A structure for learning from the ground up
The main reason the club decided to create this system was simple: to structure the learning process in Buhurt. In many clubs, newcomers arrive without equipment, without technical reference points, and with only a vague idea of what they need to master in order to progress. A grading system makes it possible to divide learning into concrete stages.
The club chose a progression of seven colors: white, yellow, blue, green, purple, black, and red. The yellow belt corresponds to the first stages of learning, especially in soft practice, even before the fighter is fully equipped. This is where the basics are introduced: posture, movement, simple wrestling techniques, first situational drills, and understanding the framework of combat.
The idea is to stop beginners from progressing at random. Each grade corresponds to a specific set of skills to know, understand, and master.
A logic inspired by martial arts, adapted to Buhurt
To build this framework, the club did not rely on an official Buhurt federation, but on internal reflection supported by the experience of one of its members who comes from BJJ. That background helped shape a coherent learning structure, with identifiable technical stages, as already exists in other combat sports.
The goal was not to reproduce a system from judo, BJJ, or any other discipline exactly as it is, but to adapt that logic to Buhurt. The club therefore chose not to separate combat categories within the grading system. The system is mixed, with no distinction between duel, melee, or profight. It is based above all on individual and collective technical fundamentals.
Know, understand, master
The core of the system is built around three levels of progression: know, understand, and master. The techniques assessed cover several dimensions of combat: wrestling, striking, throws, reading situations, tactical reactions, and teamwork.
At the beginning, fighters mainly learn simple techniques, with a gradual introduction to real situations. As they progress, they are expected not only to perform techniques, but also to understand what to do in a given situation. The club is therefore not just validating physical execution, but also analytical ability.
To move up to the next grade, several criteria are taken into account:
- technical mastery,
- theoretical knowledge,
- the ability to respond to concrete situations.
The club may also add distinctions on the belt, for example to highlight a podium finish or a particular level of performance.
A system based on evaluation
Grade advancement is done through exams, with training sessions specifically dedicated to assessment. Fighters therefore know what to expect and can prepare within a defined framework.
The awarding of a grade does not rely on arbitrary decisions or seniority alone. The club uses a skills grid to assess each member’s actual level as objectively as possible. This helps avoid vague impressions and makes progression easier to read, both for practitioners and coaches.
A direct impact on club life
Beyond individual progression, the system has also changed the way training sessions are organized. Advanced belts are not only there to perform, they also have a role in passing on knowledge. As a fighter moves up in grade, their ability to teach and help lower belts progress becomes an important factor.
In that sense, the more advanced practitioners take an active role in coaching. The system is therefore also a way to structure the club’s teaching approach, not just to create levels.
A motivating tool for beginners
For newcomers, this framework seems to have an immediate positive effect. It gives them visibility on their progression, sets concrete goals, and makes it easier to ask questions to more experienced members. Instead of wondering vaguely how to improve, a beginner knows what needs to be worked on to reach the next level.
That clarity also strengthens commitment. The grade becomes a marker, not as an empty symbolic reward, but as validation of a real technical foundation.
A model that could work for other clubs?
For any club that would like to implement a similar system, the first piece of advice is to start by assessing the actual level of the fighters already in the club using a skills grid. That makes it possible to build a coherent base before handing out grades.
The other key point is to stay objective. Clubs need to define clearly what is expected at each level, ask the right questions about progression, and accept that evaluation takes time. A grading system only has value if it truly reflects observable skills.
As Buhurt is still developing, this kind of initiative naturally raises questions. Do you think a belt system is a good way to structure fighters’ progression and club training? Share your thoughts.