I'm curious when IBJJF stopped requiring the actual promoting instructor to acknowledge a black belt promotion, as it today sometimes has the effect that no one really takes responsibility for someone sporting a IBJJF sanctioned BB ("what? me? no, I didn't promote him and don't remember who he said did. I've never met the guy and just trusted him when he wrote he already had a black belt and needed someone to sign for him to compete"). I personally think it's BS and opens up for not only no degree BB:s but even white belts promoting others to BB with someone's "blessing" ("but he's a champion college wrestler/MMA champion, even if he's not yet 2:nd degree BB! roll with him if you doubt his credentials to promote someone to BB in BJJ").

Was it in the same revision that removed the possibility for purple and brown belts to promote in "countries or regions where there are not enough black belts for the development of the sport"? That removing is a little more understandable, but I can still se the exception would be useful in some areas (but really should not be over used) and I don't think I've ever down voted anyone for it. What's the latest dates for anyone on Beltchecker having been promoted to colored belt by a higher colored belt and in what areas?

Does anyone have the dates of the earlier versions of the IBJJF graduation system? Would be interesting to collect all old versions, to be able to compare and follow the changes in the future (same goes for the rules). I highly doubt IBJJF themselves have any interest in this, as ever more cash grabs will certainly be added and they would rather have them go under the radar.

Previously, the IBJJF Graduation System (document marked "v1", although not the first, as it still contains e.g. the post 2011 kids belt system) stated the following:

"The membership form of an athlete graded in belts of gray, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple and brown must be signed by
an IBJJF affiliated black belt.

The graduation of an athlete to black belt can only be signed by a black belt instructor that promoted them and must have at
least 2 degrees certified by IBJJF.

In countries or regions where there are not enough black belts for the development of the sport, IBJJF will accept purple
belt and brown belt athletes to sign as instructors. Once the minimum number is reached, the use of instructor status will
be suspended.

Brown belt instructors can only graduate athletes to purple belt and purple belt instructors can only graduate athletes
to blue belt."

Now, it says this:

"The membership request of an athlete graded in Belts of White, Grey, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue,
Purple and Brown must be signed/approved by an IBJJF affiliated Black Belt Professor (except a
provisional Brown Belt, see Article 7).

The graduation of an athlete to Black Belt can only be signed by a Black Belt Professor who has at
least 2 (two) Degrees certified by IBJJF (except a provisional Black Belt, see Article 7). "

Some other changes I've noticed:

2011: Kids belts with multiple colors and different color stripes introduced
2022: Winning the world championship enables you to skip the minimum time in belt for colored belts.