competitions. Each means that the fighter has taken the next step towards the goal. This eliminates the waiting time for qualifying tests, adds confidence and is an excellent motivation to study. Four stripes mean the athlete is ready for the next certification.
Important! Certification is an internal procedure of the section, therefore, when changing clubs and coaches, the student, as a rule, begins his journey in a new place in white, going through all the steps to perfection again.
Narrow white stripes on the red patch of the black belt indicate the master's dans.
Differences in receiving belts for adults and children
Both children and adults start with traditional white. But there are some differences in the procedure and conditions for receiving them:
- in adults, white immediately replaces blue. For them the time of wearing a white belt is the most stressful. You need to master all the basic movements and techniques. At this stage, those who are unbalanced, undisciplined, and not striving for self-development are eliminated. In children, this process occurs more smoothly. Beginners pass, yellow, orange and green. Only those who have reached the age of 16 can apply for blue;
- certification for children's belts includes standards for general physical fitness (running, abdominal exercises, push-ups, pull-ups, elements of acrobatics). Before the test begins, the condition of the nails, the cleanliness of the kimono, the ability to tie a belt, and theoretical knowledge are checked.;
- The decision to certify a young athlete is made by his mentor, who also presents the certificate. After serious training, adults go to special events with the participation of higher-level masters.
Interesting! There is a tradition in which the newly minted belt holder walks through the gauntlet of other students, withstanding blows from their belts. Another option is for fighters of the same rank or higher to throw it onto the mat once.