Martial Arts Journey

Earn Yellow Belt (Any Martial Art)

Required. The first formal grading in any martial art — confirms you're training in a legitimate school under a qualified instructor, not just watching YouTube.

Compete in Martial Arts

Elective. Enter your first competition. Wins are irrelevant — showing up and competing under pressure is the proof. Sport karate, BJJ white belt divisions, boxing novice — all count.

Earn Your BJJ Blue Belt

Elective. BJJ blue belt — typically 1-2 years of consistent training. The first graded rank in one of the hardest belt systems to earn (standards are instructor-set, not test-based).

Earn Your BJJ Purple Belt

Elective. BJJ purple belt — typically 3-5 years total. Most purple belts have competed meaningfully. At this stage you are a skilled grappler by any objective standard.

Earn BJJ Brown Belt

Elective. BJJ brown belt — one step from black. Typically 6-9 years of serious training. Very few practitioners reach this level.

Earn a Black Belt

Elective. Black belt in any martial art with legitimate grading standards. In BJJ this takes 10+ years for most practitioners.

Structured BJJ curriculum from the Gracie family. Useful for understanding where you are in the technical progression — but no online course replaces mat time.

One of the most comprehensive free resources for BJJ and grappling strategy. Practical technique breakdowns, competition advice, and honest assessments of what actually works.

Competition footage library for BJJ and grappling. Watching high-level matches in your weight class and belt level is the fastest way to understand what works where you are.