Every academy in the network grades to the same standard, so a belt earned at one Gracie Foundation academy is recognised at all of them. Promotions are decided by your instructor against the published requirements of each programme, never by time served alone.
Adults
| Belt | How it is earned |
|---|---|
| White | Every adult starts here, in the Gracie Fundamentals programme. |
| Fundamentals Belt (white-blue) | Complete each of the 23 Fundamentals lessons three times and at least 12 Reflex Development classes, then pass the 20-minute Fundamentals Belt test. Opens the door to Intermediate and Advanced classes and to sparring. |
| Blue | Complete the 25-class Gracie Intermediate card, including the required sparring sessions, and the Blue Belt Standing Self-Defence requirements. |
| Purple | Gracie Advanced chapters plus the Purple Belt Standing Self-Defence requirements (including the first weapon defences). |
| Brown | Continued Advanced study plus the Brown Belt Standing Self-Defence requirements (advanced knife, stick and gun defences). |
| Black | Mastery of the seven Advanced chapters, the Black Belt Standing Self-Defence requirements, and the character to represent the art. |
Stripes are awarded between belts to mark progress. Women who complete the LadySafe programme may test for the pink belt, and many go on to the adult belt ladder through Gracie Fundamentals.
Children
Children follow the Gracie BullySafe belt system, which separates them by age and experience so that every child is always training with the right group. A child's belt reflects their technique, their attendance and, just as importantly, their character: the Character Development programme is part of every grading.
Junior Grapplers who excel and show the traits of a future black belt may be invited into the Black Belt Club, the network's most advanced youth programme.
"Online belts" versus live belts
The video library exists to help you prepare for and review your classes. It does not replace them. Belts in the Gracie Foundation network are only ever awarded in person by a certified instructor who has watched you perform the techniques against a partner. There is no online grading.
Belt rankings
Each academy keeps its own register of promotions. The founding academy's list is published on the Watford Gracie Jiu-Jitsu belt rankings page.