Join Our Team and Earn Rank Certification
Third
Learn
Earning Rank in Jiujitsu and Third Heaven Martial Arts
f you’re looking for an alternative to the IBJJF for black belt rank degrees, you’ve come to the right place. At First Wave Jiujitsu, in association with Team Third Heaven, we offer official black belt degree recognition for qualified martial artists. Whether you’re unable to get promoted by the IBJJF or seeking a more accessible and community-driven certification process, our system provides a legitimate pathway to document your progress. We acknowledge time-in-rank and certify belt degrees through a respected panel of elite instructors, all while maintaining a searchable database for verified credentials.
Our program recognizes rank from Brazilian Jiujitsu and other martial arts systems, with verification based on certificates, lineage, and proof of promotion. We’re not promoting you to black belt — we’re officially recognizing the rank you’ve already earned and issuing degree certificates backed by our association. This is an ideal option for instructors, schools, and practitioners who value tradition, recognition, and a practical alternative to IBJJF certification.
Heaven
Courses | Products | Certification
Black Belt Degree Recognition – First Wave Jiu-Jitsu & Third Heaven Martial Arts
At First Wave Jiu-Jitsu, in association with Third Heaven Martial Arts, we recognize and honor the lifelong dedication of martial artists through our Black Belt Degree Recognition Program. While inspired by traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu timelines, our standards are set forth by Team Third Heaven and First Wave Jiu-Jitsu, allowing for a broader and more inclusive acknowledgment of martial excellence across disciplines.
We do not promote individuals to black belt ranks through this process. Rather, we formally recognize the rank and degrees already earned by martial artists who meet our verification standards.
⏳ Time-Based Recognition Standards
We follow the traditional progression timelines used throughout the global Jiu-Jitsu community. The following is the minimum time required at each black belt level before recognition of the next degree:
| Degree | Minimum Time at Current Rank | Total Time as Black Belt |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Degree | 3 years | 3 years |
| 2nd Degree | 3 years | 6 years |
| 3rd Degree | 3 years | 9 years |
| 4th Degree | 5 years | 14 years |
| 5th Degree | 5 years | 19 years |
| 6th Degree | 5 years | 24 years |
| 7th Degree (Coral Belt) | 7 years | 31 years |
| 8th Degree (Coral Belt) | 7 years | 38 years |
| 9th Degree (Red Belt) | 10 years | 48 years |
| 10th Degree | Reserved for founders and pioneers |
🛡️ Eligibility and Recognition Process
To be considered for degree recognition, applicants must:
-
Be a member of Team Third Heaven.
-
Submit proof of their original black belt promotion and the date it was awarded.
-
Show that they were promoted by a black belt of at least 2nd degree.
-
Provide proof via a dated certificate, public social media post, or similar documentation.
We also accept degree recognition requests from practitioners of other martial arts who meet similar time and rank standards.
Each application is reviewed by our round table of elite martial arts instructors, ensuring every recognition is fair, legitimate, and in alignment with our values.
📜 What You Receive
Upon approval, you will receive:
-
An official certificate of recognition from First Wave Jiu-Jitsu and Third Heaven Martial Arts.
-
Your name and achievement listed (if approved) in our Hall of Recognition (optional).
-
Ongoing connection with a global community of martial artists united by excellence and integrity.
📩 How to Apply
To apply, simply email your documentation and request for degree recognition to the contact address listed on our website. A member of our team will follow up with further instructions and a review timeline.
Join a community that honors your journey, your rank, and your lifelong pursuit of mastery.
First Wave Jiu-Jitsu – Recognizing Excellence, Elevating Legacy.
Access to a Full Online Curriculum
Our meticulously designed courses cover everything from foundational techniques to advanced skills. You can progress through multiple martial arts styles, including Jiujitsu, at your own pace. Our system allows you to train and advance regardless of your location.
Certification and Rank Advancement
Upon completion of each course, you’ll have the opportunity to test for rank. Our certification process ensures that your hard work is recognized and rewarded, with official rank promotion certificates issued online.
Attention Brazilian Jiujitsu Black Belts
Are you a Brazilian Jiujitsu black belt looking to advance in rank but unable to attend a dojo? Team Third Heaven has the solution for you. Through our First Wave Jiujitsu program, we offer a pathway for black belts to earn their stripes and degrees.
Get Your Stripes
We are acknowledging Jiujitsu black belts advancing in rank. If you are a black belt and unable to obtain a degree on your belt we may be able to help. Black belts can submit requirements including date of first black belt promotion, and a certificate of lineage. If both are available we will consider rank adavancement through First Wave Jiujitsu. Black belts will remain in our database and receive rank promotions at the appropriate times.
Fill out all required info on the contact form. We will contact you to verify rank. There is no charge for this service.
Rank Promotion Criteria:
Our system acknowledges your years of dedication to Jiujitsu with degree promotions based on the following timelines:
3 years = 1st Degree Black Belt
6 years = 2nd Degree Black Belt
9 years = 3rd Degree Black Belt
14 years= 4th Degree Black Belt
19 years = 5th Degree Black belt
Ready to earn your rank?
Fill out the form below with all required information, and we’ll contact you to verify your eligibility. Whether you’re a student progressing in our martial arts programs or a seasoned black belt looking for recognition, Team Third Heaven is your partner in achieving martial arts excellence.
Submit Your Black Belt Information
Third Heaven Martial Arts Association
Distance Learning and Instructor Certification
about Us
Third Heaven Martial Arts was established in 1995. We provide group classes for hundreds of students in WI, USA and online training for students and instructors world wide.
