Rank System Explained

Children that are 15 years or younger can be promoted in the following belt order:

• white,
• grey/white,
• solid grey,
• grey/black,
• yellow/white,
• solid yellow,
• yellow/black,
• orange/white,
• solid orange,
• orange/black,
• green/white,
• solid green,
• green/black.

Each belt contains 5 levels, first the belt followed by four stripes. These stripes may be achieved through skill, behaviour, Jiu Jitsu knowledge, and competition performance. 

The white belt is considered the beginner level.

• The group of three grey belts are for children aged 4 through 15 years old.
• The group of three yellow belts are for children 7 through 15 years old.
• The group of orange belts are for children 10 through 15 years old.
• The group of three green belts are for children 13 through 15 years old.  

When a child turns 16, they must move to the adult system of belts. White belts remain at white belts. Grey, yellow or orange belts can turn to white or blue belt at the coach’s decision. Green belt can turn to white, blue or purple belt according to the coach’s decision. Adults may be promoted through the following order: white, blue, purple, brown and black. Each belt requires a minimum time spent on the belt. You need to spend at least 2 years as a blue belt, 1.5 years as a purple and one year as a brown belt to get promoted.

Our Grading Approach at Mount Jiu Jitsu

At Mount Maunganui Jiu Jitsu, stripes and belts are used as positive reinforcement, but they are not awarded automatically or for attendance alone.

• Children may be considered for one stripes as they progress in class
• Progression is assessed on:
  • Technical skill
  • Behaviour and attitude
  • Understanding of techniques
  • Effort, focus, and consistency

After receiving four stripes (typically around one year of training), a child may be considered for a belt promotion, only if they meet the required moral and technical standards.

If a child is not yet ready, they will remain on their current belt with four stripes until the coaching staff determine they are prepared to progress.
All grading decisions are made at the discretion of MMJJ coaches and are final.

Children who train more consistently, compete, or progress faster may be promoted ahead of peers — progression is based on readiness, not equal timelines.

Uniform Starting Point

All children begin with:

• White Gi
• White belt (no stripes)
• No Gi – ranked rash guard and fight shorts min mid-thigh length