JUDO and JIU-JITSU Belt testing

[@Taft1]

Both jiu-jitsu academies I have trained at have been pretty subjective where it comes to belt testing requirements. You test when invited, entirely at the coach's discretion. Nothing spelled out, nothing necessarily regular. Judo places I have trained at have been more like the one in Sensei Kathy's video with the techniques and belt level requirements on display and promotions held regularly. I am pretty flexible and can work under either schema.

[@MarquisWynne]

Traditionally, BJJ belt requirements are at the descretion of the head professor. If you are part of an association (Gracie Barra for example), the association sets those standards but there is no hard requirement or standard that translates to every school in the style. At most schools, like my own, you get promoted when the professor feels you are ready to compete at that level. I have a friend that was a white belt for almost 5 years. He would take large stretches off, slack on training and the like but the main reason that he was held back, as my coach says, “You are not ready to compete with other blue belts. I’m not going to promote anyone just because.” He did get his blue belt mid last year but he had to show and prove he was ready for it.

[@KathyHubble193]

Nice - ya that’s what I’ve found travelling through different BJJ clubs around the world.. every Prof has their different style and there aren’t any hard and fast rules as to promotions or an international or national standard (discretion of Prof) - it might be cool if there was a worldwide standardization of requirements for each belt though, just for practitioners to aspire to...

[@williamlang1218]

All you really should worry about (in anything you practice in life) is to be better than you were the day before. I’m a BJJ Blue Belt and I’ve attended schools that have no testing. I have visited schools that do have testing too. I prefer to not test, for 1 don’t always worry about getting a belt, worry about making your Jiu-Jitsu better than it was the day before. That way when you do get promoted it’s more of a surprise. And my coaches always seem to test us when we roll together. They will do little things that I notice, like purposely expose their arm to an armbar(something they would never normally do). It’s all a test.🤙🙏🥋

[@grandmasteryoda3730]

Yes, we do have testing requirements. I’ve been learning Karate since 2016 and I can confirm that we do have a grading syllabus. We must demonstrate all of our techniques, our kata, and our kumite (sparring) in order to pass. You will be assessed on your blocks, punches, kicks, stances ect. We try to build on previous techniques, making it easier to progress into the next grade. To simplify my answer, it’s a yes. We do have testing requirements in Karate and they are relevant up to 10th Dan (Highest possible grade of Black belt).

[@KathyHubble193]

AWESOME!!!

[@shanem8738]

BJJ has knowledge, demonstration (skill), physical ability (strength and flexibility in particular), AND application criteria. One can get ranked by "testing", competition performance, and or general consensus. I like to consider personality as well (moderating aggression and openess).

[@chriswilsonyu2599]

Missed the party on this one but it’s something I think about. I’m a year into BJJ and still a little unused to the lack of testing for belts/stripes. I think you can often use time on the mat as a proxy but everyone progresses at different rates. The biggest challenge with testing for BJJ would be distilling the core techniques that ^should^ be on the exam, since there’s so many variations and techniques and ways to adapt tactics to your own strengths and weaknesses. Moreover there’s little standardization of ukemi in BJJ compared to Aikido or Judo, so if you go to ‘demonstrate’ a technique, how it ‘looks’ could really depend on who you’re working with.

[@shahzebmohammad9521]

Ive learned Karate growing up, I remember being tested for each belt level, was tested for my knowledge of fundamentals, katas, and also stamina endurance tests

[@jessepena3977]

The Marcello Monteiro Association have a grading system of techniques. However, Master Monteiro also focuses on character, execution, timing and teaching ability for purple belt and above.

[@walkerrobinson9614]

Varies from school to school. The schools I trained at did have them. Some of them didn't. I prefer a syllabus. In my opinion, it sets a standard for students and allows monitoring of progress. Love watching your video tutorials. Absolutely amazing content 👌

[@KathyHubble193]

Yes definitely varies… nice though when there’s a fairly universal syllabus… and thank u for the kind words sir!! ❤️

[@MF-kb2nv]

Kathy, it's great to see you on here. Followed your KZbin videos for years..

[@JuanVasquezhasreturned]

In my dojo there isn't belt testing except for the Dan ranks. I earned my color belts from yellow to brown simply by showing up and getting better every day. Granted I am from California, so it might be different here than other places.

[@willieluv]

I believe in belt testing in bjj. Some academies in bjj don’t do testing and have unrealistic standards. Each student is different in athletic abilities some are smarter than others and a lot of Bjj academies judge on tournaments and don’t test teach proper self defense skills like they should. It’s a problem

[@itsAniQ]

Im a 1st degree black belt in karate and we do have a grading system. However, i do recall getting a double promotion for a colour belt on two different grading exam. If i remember correctly, i believe it was due to me excelling in tournaments and emerging as a champion in many of them.

[@jamesmackinnon8247]

Depends on the gym/lineage. At mine there was a 1 page list of techniques (throws, positions, submissions) that you had to demo and explain. Others they just give you the belt when they believe you’ve earned it.

[@Bob-uz4ov]

Each person needed to demonstrate techniques and perform forms and some breaks that would become more difficult with each belt in TKD. The black belt test was graded by 3 masters that were flown in. But I suppose every school could be different.

[@crodd92]

Mma school that had bjj had a list of moves we needed to perform to test for a white belt with live roll and it determined how many stripes(no belt to 2 stripe white belt). Second bjj school you just got stripes and belts whenever, no testing day just instructor seeing if you improved and are at that level(2 stripe to 3 stripe white belt). Taekwondo (1st degree ATA) we had a list of moves like front kick, round kick etc and we had a form that used those moves that we had to do and had a testing day. As you advanced the moves would get more advanced like 180 round kick, 360 round kick, jump 360 round kick etc plus some weapons and some sparring. For black belt I had to go outside of the academy to testwith others in front of judges do form, physical fitness run, push ups spar and forms.

[@destinysmagicalplayhouse915]

I go to Bobby Lawrence karate and I'm pretty sure we do but I don't know

[@drutgat2]

As a recently returned (and older) Judoka, I have an ambivalent attitude toward the question of whether there should be belts, although regarding the question, "Should there be testing requirements for each belt?", I would answer "yes". To expand on those thoughts I will say that I think that having a belt or 'progress measurement system' in general can be encouraging for those who are competitive, and who experience pursuit of goals as an incentive in improving. On the other hand, I think that we have quite enough competitiveness in society, and that the idea of besting others (as opposed to besting and improving ourselves) somewhat defeats one of the ideas in Judo, that we are all in this together, and that we can cooperatively, rather than competitively, learn, and develop, as Judoka and people. To be clear, I think that we can operate cooperatively within Judo 'competitions', and in randori with each other, so I am not against 'fighting' in that sense. But to see Judoka from one country refuse to shake hands with Judok a from another country contradicts the spirit of Judo, as far as I am concerned, and is an example of competitiveness in a destructive way, and I am definitely against that.

[@KathyHubble193]

Agree on the political part... usually Judo is known for its sportsmanship throughout the world, so its surprising when you see that... it's so out of character for judo...

[@Lepenseur73]

Taekwondo and Hapkido, we had a pull down roller that looked similar to that.. except it was written I. Hangeul. That was in South Korea. I liked the visual aid.

[@hosseinshah4322]

Hello, how can I install this board in the club?

[@AnivaRoman-eg2fh]

Where can I order one of them ??

[@nickcolleran9212]

BJJ is interesting because the testing requirements (if there are any) vary massively from school to school. But the skill levels the belts represent are(mostly) pretty consistent. For example, after I had held a blue belt for a little while, I felt close enough to equal with the blue belts at most legitimate schools I went to. This even held true in different states that I visited.

[@frankfont11]

Hi Sensei Kathy, in most Styles of traditional Karate there are specific programs like this one, I believe It’s the right path since there are several Katas to master, one harder than the previous one. There can be some flexibility, but I like this traditional Judo grading system

[@eddiepuckett6128]

I have studied tang soo do for 7 years now and each of the belts require certain formes and skills plus time frams that are required.

[@Terminatortx33]

In Australia jiu jitsu school i was going to the Instructor just levels up people on attendance. Its a cash $$$ grab. People get levelled up and i believe they dont even know enough of the curriculum yet. Thas why i like Judo testing better as you have to demonstrate each of the techniques. Plus you need competition points too so you know people have tested the art in competition.

[@AbdullahSOTK]

Side note, where could I purchase one of those boards on the wall?

[@KathyHubble193]

I just made this one myself, typing out a PDF, then getting it done up at a sign shop, super easy!

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

That is a really great chart in the background and would be nice to have a copy to study.

[@KathyHubble193]

I just made it as a PDF and sent it to a sign shop to make a poster!

[@kaosleeroy108]

all schools have testing requirements and stages

[@uniquesuccesspodcastshow4914]

Yess of course we need to learn each knowledge

[@ronjacobs2479]

Hello , love your curriculum board. Could you tell me where you got that . I’d love a copy of it . The association I am in BJJ COACH with Professor Marcello Monteiro has a curriculum from white to black . It’s very helpful . Of course we learn other things but it’s a great baseline .

[@KathyHubble193]

I just made this one myself (simple PDF and take to a sign shop!)

[@gregtaylor3535]

i studied kodokan judo in my youth back when i was learning it there was far fewer belts white blue brown black you only wore a purple belt if you was a brown belt under 17 and as far as testing it was up to the instructor if he wanted you promoted or not you had to be able to do so many techniques at each level even though things have change im happy to say im returning to judo and i already started bjj classes so in my opinion yes testing is needed to see where the student is as far as levels go

[@KathyHubble193]

Big Honcho Yes I agree!

[@nicholasmalone3400]

No testing is needed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My professor made it pretty easy . As a white belt you must submit 3 blue belts . As a blue belt and purple belt you must compete and earn your stripes do competition.

[@KathyHubble193]

Interesting way to do it... submit any 3 blue belts (cause that can vary greatly club to club as well!)

[@nicholasmalone3400]

@@KathyHubble193 would you like a unify test ?

[@KathyHubble193]

@@nicholasmalone3400 Not necessarily a unify test, but something consistent throughout the world that all jiujitsu schools might be able to follow would be nice...

[@olb47]

Could you share the belt table into some jpg ord pdf?

[@KathyHubble193]

@olivab100 I don't have it handy but if you go to my Channel you can find the entire video series for each belt rank for testing "Judo Techniques for Belt Promotion" and it's in there!

[@brazilianjiujitsuincorporated]

Great topic, awesome video 📹 I totally agree... Judo is very structured... Bjj not as much but slowly transitioning Love the channel

[@KathyHubble193]

🙏❤️

[@TheOneAndOnlyKatsuki]

Is it just me or is anybody else’s White Belt Yellow Belt Orange Belt Orange Belt stripes Green Belt Green Belt Stripes Blue Belt Blue Belt Stripes Purple Belt Purple Belt Stripes Brown Belt Brown Belt Stripes Red Belt Red Belt Stripes 🤟 BLACK BELT 🤟

[@i_do_ed1tz]

Im in black belt dan 2

[@KathyHubble193]

Just curious as to people's opinions on belt testing, for each rank promotion... It varies so greatly between Judo, BJJ, Karate, TKD, etc... and then it varies so greatly between clubs... What's your opinion? Should there be testing or not?

[@pablobski]

Thanks kathy for bringing the subject! I ve been practising TKDwt and Judo for a while here in Chile and i think is great to have standarized tests with requirements that dont vary between different schools or clubs because that allowed me to been promoted even though i moved from city to city A LOT and also because the community in those disciplines is very small in my country. (i dunno in canada XD).. I know that here in chile the BJJ is a disaster!! ive seen and trained a little bit in three schools (cicero costha, gracie, and oher i dont remember) and the three had different curriculums to study for blue belt grading but i think is good to have this tests because you have a tool to measure the improvement of the practicioner (at least you measure the number of techniques that the student is learning,, which is key to develop strenght coordination and technique). In BJJ i think that it is messy maybe because in its origins it was an historical accident, but in Judo and Karate maybe is more structured because it has evolved and 1 guy founded it (kano, funakoshi) ?? i dunno Anyways hope it helps you with your question kathy!! THANK YOU! greetings from chile

[@pablobski]

maybe bjj needs more time to evolve and unify (as in aikido)

[@KathyHubble193]

@@pablobski Thank you so much for your input! Yes, I agree on the standardized testing... I personally love it because I know no matter where I go in the world in judo, or what instructor I have, it'll be virtually the same...But I also agree that in BJJ, there seems to be no standardized testing (some in some schools but in others, they just hand you a belt after awhile...

[@pablobski]

@@KathyHubble193 yes and i think is easier for the Judo teacher to improve learning by dividing the students in groups according on which goals they are aiming to. In bjj is more empirical maybe, or more personalized

[@KathyHubble193]

@@pablobski Yes I believe so...

[@argoshikan]

Most bjj schools don’t test for belts and instead promote based on overall skill, competition, randori success, etc. keep in mind that as with judo, bjj only had two belts at one time. I think testing actually makes worse grapplers than better.

[@jiujitsuboy]

I think their should be testing for BJJ, also each lesson you tend to do something completely different unless your instructor wants you to work on a specific aspect. BJJ tends to favour regular students above skill level a lot. There's lots of people who can tap higher belts who don't get promoted and others that get promoted above them who are a lot technically worse just because they attend more.

[@KathyHubble193]

Lee, agreed, good synopsis...

[@pablobski]

kathy do you think is ok to practice judo and dont go to tournaments/competitions?

[@KathyHubble193]

Pablo gonzález Absolutely! There are so many recreation-only judoka and it’s perfectly wonderful! Tournaments aren’t for everyone... and one can still reap all the benefits of judo in so many ways without competition!

[@pablobski]

Thanks @@KathyHubble193 Here in chile the students get a lot of pressure to asist to competitions, and sometimes, not everyone really want to go. I guess its because the judo federation tells the teacher that they should attain certain number of medals, and also because the class are free of charge so they kind of force you to go to the tournaments,

[@KathyHubble193]

@@pablobski Wow, classes are always free in Chile? Judo and BJJ?

[@pablobski]

@@KathyHubble193 yes kathy. at least all the judo dojos that belong to fejuchile (chilean judo fed) have that. gobernment through municipal jury have budgets to finance the items installations and tournaments. in bjj i think is different you have to pay

[@smarfie]

Hi , thank you so much for your videos! I am 38 years old and started training 4 months ago. By any chance is there a site where I can get a picture of that belt board with the names and translations? I think it would be an incredible reference for me. Oss

[@KathyHubble193]

No problem i made it so I can send you if u like. Put your email here and I’ll send to you!

[@dmfaccount1272]

I think judo Canada has a similar board that they sell.

[@Apuryo]

where do I get a banner like this?

[@KathyHubble193]

I just made it myself on Excel then got it printed up poster size!

[@Apuryo]

@@KathyHubble193 can you post it to description?

[@ahmedalmohammed9307]

Good morning Dear Kathy Tell me please what's different between DE ASHI BARAI AND DE ASHI HARAI??

[@KathyHubble193]

Just a matter of pronunciation... Japanese often pronounce it "De hashi harai" and Americans pronounce it "De hashi barai" but it really doesn't matter - as long as you throw it correctly, you're good!

[@ahmedalmohammed9307]

@@KathyHubble193 thank you so much 😍

[@kellyn3351]

Testing waters it down

[@blindassassin8553]

100% should be some sort of grading rubric

[@elyogito5621]

I think it's better for BJJ schools not to have testing requirements and to just trust their instructors since they can monitor progress and know best. It would keep people's minds more on the progress and processes rather than focusing on the results!

[@gamegamer9523]

Actually it is better for them to fight for there belts to prove they are at the level they are suppose to be. I heard they did that if your want to get some blacks belts in some of karate or judo you need to fight for it.

[@raymondr2821]

Bjj we don't test ... testing is great I think it becomes more academic I guess.. but bjj mat don't lie what skill you have

[@kubikiribasara3499]

I personally have never been to a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy that had testing requirements although I have heard of them. It is correct that promotions are very subjective until you get a great disparity of skill levels across all ranks. You got black belts that can't beat a white belt and white ghost that can be black belts, it is very disorganized training.