Grading System
KIDS GRADING SYSTEM
At Grand Union, our Kids Grading System is about much more than learning Jiu Jitsu techniques.
We use stripes and belts to recognise a child's technical development, consistency, effort, discipline, respect and behaviour on the mats.
The children's belt progression follows the recognised Brazilian Jiu Jitsu youth belt system:
White → Grey → Yellow → Orange → Green
with the appropriate intermediate belt variations as children progress.
When Do Kids Gradings Take Place?
Our main Kids belt promotions take place twice a year:
Summer Grading – June/July
Christmas Grading – December
Our Kids Gradings are an important part of the Grand Union calendar and an opportunity to celebrate the children's progress and achievements together with their teammates and families.
When Are Kids Stripes Awarded?
Children do not need to wait for the main grading events to progress.
Stripes can be awarded throughout the year during their normal classes as our instructors see their development.
FOUR STRIPES BEFORE THE NEXT BELT
At Grand Union, every child must earn a minimum of four stripes before being considered for promotion to the next belt colour.
Receiving four stripes does not automatically guarantee a new belt.
The stripes show progression towards the next level, but before changing belt colour, the instructors will consider the student's complete development.
We want children to understand an important lesson:
A belt is earned, not simply given.
MORE THAN TECHNIQUE
For our Kids Programme, being good at Jiu Jitsu is only part of becoming ready for promotion.
We believe martial arts should help children develop positive habits and character.
For this reason, students are expected to follow our Grand Union Kids Mat Rules:
1. LISTEN CAREFULLY
Do not talk while the instructor is teaching.
2. SIT RESPECTFULLY
Sit down and cross your legs during instruction.
3. STAY ON THE MAT
Do not leave the mat without permission.
4. SHOW RESPECT
Respect your teammates and instructors.
5. HAVE FUN
Train hard, follow the rules and have fun.
These are the same five principles displayed on the Kids Mat Rules board inside our Brighton academy.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR WHEN PROMOTING A CHILD
A child's promotion is based on their overall development, including:
- Technical knowledge – understanding the techniques appropriate for their level.
- Practical ability – being able to apply what they have learned during training.
- Consistency – attending and participating regularly.
- Listening – paying attention when instructors are teaching.
- Discipline – following the academy and mat rules.
- Respect – treating instructors and teammates properly.
- Effort – trying their best even when training becomes difficult.
- Teamwork – helping and encouraging training partners.
- Attitude – showing a positive approach to learning.
- Competition development – where applicable.
Behaviour Matters
At Grand Union, technical ability alone is not enough for a child to be promoted.
A student may have completed the technical requirements and earned four stripes, but if they consistently fail to follow the Kids Mat Rules or demonstrate the behaviour expected at their level, their belt promotion may be delayed.
This is an important part of our philosophy.
We want our belts to represent not only better Jiu Jitsu, but also discipline, respect, responsibility and personal growth.
EVERY CHILD PROGRESSES DIFFERENTLY
Children develop physically, emotionally and technically at different speeds.
For that reason, two students who started training at the same time may not necessarily receive their stripes or belts at the same time.
We encourage parents not to compare their child's progression with another student's.
Our goal is not to promote children as quickly as possible.
Our goal is to help each child become more confident, disciplined, resilient and technically capable throughout their Jiu Jitsu journey.