"Verified."

"Legit BJJ black belt 1!"

"Steph's belt progression adheres to IBJJF minimums, with over five years at white belt before his 2007 blue promotion by sixth-degree black belt Fabio Holanda, more than six years at blue prior to his 2013 purple by coral belt Jean Jacques Machado, nearly four years at purple before his 2017 brown, and nearly four years at brown leading to his 2021 black belt by third-degree black belt Matt Baker and black belt Jill Baker at TruJitsu. His 2024 first-degree promotion after over three years at black also complies (> 3yr). Competition records include a 2020 IBJJF Fresno Open win as a brown belt, aligning with timelines. Social media from Komodo Academy on Facebook and Instagram, plus the academy's website, confirm his ranks and promotions through posts and bios if you dig. IBJJF recognizes his black belt status, though he may have initiated confirmation later in his tenure or be processing the 1st degr., or lack interest in further stripes, providing legitimacy as of my Jan-12-2026 review"

"Lots of high quality photo evidence. Legit!"

"verified"

"I don't know Stephane, but there seems to be enough evidence to verify rank. :)"

"Looks good. Congratulations!"

"Congratzzzz"

"Osu!"

"Proof of rank through fotos, long time in the game !"