Belts for us, are held in high regard. While we do not train for a belt, they are valuable and significant to us as we earn them through grit and perseverance. There are only 4 belt ranks as an adult. Blue belt, the first after white, is only available after the age of 16.
Kids team members who have earned rank automatically convert to blue belt when they turn 16.
The BLUE BELT. Will you wear one?
The blue belt, and the requirements to achieve it can seem challenging and elusive. Achieving this rank is a gargantuan first step in your skills progression. Yes, it takes time, effort, and grit, but what exactly does it take to be a Blue Belt? What does it mean to embody the skills that represent this important rank?
This, you roadmap to blue belt exists so you may now know precisely where to focus your efforts. To stay the course free from distractions and shiny baubles. To streamline your training so that you too can one day don this belt and open up more advanced skills and abilities.
The PATH
The following is a comprehensive pathway to help you reach your goals, and to one day be awarded the rank of blue belt. Everything you need to know and be competent in.
The skills listed below will be taught to you in classes over time, and can be practiced in, or out of class. They will be evaluated during testing. Testing is to be conducted on certain days scheduled periodically throughout the calendar year. If you feel you are ready, you may request to be evaluated on the next testing day.
Good luck, and I look forward to tying this belt around your waist when the time is right.
Mantis Boxing Requirements
Striking
Throw 3-strike-combos, including changing levels and varying targets
Execute the 5 Fists and 3 palm strikes with power
Entering/closing - can shuffle and strike, step and strike in unison
Kicking
Execute the 5 primary kicks with power
Strike to kick - execute a 3-strike-combo followed by a kick
Kick to strike - follow-up a kick with a 3-strike-combo
Basic Footwork/Stances/Range
Demonstrates proper fighting stance in the appropriate ranges from out of range, to kicking, striking, grappling
Implements basic footwork during sparring
Understands the various ranges of unarmed combat and what weapons/tactics apply to each range.
Knows critical distance
Strike and Kick Defense
Implements proper guard, blading, focus principle
Effectively blocks 3 or more random strikes
Defends kicks using leg checks, stance, elbows, and guard
RETURN TO MOUNTAIN - Takedown Defense
Demonstrates sprawls in active use
Roots in the grapple to prevent easy takedowns
Executes technical get ups with proper range, timing, foot shield & hand shield
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Requirements
Fundamentals
Utilizes a proper Base when on the ground
3 points of contact
Structure
Understands the overall strategy of ground combat
Controls an opponent in the 4 dominant positions
Guard
Understands and uses open & closed guard
Executes knee shields & foot shields at appropriate times
Performs 6 positions of side control fluidly and random
Sweeps
Executes two or more basic sweeps from guard
Executes two or more basic standing sweeps
Submissions
Initiates one or more submission attacks from each dominant position
Breaks/Passes/Escapes
Performs one or two escapes from each of the following: mount, side mount, rear mount
Utilizes the 4 phases of breaking and passing guard
Implements at least 2 to 3 guard breaking methods
ACCELERATE!
For those of you motivated to accelerate this process - study the courses below, practice the material inside, attend classes, apply for a test when you think you are ready.
