NO-GI JIU-JITSU RANKING SYSTEM
The martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a time-honored tradition of awarding belts to signify rank, acknowledging students’ many stages of development. As No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu gained popularity, some students removed their gis entirely, effectively excluding themselves from this traditional ranking system. At NESF Boston, we uphold the ranking tradition, providing ranked rash guards in place of belts to recognize the knowledge and skills built through dedicated practice.
WHITE RASH GUARD
Students earn their white rash guard with their first step onto our mats. There is a boldness in entry into martial arts – starting something new can be intimidating and it deserves recognition. The white rash guard symbolizes an open mind and a willingness to learn. A student’s time at this rank is characterized by novelty and exposure to the various elements of No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.
GREEN RASH GUARD
The green rash guard is given to students who have a basic familiarity with the fundamentals of the art. This is the first milestone of technical progress, indicating an initial dedication to the study and practice of Jiu-Jitsu. At this stage students become comfortable with the process of skill development and aim to create strong technical foundations. Though it is not found in every Jiu-Jitsu academy, the green rash guard marks a significant step in a martial artist’s journey.
BLUE RASH GUARD
The blue rash guard is awarded to those students who demonstrate a firm grasp of Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals. With a combination of technical knowledge and practical skills, they should be able to use Jiu-Jitsu effectively against bigger and stronger untrained opponents. Students at this rank focus on converting their knowledge of the fundamentals into practical application.
PURPLE RASH GUARD
The purple rash guard acknowledges an adept Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Students at this level have a sharp working knowledge of foundational techniques and are able to apply them fluidly in combination. The achievement of the purple rash guard requires an exceptional dedication to the art – a student will have continued training through trials and tribulations on and off the mat. They may begin to show an aptitude for teaching; able to show the basics to new students. This stage encourages experimentation and exploration beyond the fundamentals.
BROWN RASH GUARD
The brown rash guard is awarded only to truly advanced students of the art. Through tremendous commitment, these students have developed a unique and effective style. They carry with them the rough draft of an expert’s skillset. They will spend their time further refining what they know, gaining valuable experience on the mats as they perfect their timing and mechanics. This period offers a transition from student to expert.
BLACK RASH GUARD
The black rash guard signifies the rank of an expert. Their Jiu-Jitsu is precise and intricate, built upon a deep understanding of underlying principles. Only the most committed martial artists ever reach this level. Many consider the achievement of this rank to be a “new beginning”, opening the door to deeper technical investigation with a new perspective.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Each student progresses at a different pace. Prior experience, training frequency, and personal aptitude can all affect how long it takes to be promoted.
No. Promotions are based on knowledge and skill, not time on the mats.
No. Payment will never be expected for a promotion.
No. We observe students' progress regularly during class time and make decisions based on our observations.
While we respect the dedication of students with existing experience, our curriculum and grading criteria is unique. We will take 1 to 3 months to observe your knowledge and skillset before determining your recognized ranking here.