Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu Jitsu Kids Belt System and Graduation

 

Gracie Barra Kids Belt System is one of the most structured and rigorous ranking systems in youth martial arts. At Gracie Barra Agoura Hills (GBAH), a new belt is not a participation trophy—it is a symbol of history, discipline, and documented progress.

 

The system is designed to teach children the value of long-term goal setting. Unlike video games where “leveling up” happens daily, earning a belt in Jiu-Jitsu takes months or years of consistent effort.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the Kids Belt System and Graduation process at Gracie Barra Agoura Hills.

 

1. The Philosophy: “A Belt Covers Only Two Inches…”

 

A famous BJJ quote says: “A belt covers only two inches of your backside; you have to cover the rest.”

 

At GBAH, the belt represents:

 Time on the Mat: Consistency and attendance.

 Technical Knowledge: Knowing the moves for their level.

 Character: Showing respect, discipline, and good behavior at school | home.

 

2. The Color Progression (Ages 3–15)

 

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and Gracie Barra use a specific color system for youth that is distinct from adults. Kids cannot earn a Blue Belt until they turn 16.

 

The journey generally follows this path (with monthly/quarterly stripes in between):

 

1. White Belt: The starting point. Every student begins here. It signifies innocence and an open mind.
2. Grey Belt Group (White center, Solid Grey, Black center):

     Typically for ages 4–6 and up.

     Signifies a student who understands the basic rules, safety (breakfalls), and fundamental movements.

3. Yellow Belt Group (White center, Solid Yellow, Black center):

     Typically for ages 7–15.

     Signifies a strong grasp of the “Future Champions” curriculum. The student can spar (roll) with control and execute specific moves.

4. Orange Belt Group (White center, Solid Orange, Black center):

     Signifies an intermediate | advanced youth student. They help teach younger kids and have a “game” (strategy) of their own.

5. Green Belt Group (White center, Solid Green, Black center):

     The highest youth rank. These students are often highly skilled teens who are nearly ready for the Adult Blue Belt. They are leaders on the mat.

 

Note: Each color group has three tiers (e.g., Grey/White $rightarrow$ Solid Grey $rightarrow$ Grey | Black) to provide frequent milestones.

 

3. The Stripe System (The Steps Between Belts)

 

Because going from a Grey Belt to a Yellow Belt can take a year or more, Gracie Barra uses Stripes (pieces of athletic tape on the belt’s black bar) to keep kids motivated.

 

 Frequency: Stripes are generally awarded monthly or quarterly, depending on the specific attendance cycle.

 Meaning:

     1st & 2nd Stripe: Good attendance and effort.

     3rd Stripe: Technical improvement.

     4th Stripe: Readiness for the next level.

 The Attendance Card: Students must track their own attendance. A specific number of classes (e.g., 30 classes) is often required to be eligible for the next stripe. This teaches personal responsibility.

 

4. Graduation Requirements: The “Three Pillars”

 

At Gracie Barra Agoura Hills, Professor Jaeson Bianchi looks at three specific areas before authorizing a promotion. It is not just about who can fight the best.

 

1. Technical Proficiency

 Does the child know the curriculum for their level?

 Can they execute the moves safely?

 Do they understand the names of the techniques (in English and sometimes Portuguese)?

 

1. Attendance (Consistency)

 Has the student attended the required minimum number of classes?

 BJJ is a muscle-memory sport; you cannot learn it if you aren’t there.

 

1. “Off-the-Mat” Behavior

 The School Grade Rule: Many parents love this. If a child is failing school or behaving poorly at home, the parent can secretly inform the Professor. The Professor may hold back a promotion until the grades improve. This reinforces that education comes first.

 

5. The Graduation Ceremony

 

The “Graduation” is a major event held periodically (often twice a year or quarterly) at the academy. It is a celebration of the team’s hard work.

 

 The Formal Line-Up: All students line up by rank in full uniform.

 Demonstrations: Higher belts might demonstrate techniques for the parents.

 The Promotion: When a student is called up, they shake the Professor’s hand. The old belt is removed, and the new belt is tied around their waist.

 The “Gauntlet” (Tunnel): In some traditions (modified for safety | age), students might walk through a tunnel of their teammates who clap or pat them on the back to welcome them to the new rank.

 The Photos: Parents are encouraged to take photos. It is a proud moment of tangible achievement.

 

6. Transition to Adult Ranks (Age 16)

 

When a student turns 16, they leave the youth belt system.

 Depending on their skill level (e.g., if they were a Green Belt), they are usually promoted directly to Adult Blue Belt.

 This transition is significant, marking their entry into the world of adult martial arts.

 

The Belt System at Gracie Barra Agoura Hills is a tool for building patience and perseverance. By working for months to earn a single stripe, children learn that great things take time, effort, and discipline—a lesson that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

 

Contact

Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Location

19520 Nordhoff St Unit 10 Northridge, CA 91324

Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu Jitsu Kids Belt System and Graduation