Randy Brown Mantis Boxing

View Original

The Path to Blue Belt

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.

Mantis Boxing Courses

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Courses