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Blue Belt Testing Advice
1 month(s) ago • 427 views • 15 replies
CTBlack beltVerified
1 month(s) ago
Hi BJJ Family,
I am working with two rising White Belts who have 2 and 3 stripes, and I would love everyone's thoughts on the requirements for Blue Belt Grading. I have my own criteria, but I wanted to see if anyone had anything specific they look for in gradings and if it's changed recently.
I am working with two rising White Belts who have 2 and 3 stripes, and I would love everyone's thoughts on the requirements for Blue Belt Grading. I have my own criteria, but I wanted to see if anyone had anything specific they look for in gradings and if it's changed recently.
IBlack beltVerified
1 month(s) ago
There is going to be such a diverse range of opinions here. My feeling as a coach is that tests are not necessary. You should be able to tell if someone is a blue belt just by sparring with them. I also feel students should be promoted based on their own growth, not compared identically to other students who may be younger or have fewer injuries, though solid execution of the basics is also necessary. However, I know that at bigger schools, head coaches can't always roll with everyone enough to make that call, so testing becomes necessary.
It would be nice if there were canonized criteria for each belt so there wasn't such a wild skill variation among blue belts, but that's just not the case.
It would be nice if there were canonized criteria for each belt so there wasn't such a wild skill variation among blue belts, but that's just not the case.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 month(s) ago
I don't do any formal testing, but I do look for certain qualities: a blue belt should be able to have at least 2 "moves"/concepts that they are able to apply from every position, both offensively and defensively. They should confidently be beating some blue belts and most white belts in sparring, at least positionally if not submitting them as well. They should know some basic, fundamental moves such as knee cut pass, cross collar choke and double leg takedown, even if they don't execute these techniques themselves in sparring: basically, if you'd be surprised that a blue belt wouldn't know the move then they aren't blue belts yet. And never forget that almost nobody has to be promoted in a hurry :).
JGPurple beltVerified
1 month(s) ago
Hi BJJ Family, I am working with two rising White Belts who have 2 and 3 stripes, and I would love everyone's thoughts on the requirements for Blue Belt Grading. I have my own criteria, but I wanted to see if anyone had anything specific they look for in gradings and if it's changed recently.
Why are you doing belt testing?
CTBlack beltVerified
1 month(s) ago
Why are you doing belt testing?
I'm not testing them formally, I am just intrigued by other black belts' opinions on criteria and qualities they look for.
CRBrown beltVerified
1 month(s) ago
Hi BJJ Family, I am working with two rising White Belts who have 2 and 3 stripes, and I would love everyone's thoughts on the requirements for Blue Belt Grading. I have my own criteria, but I wanted to see if anyone had anything specific they look for in gradings and if it's changed recently.
The main criteria I use are:
- Technical knowledge: knowing the curriculum up to blue belt (if you use a curriculum). If you don't use a curriculum, I say generally 2 escapes from each of the major positions, 2 guard passes, 2 transitions between major positions (e.g. side control to mount), and probably 3-5 submissions. The reason i say 2 is that while they should know more, I would want them to be solid on at least 2.
- Technical application: this is you watching them during (specific) rolling as time goes by and how much they're using their technical knowledge in rolling, taking into consideration stuff like age, fitness, who they're rolling with etc.
- Team-mindedness: basically, are you a good team player and look after your partners / help them get reps in, or are you a prick. For me, personally, I wouldn't want to promote pricks, I'd talk to them about being more team-minded and willing to help out. That doesn't mean you have to be the nicest person ever, but rather I'd want to make sure you're safe to train with and can be a good training partner for others. I say this as there are people I've met who've been promoted to blue belt with horrible attitudes to training, and blue belt just made them worse.
I have a curriculum doc I posted somewhere in the forum for people to use for free if they'd like. I'm currently working on a second version if anyone would like it, totally free to use for anyone to take and adapt how they see fit.
- Technical knowledge: knowing the curriculum up to blue belt (if you use a curriculum). If you don't use a curriculum, I say generally 2 escapes from each of the major positions, 2 guard passes, 2 transitions between major positions (e.g. side control to mount), and probably 3-5 submissions. The reason i say 2 is that while they should know more, I would want them to be solid on at least 2.
- Technical application: this is you watching them during (specific) rolling as time goes by and how much they're using their technical knowledge in rolling, taking into consideration stuff like age, fitness, who they're rolling with etc.
- Team-mindedness: basically, are you a good team player and look after your partners / help them get reps in, or are you a prick. For me, personally, I wouldn't want to promote pricks, I'd talk to them about being more team-minded and willing to help out. That doesn't mean you have to be the nicest person ever, but rather I'd want to make sure you're safe to train with and can be a good training partner for others. I say this as there are people I've met who've been promoted to blue belt with horrible attitudes to training, and blue belt just made them worse.
I have a curriculum doc I posted somewhere in the forum for people to use for free if they'd like. I'm currently working on a second version if anyone would like it, totally free to use for anyone to take and adapt how they see fit.
MBrown beltVerified
1 month(s) ago
Hi BJJ Family, I am working with two rising White Belts who have 2 and 3 stripes, and I would love everyone's thoughts on the requirements for Blue Belt Grading. I have my own criteria, but I wanted to see if anyone had anything specific they look for in gradings and if it's changed recently.
My guys for blue belt must have a basic defense and offense in the main positions, transitions, attaining and maintaining the basic positions and escapes. Basics of stand up, clinch and ground, some basic takedowns and throws.
What every blue belt of me has to know, too, is survival vs punches, punch protection standing and on the ground and headlock escapes standing and on the ground.
Also basic foot locks and escapes.
Performance is one thing, but I want the blue belts to be able to teach basics to absolute beginners: you learn through teaching : Docendo discimus!
I don’t do formal belt tests. We are just a small group and I know everybody on my mats personally rolling and training with them every week, so I see where they are and they know it too. When I have my black belt friends and coaches over, they help with checking skills of my guys too.
Knowledge, skills and attitude…
What every blue belt of me has to know, too, is survival vs punches, punch protection standing and on the ground and headlock escapes standing and on the ground.
Also basic foot locks and escapes.
Performance is one thing, but I want the blue belts to be able to teach basics to absolute beginners: you learn through teaching : Docendo discimus!
I don’t do formal belt tests. We are just a small group and I know everybody on my mats personally rolling and training with them every week, so I see where they are and they know it too. When I have my black belt friends and coaches over, they help with checking skills of my guys too.
Knowledge, skills and attitude…
CGBlack belt 4th degreeVerified
1 month(s) ago
Why test someone you train with every week?
JBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
1 month(s) ago
I look for three things:
(1) Fighting Ability: Can the student use Jiu-Jitsu against skilled, resisting opponents who are about their level (taking belt level, weight class, and age division into account)? This can be judged in daily sparring, though tournament or MMA fight performance is also a factor if the athlete is a competitor.
(2) Technical Knowledge: Does the student know the appropriate techniques for an athlete at this level? This is important because a young, athletic wrestler might be able to dominate blue belts in sparring, but might not know all of the appropriate techniques to be a BJJ blue belt. As the athlete gets higher up in rank (e.g., purple belt and up), the ability to teach and demonstrate good technique also becomes important.
(3) Character: Is the athlete a good student and training partner (and, at higher levels, teacher)? Do they stay calm under pressure? Do they help others to improve at the gym? Are they representing the gym well in the way they conduct themselves both in and outside the gym?
Our organization does formal testing. Part of it is so that the student can demonstrate their abilities to the rest of the school (or to family and friends who come to watch the test). Another reason has to do with performing under pressure (important for both self-defense and sport competition). Also, we have a curriculum for every belt level, with techniques and performance games (situational sparring exercises) that students have to perform. I’m a college professor, so the idea of having students test to demonstrate their skills makes sense to me. Other instructors like Roy Harris and Roy Dean also use formal tests, though I know most BJJ schools just surprise people with belts when they think they are ready. My black belt test took place over four classes and included sparring, technique demonstration, and teaching.
(1) Fighting Ability: Can the student use Jiu-Jitsu against skilled, resisting opponents who are about their level (taking belt level, weight class, and age division into account)? This can be judged in daily sparring, though tournament or MMA fight performance is also a factor if the athlete is a competitor.
(2) Technical Knowledge: Does the student know the appropriate techniques for an athlete at this level? This is important because a young, athletic wrestler might be able to dominate blue belts in sparring, but might not know all of the appropriate techniques to be a BJJ blue belt. As the athlete gets higher up in rank (e.g., purple belt and up), the ability to teach and demonstrate good technique also becomes important.
(3) Character: Is the athlete a good student and training partner (and, at higher levels, teacher)? Do they stay calm under pressure? Do they help others to improve at the gym? Are they representing the gym well in the way they conduct themselves both in and outside the gym?
Our organization does formal testing. Part of it is so that the student can demonstrate their abilities to the rest of the school (or to family and friends who come to watch the test). Another reason has to do with performing under pressure (important for both self-defense and sport competition). Also, we have a curriculum for every belt level, with techniques and performance games (situational sparring exercises) that students have to perform. I’m a college professor, so the idea of having students test to demonstrate their skills makes sense to me. Other instructors like Roy Harris and Roy Dean also use formal tests, though I know most BJJ schools just surprise people with belts when they think they are ready. My black belt test took place over four classes and included sparring, technique demonstration, and teaching.
SLBlack beltVerified
1 month(s) ago
I believe that everyone has their own criteria. Of course, because everyone's criteria differs regarding the qualities required for each promotion it's something often debated (and argued about).
From my perspective, I look for technical knowledge. At white belt level pushing towards blue you have to be realistic regarding what you consider as "technical knowledge". It's not going to be in-depth or nuanced, but signs that they are beginning to grasp the broad fundamentals.
Sparring is important, but not necessarily in the sense that they are dominating their peers, again, just signs that they are improving when sparring and are grasping the fundamentals, primarily in terms of defending.
Attitude and attendance are also very important. If someone is a whizz on the mat but rarely show up or have a poor attitude it's going to massively hinder development in my estimation.
I personally don't believe strict "testing" is necessary in the traditional sense although I do believe in putting people in positions or asking them questions during a class as a form of informal test.
Overall I believe you should look at four main areas and kind of score the individual based on those:
Technical understanding
Sparring
Attitude/commitment
Time at current belt level
If they score highly in three of those categories then promotion should be strongly considered.
From my perspective, I look for technical knowledge. At white belt level pushing towards blue you have to be realistic regarding what you consider as "technical knowledge". It's not going to be in-depth or nuanced, but signs that they are beginning to grasp the broad fundamentals.
Sparring is important, but not necessarily in the sense that they are dominating their peers, again, just signs that they are improving when sparring and are grasping the fundamentals, primarily in terms of defending.
Attitude and attendance are also very important. If someone is a whizz on the mat but rarely show up or have a poor attitude it's going to massively hinder development in my estimation.
I personally don't believe strict "testing" is necessary in the traditional sense although I do believe in putting people in positions or asking them questions during a class as a form of informal test.
Overall I believe you should look at four main areas and kind of score the individual based on those:
Technical understanding
Sparring
Attitude/commitment
Time at current belt level
If they score highly in three of those categories then promotion should be strongly considered.
HBBlack belt 3rd degreeVerified
1 month(s) ago
I've never "tested" per say but i do see them rolling and training and will roll with them and put myself or them, in spots and see if they correctly attack/defend/escape. I do have a criteria in my head but it's not set in stone. I look for takedowns with double/single leg varients, o'goshi, kata garuma, osoto gari, uchi mata and seonage. Then various guard sweeps with scissor/push/bump (belly), flower, etc. Of course straight armbar/americana/kimura/guillotine/RNC, and 1-3 various clock chokes. Amasa Pao, bow and arrow, etc.
Again that's just a ballpark set of items i look for, and go more off attendance and how well they are doing with moves and rolling. For higher belts of course i add in more technical aspects and understanding of the "why" moves work and the "when". Also more guard variations and chaining of moves with offence and defense.
Again that's just a ballpark set of items i look for, and go more off attendance and how well they are doing with moves and rolling. For higher belts of course i add in more technical aspects and understanding of the "why" moves work and the "when". Also more guard variations and chaining of moves with offence and defense.
EBBrown beltVerified
5 day(s) ago
I look for three things: (1) Fighting Ability: Can the student use Jiu-Jitsu against skilled, resisting opponents who are about their level (taking belt level, weight class, and age division into account)? This can be judged in daily sparring, though tournament or MMA fight performance is also a factor if the athlete is a competitor. (2) Technical Knowledge: Does the student know the appropriate techniques for an athlete at this level? This is important because a young, athletic wrestler might be able to dominate blue belts in sparring, but might not know all of the appropriate techniques to be a BJJ blue belt. As the athlete gets higher up in rank (e.g., purple belt and up), the ability to teach and demonstrate good technique also becomes important. (3) Character: Is the athlete a good student and training partner (and, at higher levels, teacher)? Do they stay calm under pressure? Do they help others to improve at the gym? Are they representing the gym well in the way they conduct themselves both in and outside the gym? Our organization does formal testing. Part of it is so that the student can demonstrate their abilities to the rest of the school (or to family and friends who come to watch the test). Another reason has to do with performing under pressure (important for both self-defense and sport competition). Also, we have a curriculum for every belt level, with techniques and performance games (situational sparring exercises) that students have to perform. I’m a college professor, so the idea of having students test to demonstrate their skills makes sense to me. Other instructors like Roy Harris and Roy Dean also use formal tests, though I know most BJJ schools just surprise people with belts when they think they are ready. My black belt test took place over four classes and included sparring, technique demonstration, and teaching.
There is a technical side to this of course - I usually teach white belts in four categories - defence/escapes, guard, top control, and back control/attacks. They need to be reasonably proficient in all four.
Apart from techniques, there are a bunch of other things I look out for, which, for me, are indicators of whether someone has reached a blue belt. I'm including a link to a Medium article I wrote on this below, but here is the list:
- Your rolling is no longer random
- You keep elbows and knees connected
- You understand the basic logic of sweeps
- You understand frames
- You have good side control escapes - this one is important, you may be stuck in mount or with someone on your back, but if you are a blue belt, anyone should struggle to keep you in side control
- You value inside position
- You have at least one reliable guard pass
- You value angles
- You play top position with patience
- You are comfortable on opponent's back
- You value connection
- You have 1-2 reliable submissions
- Triangle test - for me, it is a sign of an advanced level of body awareness
- You have basic stand-up awareness
- You have basic leglock awareness
https://medium.com/@Ratio[...]0e4d690904
Let me know what you think.
Apart from techniques, there are a bunch of other things I look out for, which, for me, are indicators of whether someone has reached a blue belt. I'm including a link to a Medium article I wrote on this below, but here is the list:
- Your rolling is no longer random
- You keep elbows and knees connected
- You understand the basic logic of sweeps
- You understand frames
- You have good side control escapes - this one is important, you may be stuck in mount or with someone on your back, but if you are a blue belt, anyone should struggle to keep you in side control
- You value inside position
- You have at least one reliable guard pass
- You value angles
- You play top position with patience
- You are comfortable on opponent's back
- You value connection
- You have 1-2 reliable submissions
- Triangle test - for me, it is a sign of an advanced level of body awareness
- You have basic stand-up awareness
- You have basic leglock awareness
https://medium.com/@Ratio[...]0e4d690904
Let me know what you think.
BVBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 day(s) ago
Why test someone you train with every week?
We do belt tests that are really tough trainings basically. like a rite of passage. New belts do a shark tank. Its something aspiring new belts are looking up to, and can prepare for by training. The sense of accomplishment makes them feel like they really earned their belt. Of course in reality they already passed before the training, by a vote of confidence from the trainers. And we dont charge the people for the graduation training, by the time they reached new belt, theyve already spent 100s if not 1000s of euros on getting there.
FBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
5 day(s) ago
Just roll with them or observe them with some blue belt.
CTBlack beltVerified
1 day(s) ago
Thanks, everyone! I was just genuinely curious about what each instructor thought. I have trained with them and do regular position rolls and sparring. I know their level and will grade accordingly.
I appreciate the community and the time you guys all took to reply :)
I appreciate the community and the time you guys all took to reply :)
JBlack belt 2nd degreeVerified
1 day(s) ago
Please post a pic here when you promote them and let us know their names so we can vote for them.
