The Next Generation at GBK

Six kids make up the yellow belt class at Gracie Barra Kirkland, each one a step further into a sport most of them started before they could tie their own shoes.

Isaiah, Mateo, Gia, Silas, Jaxon and Izabel hold the rank today, one tier up from grey in a kids' belt system that runs white, grey, yellow, orange and green before a black-belt track opens up in the teens.

At Gracie Barra, promotion isn't based on a single test. Instructors track how a student handles live rolling, technique, and conduct on the mat over months before deciding a kid is ready to move up.

"We're very proud of their leadership and years of dedication," said Prof. Joshua Bacallao, the head instructor at Gracie Barra Kirkland.

"Each has set a precedent in their own way, whether it be Isaiah's high-bar in competition, Mateo's leadership amongst his peers and help with the younger kids, or Gigi's assistance around the gym and with the tiny champions. They all bring unique qualities that empower the program and help drive it forward."

Yellow belts at the academy are expected to apply what they know against live resistance and to help newer, younger students the way older kids once helped them — a small piece of the "team" culture Gracie Barra tries to build into its kids program from white belt on.

These six have trained with us for, at minimum, four years. Our daughter Gia, 10, has been training Jiu-Jitsu since she was 3.

The Coys and Izabel started with us in 2021.

Mateo came to GBK in 2022. He wrestles on his high school team and helps us with kids' classes.

Isaiah and Silas will be leaving us at the end of the month, but we know they will continue training in their new home state, and we wish them well (and hope to see them at tournaments)!

Most youth sports lose the bulk of the kids who try them within the first year or two, and jiu-jitsu — slow-moving belt system, live sparring, the same drills over and over — doesn't make staying any easier. A yellow belt means years of showing up through school years, season changes, and everything else that tends to pull a kid toward the next new activity.

Plenty more yellow belts to come soon, as we have a very dedicated group of kids who keep showing up!