Pancrase Mixed Martial Arts belt rank and degree recipients have demonstrated a high proficiency in the world's most effective fighting arts including but not limited to: Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, No-Gi Submission Grappling, Boxing, and Kickboxing. 

 

Each recipient has been tested and demonstrated the ability to combine these techniques into an effective fighting system for self-defense and/or competition.

 

 

* Belt rank testing and certification evaluations are conducted by Pancrase MMA Black Belts.

 

* The PANCRASE PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE advises, helps to determine rank promotion criteria, provides oversight and maintains high standards and ethics.

 

* The PANCRASE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE administers the issuance of belt ranks, black belt degrees, instructor and coach/trainer certifications.  Additionally, commissioners oversee sanctioned events to insure fighter safety, compliance with regulations and sportsmanship.

 

 

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 Adult Belt Ranks

 White Belt:

Beginner level, then advancing 1st through 4th stripe

 Blue Belt:

Intermediate level, then advancing 1st through 4th stripe

 Purple Belt:

Advanced-Intermediate level, then 1st through 4th stripe

 Brown Belt:

Advanced level,  then 1st through 4th stripe. Recipients must be 18 years or older

 Black Belt Degrees 

 Black Belt:

1st degree - Expert Level. Black Belts recipients must be 18 years or older.

 Black Belt:

2nd degree - Instructor of Mixed Martial Arts.

 Black Belt:

3rd, 4th degree - Professor of Mixed Martial Arts

5th, 6th degree - Senior Professor of Mixed Martial Arts

 Black Belt:

7th, 8th degree - Master of Mixed Martial Arts (recipients may wear Black Belt or Black/Red Belt)

 Black Belt:

9th, 10th degree - Grand Master of Mixed Martial Arts (recipients may wear Red or Black Belt)

Belt images by J.D. Collins

 Average Time To Achieve Belt Rank With Consistent Training 

Pancrase Martial Artists who display exceptional abilities or distinguish themselves through competition, additional training or other accomplishments may be promoted at an accelerated rate.

White Belt:

1 year to achieve 4th stripe ranking

Blue Belt:

1 to 2 years

Purple Belt:

3 to 5 years 

Brown Belt:

6 to 8 years 

Black Belt l: 

8 to 10 years to achieve first degree

 Active Black Belts Are Considered For Promotion As Follows 

Black Belt l - 5:

1st to 5th degree - eligible for promotion every three (3) years.

Black Belt 5 - 7:

5th to 7th degree - eligible for promotion every five (5) years. 

Black Belt 7 - 9:

7th to 9th degree - eligible for promotion every seven (7) years.

Black Belt 9 - 10:

9th to 10th degree  - eligible for promotion after ten (10) years.

 Certifications are awarded in four categories 

Fighter:     

Recipient has competed in Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo or Submission Grappling type competitions.

Self-Defense:

Police and military applications, personal protection, recreational.

Technical:

Instructor, Coach, Trainer, Cornerman, Referee, Judge.

Honorary:

Recipient has made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of Pancrase Martial Arts.