Coach Danny’s Take on Kids’ BJJ Ranks

Every coach has their own outlook and perspective on what each belt represents in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At Gamefight Wakefield, this is Coach Danny’s take on how we view the journey through the kids’ ranks and how it connects to the adult system.

White Belt

White belt is the beginning — where every child starts their BJJ journey. The focus here is on learning the fundamental movements, building coordination, and understanding how to move safely on the mats. At this stage, confidence, discipline, and enjoyment are just as important as technique.

Grey Belt (White Stripe / Solid / Black Stripe)

The grey belt is the second rank and marks the first real stage of progression in a young student’s BJJ journey.

Grey/White: This student understands the basic positions — mount, guard, side control, and back control — and can work from those positions with intent.
Grey: The student is now more effective from most positions, developing control, timing, and awareness during rolls.
Grey/Black: This student is dangerous from most positions, capable of attacking, defending, and maintaining composure under pressure.

In competition, whether a student is Grey/White, Grey, or Grey/Black, they all compete as Grey Belts.
The grey rank is often compared to the adult blue belt — a stage where solid understanding and effectiveness begin to show.

Most young children remain at grey rank until around 11 years old, when they become eligible to move toward yellow belt. (From 7 years in exceptional circumstances)

Yellow Belt (White Stripe / Solid / Black Stripe)

The yellow belt represents a more mature understanding of the art. These students are building strong technical awareness and the ability to execute techniques with precision. They show clearer strategy and decision-making during sparring and often take on leadership roles within the kids’ class.

The yellow belt can be compared to an adult purple belt — a sign that a student is developing their own game and becoming more expressive in how they train and roll.

Orange Belt (White Stripe / Solid / Black Stripe)

By the time a student reaches orange belt, they have years of consistent training behind them. These students are confident, capable, and composed. They demonstrate control, adaptability, and creativity on the mats.

Orange belts often show strong competitive ability and a real passion for the sport. In the adult system, this would be comparable to the brown belt — experienced, focused, and refining every detail.

Green Belt (White Stripe / Solid / Black Stripe)

The green belt is the highest rank within the kids’ system and represents a complete junior student — someone who is technically sound, disciplined, and able to flow confidently through all positions.

This stage reflects the qualities of an adult black belt in development — leadership, humility, and mastery of the basics.

Transitioning to Adult Ranks

At 16 years old, students transition from the kids’ ranking system to the adult belt system.

A yellow belt and above at 16 will automatically transition to an adult blue belt.
For grey belts, it’s at the coach’s discretion whether the student moves to adult white or adult blue, depending on maturity, technical ability, and overall development.

From there, the adult ranking system takes over: white, blue, purple, brown, and black — each belt representing a new stage of growth, just like in the kids’ journey.

At Gamefight Wakefield, belt promotions are never rushed. Every stripe and every belt represents consistency, discipline, and a deeper understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — both on and off the mats.

Seminar's and Grading's

At Gamefight Wakefield, we hold our kids’ belt seminars twice a year — one in summer and one in winter. These events are more than just promotions; they’re a celebration of progress, hard work, and dedication. Every stripe and belt earned represents hours of training, perseverance, and growth — both as martial artists and as young people. We’re proud of every student who steps on the mats and continues to embody the values of respect, discipline, and resilience that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches.