Adult Rank Testing
Students have the opportunity to earn 3 different ranks at East West.
Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
Machado tests cover only ground technique. Our BJJ tests are mostly done with the gi (uniform), but can include no gi, especially at the higher levels. They also include leg locks, which also differs from most BJJ ranking.
Tests start with demonstration of the techniques required for that rank, and then rolling. Tests last 60-90 minutes.
To achieve the blue belt, it generally takes 1-2 years. To move on to each of the next ranks is generally 2-3 years between belts. This varies from person to person- how fast they learn, how much time they spend training, what their previous experience level is in grappling, etc. There are 4 stripes on each belt before black. The ranks are white, blue, purple, brown, and black.
East West:
Students are tested on their knowledge and abilities in the 4 ranges of self defense: punching, kicking, clinch & takedowns, striking on the ground, as well as multiple attackers, defense vs. weapons, and self defense. As our curriculum and testing is to help prepare a student for a realistic self-defense situation, and as all fights start standing and 70% or more end up on the ground, 70% of the information tested is on ground grappling.
Each test is divided into 2 parts: demonstration of the basics, then sparring and rolling with striking. Students may test as often as every three months. To achieve the black belt takes an average of 5 years. The ranks are white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, and black. Each belt after white and before black has two belts after it, one with a white stripe and one with a black stripe: yellow belt, then yellow with a white stripe, then yellow with a black stripe, then orange, etc.
Achieving black belt is a combination of attitude, fighting ability, time training, knowledge, and/or teaching ability.
Judo:
Testing is done by Ted Tripp, Head Judo Instructor at East West.
The average time to black belt is 4 years, depending on how often you train, and if you compete. Rank is awarded based on a point system. If you train 2 days per week for one year (approximately 100 classes), you would earn 10 points. You must earn 30 points in order to test for black belt. Competition also earns you points.
The belts with different time requirements are white, yellow (minimum 3 months at this level to test for next rank), orange (minimum 5 months at this level to test for next rank), green (minimum 6 months at this level to test for next rank), brown (Sankyu) (minimum 8 months at this level to test for next rank), brown (Nikyu) (minimum 10 months at this level to test for next rank), brown (Ikkyu) (minimum 10 months at this level to test for next rank), and black.