The below ranking system is proprietary to United MMA only. Other gyms may not recognize these ranks and are not affiliated with 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu or Kings MMA
Core Values
1. Respect
• For Others: Treat all members, instructors, and opponents with respect, regardless of skill level or background.
• For Self: Maintain self-respect through discipline, hygiene, and continuous self-improvement.
2. Integrity
• Honesty: Promote honesty in all interactions, both inside and outside the gym.
• Ethical Behavior: Encourage fair play, adherence to rules, and ethical behavior in training and competition.
3. Discipline
• Consistency: Foster a strong work ethic and commitment to regular training.
• Focus: Set goals and stay focused on personal and collective progress.
4. Camaraderie
• Team Spirit: A supportive and inclusive community where members encourage and uplift each other.
• Collaboration: Collaborate and share knowledge and techniques among members.
5. Perseverance
• Resilience: Encourage each other to push through challenges and setbacks, both in training and in life.
• Dedication: Promote dedication to the sport and continuous improvement.
• Innovation: Encourage innovation and openness to new ideas and practices that can enhance training and gym culture.
6. Humility
• Openness to Learning: Stay humble and always open to learning from others, regardless of their experience level.
Youth Ranking System
The importance of children’s MMA belts.
While mixed martial arts belts do not directly translate to fighting ability, they are still an excellent indication of how well your child understands the techniques and the decision making process within them. MMA belts also encourage steady progress and a solid foundation for all MMA skill levels.
MMA White Belt — Any Age
MMA Grey Belt – Eligible at 4yrs old, 8-12 month minimum to get to this level
MMA Yellow Belt – Eligible at 7rys old
MMA Orange Belt -- Eligible at 10yrs old
MMA Green Belt -- Eligible at 13yrs old
Ages 6–9
Children ages 6 to 9 continue to develop all forms of coordination, learn complex movements, including changing direction, pivoting and turning. As their attention increases, they can focus on more complex tasks for longer. Between 6 and 9 are the best ages for the introduction of most martial arts to children.
Ages 10–12
Children of ages 10 to 12 have a mature understanding of physical movements and a good ability to follow the tactics and strategies of almost any sport.
Technical development remains the prime consideration, while we gradually introduce children to speed, strength and the appropriate endurance training.
Ages 13–14
Children 13 to 14 have a mature understanding of the physical movements and a good ability to follow the tactics and strategies of the sport, however the growth spurt caused by puberty may affect their balance and coordination. Children aged 13 to 14 will need to show a good balance of technical and physical development to move forward in their rankings.
Adult Ranking System
In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, we do not see a universal standard ranking system for MMA. Any single martial art can take a lifetime to master. For example, Jiu Jitsu takes on average 10-12 years to earn a black belt. My belief is in breaking up effectively proven Martial Arts into three areas of combat. Standing, Takedowns and Ground Fighting. Each of these categories consists of many styles. For example, Boxing, Muaythai and Kickboxing can all fall under the category of standing. With that said mastering multiple martial arts is no small task. In respect to this I have broken down the following ranking system. This looks at each student’s ability to tie these areas and techniques together as one flowing unit and their capability of effectively choosing where a fight will go while shutting down their opponent’s offence in the safest most defining way possible. This should be accomplished while embodying our ethics and moral values.
White: This is the starting point for beginners. It signifies an entry level knowledge in MMA. Students will focus on learning fundamental techniques, basic movements, and developing physical conditioning.
White / Blue: Reaching this level means students have spent a fair amount of time training as a White Belt. Students have shown commitment to the team and their fundamental foundation is coming along nicely.
Solid Blue: After spending a considerable amount of time training as White / Blue, students may progress to the Solid Blue Belt. At this level, students have a solid foundation in MMA and have gained a deeper understanding of techniques, strategies, and grappling fundamentals. At this rank we are confident and ready to compete or have the ability to compete at the amateur level.
Blue / Purple: This represents the turning point in a student’s training. They not only have a solid foundation in MMA but have gained a deeper understanding of techniques and grappling fundamentals. They can begin to relay that information into defensive and offensive paths.
Solid Purple: This level represents a significant milestone in an MMA practitioner's journey. At this stage, individuals have honed their skills and are considered advanced level practitioners. They possess a more extensive knowledge of both striking and grappling techniques and are often expected to be able to apply them effectively during sparring or competitions. Defensive and offensive paths are becoming second nature. At this rank we are confident and ready to compete or have the ability to compete at the Pro level.
Purple / Brown: This represents a more extensive knowledge of striking, wrestling and grappling techniques. Practitioners are often expected to be able to apply them effectively during sparring or competitions. Defensive and offensive paths are becoming second nature. Practitioners have begun to play a significant role in guiding less experienced students.
Solid Brown: At this level practitioners are highly skilled & have reached an advanced level of proficiency in MMA. They have a deep understanding of various martial arts techniques, fighting strategies, and possess excellent physical conditioning. Brown belts are often instructors themselves and play a significant role in guiding and teaching less experienced students.
Brown / Black: Practitioners are now close to achieving the highest level. At this level practitioners will teach and coach while fine tuning and perfecting favored paths.
Solid Black: The black belt represents the highest level of achievement in many martial arts disciplines practitioners have put in the time. They teach and mentor at the highest level. They have a deep understanding of fundamentals, intermediate and advanced techniques. They can relay the ins and outs of each. At this level practitioners finally understand that you will never know everything, there is no end in sight but countless beginnings, paths, and possibilities.