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Grades & Belts
Each belt in Jiu-Jitsu denotes a level of skill achieved. There are eight coloured belts before black belt, known as kyu,
and then increasing levels of black belt, known as dan. In order to progress to the next belt, you must complete the
required grading. The requirements for each grade are summarised here:
White Belt (8th kyu)- All beginners start as
white belts. You'll be taught the basic movements and techniques.
Yellow Belt (7th kyu)- To pass
this
belt you'll need to know: basic break-falling, strikes and
locks, three basic throws and defences from basic grabs and attacks.
Orange Belt (6th kyu)- More advanced
break-falling, five additional throws, three additional arm locks, kicks, ground
holds, body grab defences, defences from cosh.
Green Belt (5th kyu)-
Seven more throws, advanced hold downs, headlocks, counters to arm locks, ground
restraints, defence from knife and broken bottle.
Purple Belt (4th kyu)- Eleven additional
throws, additional headlocks and counters, defence from bokken (sword) and chain
and multiple unarmed attackers. Candidates must also have passed their assistant
instructor qualification.
Light Blue Belt (3rd kyu)- Nine additional
throws, defence from multiple armed attackers, wrist lock throws, strangles and
counters, defence whilst prone.
Dark Blue Belt (2nd kyu)- Eight additional
throws, leg locks and counters, defence using baton. Candidates must also have
passed the instructor qualification.
Brown Belt (1st kyu)- Eight additional
throws, full knowledge of nage-no-kata, Defence against any weapon including
live blades, Defence at close quarters. Candidates must also have completed the
club instructor qualification. Brown belt is the first full teaching grade.
Black Belt (1st Dan)- Candidates for black belt
must have been teaching as a brown belt for a minimum of two years, and must
have passed a verification grading.