In short: Only I promote students to a new belt – personally, in class, when I see you are ready. Stripes are given by the coaches. There is no belt test, no promotion at seminars and no belt without a gi. And a blue belt after 30 classes does not exist here.
By Rodrigo Fernandes, head coach of BJJ DOJO Berlin, Brazilian 3rd-degree black belt (Checkmat), training BJJ since 2001. Updated October 2026.
Why I changed the rules
We used to promote belts at big graduation seminars: 70 people in one room, all waiting for their belt. Many got it and then disappeared. Some quit right away because they were “a blue belt now”.
I’ll say it openly: that model made our level collapse. It’s over. No more commercial graduation seminars, no waiting for the next date, no discussions. I’m building a new generation – and for them, a belt from this dojo has to mean something again.
The common goal: get better
Everyone comes to us for a different reason: losing weight, learning to defend yourself, confidence, making friends. I respect that. But on this mat everyone shares the same first goal: getting better at jiu-jitsu. Everything else is a side effect of good training.
Who gives what?
| Given by | When | |
|---|---|---|
| New belt (adults and kids) | Only me, Rodrigo Fernandes | Personally in class, when you are ready – no fixed date |
| Stripes (adults and kids) | The coaches of BJJ DOJO Berlin | In class, when you are clearly progressing |
I no longer give stripes myself. If a coach gives you a stripe: great. If not, that’s fine too. Stripes are motivation, not the goal. The belt is my decision.
What I look at
- You show up. Consistently, over months and years.
- You train hard. In sparring, against real resistance.
- You improve technically. Clean and with understanding, not just strength.
- You respect others. Beginners, kids, older students, your partners and the space.
- You beat your laziness. There are days when nobody feels like training. That’s normal. Discipline means coming anyway.
Everyone is different, so I look at each student individually. But the standard stays high – for everyone.
No gi, no belt
This is my clear opinion, and it’s not changing: if you only train no-gi, you won’t get a belt here. The belt belongs to the gi. No gi, no belt – it’s simply logical. Handing out belts for no-gi training is, in my view, one of the most absurd ideas in the history of our sport.
No-gi is great, and everyone who loves it is welcome here. If you want to compete in a blue-belt no-gi division, you can do that on your own responsibility. But belts are only given for training in the gi.
No test, no ceremony, no discussion
There is no belt test, no promotion at seminars and no fixed number of classes after which a belt is “due”. A blue belt after 30 classes does not exist here. When I see you’re ready, you get your belt – in a normal class, no show.
The IBJJF minimum times are only a floor. More in BJJ Belts: Order, Colours and What They Mean and How long does it take to get a black belt?.
What you can do
Don’t ask about your belt. Ask what you should work on. Train consistently, roll at the open mat and get feedback. The belt comes when your jiu-jitsu is ready.
Kids and teens
Kids have their own belt system but the same rules: stripes come from the kids’ coaches, new belts come from me. Nothing is given away. More on our Kids BJJ Berlin page.
FAQ
Who promotes belts at BJJ DOJO Berlin?
Only head coach Rodrigo Fernandes, a Brazilian 3rd-degree black belt – for adults and kids.
Who gives stripes?
The coaches, for adults and kids. Since October 2026, Rodrigo no longer gives stripes.
Is there a belt test or a graduation seminar?
No. Rodrigo decides during normal training, when he sees you are ready.
Can I get a belt if I only train no-gi?
No. Belts are only given for training in the gi.
How long does it take to get a blue belt?
There is no schedule and no guarantee. One to two years of consistent training is typical, often longer.
Can I ask Rodrigo about my next belt?
Better: ask him what you should work on. That gets you there faster.
I already have a belt from another academy. What happens to it?
You keep your belt. Rodrigo decides on your next rank once he has known you in training for a while.
New to BJJ? Every journey starts at white belt – ideally in our beginner course.
