Question on Trivial Belt Stuff

[Xtreme J]

Ok, this is a crap post, but please bear with me for a moment.

When I'm not training, I often like to look into the traditions and ' rituals ' of an art. Thus, lately I have been doing so with BJJ ( reading up on it's history, etc ). Then I realized, the ranking system poses some questions in my mind. The way it is employed ( to lay out the system, etc ) seems to differ from one instructor to the next. Trivial stuff, I know, but any answers to my questions would be very appreciated.



1. I've heard that the two white stripes on the ends of the red bar ( or the black bar for underbelts, as shown below ) signifies instructorship. Any details or info?



2. I recall reading somewhere that, traditionally, the red bar on the black belt was for fighters....any info on this? ( I've seen pictures of Carlson Gracie Sr. wearing this, no other rank or stripes on his belt )

3. How are stripes ( on white, blue, purple, and brown ) belts earned? I'm sure it differs from teacher to teacher, but I'd love some examples.

4. Once a student reaches black belt, does he have to reach 2nd degree before any rank stripes are given?

5. How high up ( in terms of belt rankings ) do the technical ( ie, moves, techniques, etc ) cover?

6. At what point did the system get categorized through the belt rankings?

7. What is a typical ( if there is such a thing ) BJJ belt test like?


Thanks again for your patience, and any answers.