A clear blue belt benchmark list for coaches and candidates.
The Bottom Line
Use it to align expectations and demonstration standards. It covers staple positions, classic mechanics, and a clean progression. Treat it as a testing aid, not a full teaching plan.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Testing programs
Skip if: You avoid belt tests
Tech focus: Fundamentals, Closed Guard, Sweeps, Escapes, Submissions, Self Defense Basics
Biggest takeaway: Benchmarks reduce confusion.
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What You'll Learn
For coaches who test blue belts or want benchmarks, this gives a clean checklist with classic mechanics and terminology. It helps align assistant coaches on expectations and exam pacing.
Use it to prep evaluation nights, not as your only curriculum.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Fundamentals
- Closed Guard
- Sweeps
- Escapes
- Submissions
- Self Defense Basics
- Benchmarks
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Beginner
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I use checklists to reduce test-night surprises and keep coaching consistent.
Why Roy Dean?
Roy Dean is a veteran instructor known for clear, classical fundamentals and belt exam videos. Blue Belt Requirements remains a community touchstone for beginners. The 2.0 edition updates pacing and presentation to modern expectations. It is best as a benchmark resource rather than a primary curriculum.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Clear, clean fundamentals; great for beginners and assistants.
- Good production and pacing for exam prep.
- Helpful as a shared expectations checklist.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Not tailored to your gym's exact test.
- Better as a supplement than a full curriculum.
- Some complaints about value versus subscription platforms.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Bernardo Faria – Broader fundamentals library to support test prep. (Price: $99.00)
- Start Here: A Complete Fundamentals Curriculum by Eliot Marshall – Curriculum alternative if you do not run formal tests.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Blue Belt Requirements 2.0 on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
