Home / Grades
GMMAC Grading · 178 techniques · 10 blocks · Certified registry

From white belt
to 10th Dan

A proposed shared MMA certification framework, with 178 techniques in ten blocks. Grades document progression and sporting level to support insurance and social eligibility alongside the Ranking and DSP. The framework remains subject to the competent bodies’ approval.

All levelsTechnical frameworkDan progressionDan table
Proposed grading ladder

A shared progression,
from student to master

6th–10th Dan · Excellence Grades
道極Excellence
1st–5th Dan · Black+
修行3–5 yrs/Dan
Black Belt
皆伝Brown + 1 year
Brown Belt
洗練+ delay
Purple Belt
適応+ delay
Blue Belt
応用+ delay
Green Belt
理解+ delay
Orange Belt
基礎+ delay
Yellow Belt
学習+ delay
White Belt
初心Beginner
Five intermediate steps are planned for ages 6–14: white-yellow, yellow-orange, orange-green, green-blue and blue-purple. The announced total of 13 colour levels still needs reconciliation with the detailed progression.
The technical framework

The reference framework comprises 178 techniques in ten blocks. The Technique & Grading Commission would prepare and update the technical standards, examinations and instructor certification.

Two paths to Black+

Classic path: proposed full colour progression from white belt, with at least one year between grades. Black belt requires a minimum age of 18.

Retroactive path: proposed for fighters with a verifiable history, at least six years of professional or eight years of amateur experience, and a minimum age of 18. Evidence and examination procedures remain to be defined.

Diploma & NFC Bracelet

The planned certified registry would document grades and their validation. The NFC bracelet is optional: the DSP and grade proof remain accessible without buying one. A public scan would show only grade and licence status; sensitive information requires explicit authorisation.

View bracelet concepts
Revenue for federations

The proposed Black+ recognition programme includes a share for the federation that supports and documents the award. Eligibility and actual delivery determine this income; it is not guaranteed revenue. Excellence diplomas and bracelets would be free.

Proposed Dan progression

From 1st Dan
to 10th Dan of Excellence

GradeMinimum delayConditionAuthority
Black BeltBrown + 1 yearMinimum 18 years old · Framework objective metFederation + GMMAC
1st Dan+ 3 yearsBlack Belt validatedFederation + GMMAC
2nd Dan+ 3 years1st Dan validatedFederation + GMMAC
3rd Dan+ 4 years2nd Dan validatedFederation + GMMAC
4th Dan+ 4 years3rd Dan validatedFederation + GMMAC
5th Dan+ 5 years4th Dan validatedFederation + GMMAC
6th Dan · Excellence+ 7 years5th Dan + major contribution · Diploma + bracelet offeredFederation + GMMAC + Commission
7th Dan · Excellence+ 8 yearsExceptional sporting and/or administrative contribution · Diploma + bracelet offeredFederation + GMMAC + Commission
8th Dan · Excellence+ 10 yearsGlobal reference · Diploma + bracelet offeredFederation + GMMAC + Commission
9th Dan · ExcellenceHonoraryLife dedicated to MMA · Diploma + bracelet offeredFederation + GMMAC + Commission
10th Dan · ExcellenceHonoraryLiving legend of MMA · Diploma + bracelet offeredFederation + GMMAC + Commission
Excellence Grades (6th–10th Dan) Excellence grades recognise documented sporting, technical, teaching or institutional contributions. A courtesy title alone is insufficient. The proposed 6th–8th Dans have minimum waiting periods; 9th–10th are honorary. The diploma and bracelet would be provided free of charge.