Technique
Understanding and controlled execution of the skills expected at the student’s current rank.
KIDS BELT EXAMS
Progress earned.
Growth recognized.
Belt exams give students a clear moment to demonstrate what they have learned and how they have grown, on and off the mats.
08SKILL
CATEGORIES
CATEGORIES
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
More than a new belt.
A belt reflects cumulative knowledge, consistent effort, and the character a student brings to training.
Discipline
Focus, respect, coachability, and the ability to train safely with professors and teammates.
Excellence
Consistent effort, a strong attitude, and a commitment to doing their personal best.
ELIGIBILITY
Invitation means
your child is ready to try.
Professors make the final decision to invite a student. A test does not guarantee an immediate promotion, and no student is promoted for attendance alone.
TYPICAL RANK READINESSWhite belt with 4 or more white stripesGray and white belt with 4 or more white stripesHigher belts after earning all stripes at their rank
Due for promotion
The student has met the grade requirement. Passing the exam earns an invitation to receive the new belt at the promotion ceremony.
Testing early
The student is close to the required grade. Passing secures the exam requirement, while the belt waits until time and attendance requirements are met.
Validating a current belt
A student who received a colored belt without completing its exam tests at their current level before becoming eligible for the next promotion.
THE EXAM
Eight categories.
One complete foundation.
There is no single required technique list for every student. The exam gives each child room to demonstrate their own game within the core curriculum.
Fundamentals
GB Creed, counting to 10 in Brazilian Portuguese, belt tying, gi folding, and optional IBJJF point-system knowledge.
Warm-ups
Front roll, technical lift, breakfalls, back rolls, and hip escape.
Positions
Mount, S-mount, knee on belly, side control, turtle, and back control with a seatbelt and two hooks.
Submissions
Controlled submissions from mount, closed guard, and side control.
Guard opening and passing
Safe, technically sound ways to open the guard and advance position.
Sweeps
Timing, balance, control, and a clear transition to the top position.
Escapes and defenses
Calm, effective responses that recover a safer or stronger position.
Takedowns
Balance, control, and safety from standing to the mat.
REQUIRED IN FULL
Fundamentals, warm-ups, and positions
Every listed item in categories 1 to 3 must be demonstrated.
TECHNIQUES PER CATEGORY 4 TO 8
- Gray and white2
- Gray3
- Gray and black4
EXAM VIDEO LIBRARY
Watch. Practice.
Make it your own.
These are the same study videos from our original exam page, organized by the eight categories on the scoring card. They show examples students may use while preparing. Professors may ask questions or request other techniques from the same category.
Fundamentals
All fundamentals are required
Count 1 to 10 in Portuguese
How to tie your belt
The GB Creed
Fold your gi
IBJJF points
Warm-ups
All warm-ups are required
Warm-ups
Positions
All positions are required
Positions
Submissions
Choose techniques from these positions
Submissions from guard
Submissions from side control
Submissions from mount
Guard opening and passing
Choose techniques from this category
Guard opening and passing
Sweeps
Choose techniques from this category
Sweeps
Escapes and defenses
Choose techniques from this category
Escapes and defenses
Takedowns
Choose techniques from this category
Takedowns
HOW WE SCORE
Clear standards.
Personal expression.
Students may choose techniques they understand well from each category. Professors evaluate accuracy, posture, balance, control, safety, confidence, and the student’s ability to explain what they are doing.
The sample card shows how the exam is organized. Ask a professor or coach if your child wants help preparing.
Meet our teaching team ↗BELT EXAM FAQs
What families need to know.
QUESTIONS ABOUT READINESS?
Talk with your child’s professor.
We will help you understand the invitation, preparation, and what comes next.