Understanding the Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu Belt System | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

 

The belt system at Gracie Barra Agoura follows the traditional standards of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) but incorporates the specific educational structure of the Gracie Barra Method. It is not just a ranking system; it is a roadmap for personal development, technical mastery, and character building.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the belt system as it applies to adults and children at the academy.

 

1. The Adult Belt System (Ages 16+)

For adults, the journey is a long-term commitment, typically taking 10-15 years to reach Black Belt.

 

 White Belt (The Beginning):

     Focus: Survival and defense.

     Program: GB1 Fundamentals. Students wear this belt while learning the core 96 techniques.

     Promotion: Stripes are awarded based on attendance (minimum number of classes attended). This encourages consistency.

 Blue Belt (The Technician):

     Focus: Escaping and basic attacks.

     Program: GB2 Advanced. Students begin live sparring regularly.

     Requirement: Must have a solid grasp of self-defense and positional hierarchy.

 Purple Belt (The Game Developer):

     Focus: Movement, combinations, and momentum.

     Program: GB2/GB3. Students start developing their personal style (“A-Game”).

 Brown Belt (The Refiner):

     Focus: Submission efficiency and top pressure.

     Role: Often begins assisting in teaching.

 Black Belt (The Professor):

     Focus: Mastery and teaching.

     Significance: A black belt from Romulo Barral (who oversees the program) is a highly respected credential in the BJJ world.

 

2. The Kids Belt System (Ages 3–15)

The youth system is more complex to keep children motivated with frequent milestones.

 Colors: White $rightarrow$ Grey $rightarrow$ Yellow $rightarrow$ Orange $rightarrow$ Green.

 Stripes: Kids earn stripes more frequently than adults to reward focus, discipline, and attendance.

 The “Green Belt” Goal: The ultimate goal for a teen is to reach Green Belt. A solid Green Belt who turns 16 is often promoted directly to Blue Belt, skipping the adult White Belt stage entirely.

 

3. How Promotions Work (The “No Testing” Policy)

Unlike Karate, there is usually no formal test day where you pay a fee to break a board.

 Continuous Evaluation: Instructors (Prof. Jaeson, Prof. Zane) evaluate students daily during class.

 Attendance Cards: Gracie Barra uses a card system to track attendance. You must meet a minimum attendance requirement to be eligible for a stripe or belt.

 Character: Promotions are also based on attitude. A student who is technically good but bullies partners will not be promoted.

 

4. The “Red Shield” Patch

Part of the belt system is the uniform. You cannot be promoted if you do not wear the official Gracie Barra Gi with the patches in the correct places. This shows respect for the lineage and the team.

 

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

Understanding the Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu Belt System | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681