JIU-JITSU JOURNAL

THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO:_________________________________________________________________________

Dear Parent,

The best part about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie NEPA is the children are able to learn while “playing” Jiu-Jitsu. We have developed a number of games that we

play in order to teach the fundamental movements of Jiu-Jitsu. Once perfected, these games allow the child to learn a series of more advanced techniques that

they could use to defend themselves against bullies at school. The confidence developed by learning these techniques gives them the ability to prevent fights by

standing up to bullies.

The program will allow your child to play the same games, learn the same techniques, and develop the same confidence that we as instructors have obtained. In

addition, you will have the opportunity to earn official Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt promotions!

Until they are 16 years old, a child remains in the kids’ belt system (grey-white belt, grey belt, yellow-white belt, yellow belt, orange-white belt, orange belt,

green-white belt, green belt). At that time, regardless of the belt level, they will graduate to the adult belt system (blue belt, purple belt, brown belt, and black

belt). In order to ensure that they are ready to test for blue belt as soon as they turn 16, we recommend that they begin working exclusively on the Gracie

Essentials® adult techniques as soon as they turn 13 years old. Upon earning their blue belt, they will move on to the Advanced Cycle® program in which they

will learn the 600+ techniques required for promotion to purple belt, brown belt, and, eventually, black belt!

Use this journal to track each class. Your child will then be eligible to be rewarded with one stripe on their belt every time they complete 20 classes*. Each time

they earn a stripe the date is recorded in the designated box. Once the child has earned all four stripes on their current belt they qualify to test for the next rank.

The journey will be long, and the techniques will be many, but, if they don’t give up, we promise they will make it to the top and we will be with them every

technique of the way!

Your Gracie NEPA Staff

*A minimum time period of three months is required between stripe promotions. Although it is entirely possible for a child to complete 20 lessons in less than

three months’ time this minimum time requirement must be observed.

The Rules Of Engagement

Teaching a child jiu-jitsu without teaching them when to use it, would be like giving someone a gun without teaching them how to use it. We spend time with

every child actually teaching them exactly when they can, and cannot, use the techniques that they are learning. The five “Golden Rules” are:

Rule 1: Avoid the fight at all costs.

Rule 2: If physically attacked, defend yourself.

Rule 3: If verbally attacked, follow the Three T-steps (talk, tell, tackle).

Rule 4: Never punch or kick the bully, establish control and negotiate.

Rule 5: When applying submissions use minimal force and negotiate.

Although we often discuss the Golden Rules in classes, we strongly encourage you to discuss the Rules at home to be certain your child understands the rules and

to assure your child that they have your support in the event that they need to take a stand against bullying.

WHITE BELT

GREY-WHITE BELT

GREY BELT

YELLOW-WHITE BELT

YELLOW BELT

ORANGE-WHITE BELT

ORANGE BELT

GREEN-WHITE BELT

GREEN BELT

Belt Testing Process

By earning four stripes on any belt, you qualify to test for your next belt rank. The test will include the following three parts:

Part 1: BULLYSHIELD Introduction

“My name is _____________. I am _________ years old, and I stand against bullying!”

Part 2: Three-Minute Bully Battle

Demonstrate your skills in a three-minute, non-stop bully battle with your testing instructor.

Part 3: Rules of Engagement

Recite the Rules of Engagement, word for word.

If you do not pass the test this time, then train hard and try again. If you do pass the test, record the date in the designated box on the belt

chart, and then turn the page to begin working on your next belt.

Keep up the good work!