Four children in white martial arts uniforms kneeling on a mat.

Kids BJJ Classes

Ranking System at Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy

At Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy, we follow a structured and age-appropriate belt ranking system that encourages both technical growth and personal development. Our goal is to help children progress through the ranks with confidence, discipline, and joy — while learning the core values of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

🧒 Age-Based Progression

The kids’ belt system is designed for students between the ages of 4 and 15, and is distinct from the adult belt system. Students typically begin with a white belt and work their way through colored belts that reflect their skill level, commitment, and maturity.

🎯 Belt Colors & What They Represent

  • White Belt (Starting Point)
    Everyone begins here. The focus is on movement, respect, listening, and having fun while learning fundamental positions and safety.

  • Gray Belts (Ages 4–15)

    • Gray/White, Solid Gray, Gray/Black
      Awarded to younger kids starting to grasp the core concepts of jiu-jitsu. These belts show progression in coordination, discipline, and basic techniques.

  • Yellow Belts (Ages 7–15)

    • Yellow/White, Solid Yellow, Yellow/Black
      Recognizes increasing technical understanding, improved sparring control, and consistent participation.

  • Orange Belts (Ages 10–15)

    • Orange/White, Solid Orange, Orange/Black
      Given to students showing leadership on the mat, refined technique, and strong practice ethics.

  • Green Belts (Ages 13–15)

    • Green/White, Solid Green, Green/Black
      The highest kids' rank. Represents technical maturity and prepares them for transition to the adult white or blue belt level around age 16.

📈 Stripes: Celebrating Milestones

Between belt promotions, we award stripes to recognize smaller achievements — consistent effort, improved behavior, technique growth, and mat etiquette.

🏆 Promotion Criteria at Stance

At Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy, promotions are based on:

  • Attendance & consistency

  • Technical understanding

  • Positive behavior & respect

  • Effort and attitude on the mat

We do not rush promotions — each child progresses at their own pace, with encouragement and clear goals.

🌱 The Journey Over the Belt

While belts are a sign of progress, we emphasize that the real victory is in the growth each child experiences through training — becoming more confident, resilient, and kind.

Two boys in judo uniforms with yellow belts practicing martial arts in a dojo. Two other children sit in the background watching.

Color Stripe System

Building Character Through the Belt Journey

Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy

At Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy, our color stripe system for kids goes far beyond tracking technical skills. It's a powerful method for supporting the whole development of our students — nurturing not only their physical abilities, but also the virtues and behaviors that shape them as individuals both on and off the mat.

🌈 What Do Color Stripes Represent?

Each colored stripe represents a milestone in personal and technical development. These stripes are not just about learning new moves — they reflect a student’s growth in focus, discipline, respect, patience, and perseverance.

Every stripe is a form of recognition. It celebrates a child's effort, attitude, and consistency, making their progress feel visible and meaningful.

🎯 Benefits of the Color Stripe Methodology

✅ Ongoing Progress Monitoring

Students are guided through a clear and motivating progression system. Instructors can support each student individually, acknowledging effort as much as skill.

✅ Development of Core Values

Each stripe represents progress in key virtues such as:

  • Respect

  • Humility

  • Responsibility

  • Teamwork

  • Self-control

These values are naturally built through training and reinforced through the stripe system.

✅ Effort-Based Recognition

Stripes are earned not just by technical performance but through dedication, attitude, and behavior. This helps foster a growth mindset and builds self-esteem through earned success.

✅ Preparation for Life

Beyond jiu-jitsu, this system encourages children to become:

  • More confident

  • More resilient

  • More disciplined

  • Better equipped to face real-world challenges

🧒 How It Works at Stance Jiu Jitsu Academy

Stripe Color Focus:

🔴 RedFocus & ListeningFollows instructions, pays attention, stays engaged

🔵 BlueDisciplineAttends regularly, stays on task, follows rules

🟢 GreenRespect & TeamworkTreats partners well, helps others, waits their turn

⚫ BlackResilience & PerseveranceKeeps trying, handles setbacks, doesn’t give up