In a distinctive and competitive approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotions, Lachlan Giles, the highly respected BJJ black belt and ADCC medalist, has implemented a unique ranking system at Absolute MMA in Melbourne. At the academy’s recent annual belt challenge, competitors had the opportunity to earn their next belt through tournament victories, making skill and performance the primary criteria for promotion.
The event, held at Absolute MMA’s St Kilda location, featured an open-entry format where students competed within their respective belt levels. Winners of each division then faced off against competitors from the belt level above, with the ultimate goal of earning a promotion through demonstrated skill and resilience.
Giles explained the reasoning behind this system during his speech at the event:
“Annually, we do a belt challenge at our grading. It’s really a tester to make sure our belt system actually works. So the idea is we do a white belt tournament. Whoever wins the white belt tournament, they get to go and join in a blue belt tournament. And if the white belt can win the blue belt tournament, they win themselves a blue belt. And that continues—if a blue belt that wins a blue belt tournament can then go and win the purple belt tournament, then they can win a purple belt and so on. And depending on how many people we get, that could potentially go all the way to black belt. You have to beat me, though, so we’ll see. I’m the king of black belt.”
One of the standout performances of the tournament came from Mali, who not only won his blue belt bracket but also dominated the purple belt division, earning his well-deserved promotion. This highlights the effectiveness of the system in identifying individuals ready for the next level.
Absolute MMA’s approach to promotions through competitive performance aligns with traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu values while integrating a modern, merit-based evaluation. By emphasizing competition experience and technical excellence, the event serves as both a developmental tool and a community-building initiative for the academy.
