Before testing an individual for a belt, I first put a length of time I want them training and absorbing information with consistency.

Requirement For Each Stripe: 72 Points (Classes)

• 1 Point for each structured No-Gi Class.
• You lose a point for each week you do not attend a class!
• If you choose to compete, each No-Gi bracket entered counts as a point.
• You must meet the point requirement before starting the objective requirements.

Objective Requirements Overview

• White Belt: points may be earned with any belt color.
• Must be earned with at least 3 different training partners.
• Must be completed in No-Gi.
• Must be earned during a live round.

Stripe 1 Objectives: No-Gi Mount

Objective 1: 25 submissions

Objective 2: 25 escapes

Stripe 2 Objectives: No-Gi Back & Turtle

Objective 1: 25 submissions

Objective 2: 25 escapes

Stripe 3 Objectives: No-Gi Closed Guard

Objective 1: 25 submissions

Objective 2: 25 sweeps/back takes

Objective 3: 25 passes

Stripe 4 Objectives: Self Defense

Objective 1: 25 disengages to standing from bottom of mount

Objective 2: 25 disengages to standing from back taken

Objective 3: 25 disengages to standing from bottom of closed guard

Green Belt Objectives: No-Gi Standing

Objective 1: 25 disengages to standing from bottom of mount

Objective 2: 50 classes of any standing striking art.

Why these requirements?

White belt is about survival first and foremost. It is because of this I will push all new students to work in No-Gi to prevent any for of reliance on clothing that may not be available when they have to defend themselves. I expect students to develop an understanding of gripping and application that works regardless of what the opponent is wearing.

The most dominant positions on the ground are those that arrest the hipline. It is for this reason that I want to emphasize learning how to use and escape these positions for all beginners in the white belt (and green belt) level.

Though we do not believe guards are for beginners and white belt is absolutely a beginner belt, this closed guard stands as an exception due to its control of the hip line that makes it the best of the worst positions you could be in (on your back). It is the only guard we will focus on at this level.

The self defense focus is based around getting back up. From a self defense perspective, the worst place you can be is with your back on the ground. It is for this reason we want to ensure our students understand and can apply this as a skill in their repertoire for when it matters.

Standup is absolutely important. At this level we do not expect anyone to be experts, but we want to ensure hand fighting focused on in addition to takedowns at a basic level. If you can’t take the opponent down, you cannot begin to subdue them – this typically starts with the hand fight. He who controls the hand fight typically dictates the position you end up on the ground first.

Here at Mathematical Jiu-Jitsu, the requirement for striking classes comes from the simple belief we hold… “if you don’t know how to strike, your belt should be white.” If you don’t learn to utilize and respect striking arts, they will take the respect. You cannot be well-rounded and prepared without understanding the dangers they present when applying your skills.