Twice each year our Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program holds a series of seminars, followed by sparring, belt promotions and a short ceremony. We hold these event at the original location in Alexandria, VA.

PayPal or Venmo $30 to Jeremy—at—CapitalMMA—dot—com, or see the front desk. Please pre-register here for THIS EVENT by November 21, 2019.

Event Date

November 23, 2019

Itinerary

10-10:30AM = Whole Class Seminar with Roland Barringer
10:30-11:15AM = Seminar 1 with David Crocket and Dante Herrera
11:15-12:00PM = Seminar 2 with David Crocket and Dante Herrera
*White through blue belts in Room A and purple and up in Room B. The instructors will rotate between the rooms.
12:00-2:00PM = Sparring Rounds
2:00PM = Promotions; Gauntlet; Group Picture

Etiquette

Members should wear a laundered Capital branded white training kimono.

What does the navy blue “rank bar” symbolize?

Capital MMA & Elite Fitness’ founder—Jeremy Lafreniere—began his Jiu-Jitsu journey under Royce Gracie in 1997. Royce Gracie honors Grandmaster Hélio Gracie’s life and legacy by wearing a navy blue belt, and Capital MMA honors our lineage by wearing navy blue rank bars.

Early on, Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belts were not awarded based on fighting skill. Instead belt colors were awarded to distinguish instructors from students. At this time instructors wore a light blue belt and head instructors—who completed the professor’s course—wore a navy blue belt. Furthermore, the founding fathers wanted to separate themselves from the Judo instructors of the time because they were concerned that Judo had become a sport for competition, and was no longer a complete martial art.

When the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation was created in 1967 by Elcio Leal Binda, Judo’s belt system was then adopted. Additionally, sport Jiu-Jitsu rules were created. While Grandmasters Carlos and Hélio Gracie were opposed, they felt a great deal of pressure from students who believed that tournaments would have no ill effect on the art.

Later in his life Grandmaster Hélio realized that, like Judo before, Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was becoming a sport for competition, and was no longer a complete martial art. Also, red belts were being given by individuals who were not red belts themselves. To protest, Grandmaster Hélio put back on his navy blue belt.

How should I put a navy blue rank bar on my belt?

The blue rank bar should start 1″ from one end of the belt, and be 4″ in length. The easiest way to do this is to purchase navy blue athletic tape to wrap around your belt. Another option is to bring your belt to a tailor and they can sew it on for you.

Promotions At Capital

Your Path to Sparring
15 Classes = Your First Stripe (“Sparring Stripe”)

Your Path to Blue Belt
Minimum Years Training = 1+
Average Years Training = 1.5

Your Path to Purple Belt
Minimum Years Training = 3+
Average Years Training = 5

Your Path to Brown Belt
Minimum Years Training = 5+
Average Years Training = 7

Your Path to Black Belt
Minimum Years Training = 7+
Average Years Training = 10

Three Considerations for Being Promoted
Time on the Mat (see above)
Toughness
Technique

Shoutout to Musa Visual Media, LLC for the amazing picture!