grading
How do we do grading at our academy?
Despite our aspirations to champion submission grappling as a sport, we understand it will always be rooted in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ), where the standard measurement for skill is belt rank.
With this in mind, we promote our members in accordance with the BJJ rank system to signify their progression and general skill level.
While we don’t award a physical belt, we award the corresponding coloured rank that can be signified with a rash guard of that colour.
We don’t award stripes/degrees at each rank for one simple reason: as a no-gi only academy, our members don’t wear belts.
IBJJF ADULT BELT SYSTEM
MINIMUM TIME ON EACH BELT
Getting your belt in the minimum time stipulated by the IBJJF is an unrealistic expectation for 90% of practitioners - if they are being held to a good standard.
It is our belief that these minimum times are only possible with exceptional dedication and ability, as well as outstanding competition results.
It’s widely accepted that the average time to achieve the rank of black belt is 8-10 years.
Belt rank isn’t the be-all and end-all
A higher rank will not always outperform a lower rank. Lower ranks can be better and more skilful than higher ranks for a multitude of reasons: age, size, athleticism, previous experience, ability to train more often, etc.
However, belt rank is a general indicator of the skill and knowledge of the practitioner - as determined by their coach.
ADULT RANK SYSTEM
EXPECTED TIME AT EACH LEVEL
The above timeline is how an average practitioner can expect to progress at Advance Grappling Academy with consistent training (2+ times a week).
Earning the next rank is a very individual thing, so the above times WILL vary from person-to-person. Some people will progress faster than the expected time at each level, others may be slower.
Regardless of rank, ability comes from consistent training and effort. If you focus on training frequently, enjoying your experience and improving your skills - rank will eventually follow.
The worst thing a coach can do is award a new rank too early - it’s a disservice to the person receiving it, and to the sport.
WHEN IS A NEW RANK AWARDED at advance?
From the moment a member participates in their first session, they are considered to hold the rank of white.
All further coloured ranks can be awarded: in class in any given session, on a designated grading day, or at a competition (usually on the podium).
There is no grading ‘test’.
HOW IS IT JUDGED?
Coach Jack grades based on criteria: minimum time required in the rank, consistent attendance, consistent effort in class, and whether or not you have sufficient skill and experience to carry the next rank.
He is constantly assessing these criteria each and every time you train - through attendance tracking, observing you while you train and spar, or sparring with you personally (and taking into account your competition performance, if applicable).