BSF SPORT SAMBO GRADING SCHEME

The BSF Sport Sambo Grading Scheme provides a framework in which participants can measure their progress by passing the various levels at appropriate time intervals as they improve and gather new skills and competitive experience. The Grading Scheme works hand-in-hand as a coaching aid by providing a framework for participants to progressively acquire basic technical skills in preparation for national level events.

The scheme is divided into two classes – Student and Master. Within each class are a number of grades which may be represented on the end of the belt by the addition of the appropriately coloured sleeve.

Student levels 1 - 3 (white to orange) are awarded to participants for achieving technical competency only. Technical assessments are also required for Levels 4 and 5 (green and blue) with the addition of a competitive performance element.

As a broad guideline, participants achieving Level 5 (blue) should be able to perform competently in domestic open competition. Level 7 participants should be able to perform as a serious contender for a national medal.

The Master (black) grades are reserved for national champions and international medallists who have demonstrated consistency at this standard of event.

Note that medals achieved without winning contests will not count for promotion purpose for Student Level 5 and beyond.

The technical assessments in Levels 1 – 5 (white to blue) are designed to cover all the basic safe falling techniques, throws, pins and submission holds used in modern Sport Sambo as well as ensure the participant is familiar with basic contest rules.

For Student Levels 6 and 7 and the Master ranks, promotion is achieved via competitive performance and service criteria only.

Tournament organisers may wish to use the Grading Scheme in order to appropriately group competitors for novice and intermediate competitions.

Many participants will enter the grading scheme as complete beginners and therefore progress at the mandatory rate of one grade at a time. However, the scheme is also designed to cater for those with relevant prior learning and competitive experience in other grappling arts, eg Judo, wrestling and BJJ. Participants crossing over from these disciplines will be permitted to fast track to the appropriate entry point grade subject to satisfactorily completing the technical requirements of both the recommended grade and any skipped lower grades.

Once a fast tracked candidate receives their first grade, they will be expected to continue their progress one level at a time from that point onwards whilst satisfying any time in grade requirements.

For a broad overview of the grade requirements, fast track entry points and the level of examiner(s) required at each grade then please see below.

The Master (black) grades are reserved for national champions who show consistency at this level, success at international events and exceptional service as a competitor and coach/official.