The SAMBO Belt Ranking System Explained: White Stripe to Black

SAMBO uses a seven level belt ranking system introduced by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) in 2018. The belt itself stays the traditional red or blue, rank is shown through coloured insignia added to the belt, running from white at Level 1 through to black at Level 1 Master. If you are just starting out, you do not need to buy a new belt as you progress, only the rank marker.

In this article

• How does the SAMBO belt ranking system work?
• What are the 7 SAMBO rank levels?
• Why doesn't SAMBO use coloured belts like Judo or BJJ?
• How do you earn a rank promotion?
• What belt and uniform do you need to start?
• FAQ

How does the SAMBO belt ranking system work?

Before 2018, SAMBO did not have a formal grading system at all. Skill was judged purely by competition results, which made it hard for newer practitioners, kids, and non-competitors to track their own progress. FIAS approved a seven stage ranking system to fix that. Instead of changing the colour of the belt or uniform the way Judo or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does, SAMBO keeps its red and blue belts and signals rank with coloured insignia attached to the belt or sleeve. The result is a system that works for kids' classes, recreational practitioners, and full-time competitors without touching the look of the traditional uniform.

Note that your club or national federation may also run its own internal grading on top of the FIAS system, so always check with your coach for local requirements before a grading or competition.

What are the 7 SAMBO rank levels?

Level	Insignia colour	What it represents
Level 1	White	Entry level rookie, basic technical competency
Level 2	Yellow	Technical competency, no competition requirement
Level 3	Orange	Technical competency, no competition requirement
Level 4	Green	Technical assessment plus a competitive performance element
Level 5	Blue	Technical assessment plus a competitive performance element
Level 6	Brown	Master candidate, by competitive performance and service
Level 7	Black	Master grade, reserved for national champions and international medallists

Promotion gets harder as you move up. Levels 1 to 3 are about proving you know the technique safely: falls, throws, pins, and basic contest rules. Levels 4 and 5 add a real competitive performance requirement. Levels 6 and 7 are not handed out for technical knowledge alone, they are reserved for athletes with genuine results on the mat at national or international level.

Why doesn't SAMBO use coloured belts like Judo or BJJ?

This is the question we get most from people crossing over from another grappling sport. Judo uses a fully coloured belt system, from white through to black, with up to ten dan grades beyond that. BJJ runs a similar model with added stripes on each belt. SAMBO deliberately kept its uniform the way it has always been: a red belt or a blue belt, assigned per match for scoring purposes, not for rank.

When FIAS introduced grading in 2018, preserving the traditional uniform was a specific design choice. Fedor Emelianenko, one of the sport's best known figures, was vocal in support of the new system precisely because it added a path for hobbyists and kids while leaving the competition uniform untouched. The result is a sport where two athletes can be wearing the same red and blue belts on the mat regardless of rank, and you would need to look for the rank insignia to tell an experienced black-level competitor from someone in their first year.

How do you earn a rank promotion?

Promotion through the FIAS system runs through your club or national federation's certification process, not through Sambo Store Australasia or any retailer. In general terms:

• Levels 1 to 3 are assessed on technical competency: safe falling, core throws, pins, and basic rules knowledge.
• Levels 4 and 5 add a competitive element. You need both the technique and a result on the mat.
• Levels 6 and 7 are earned through sustained competitive performance and service to the sport, not a single grading session.

Your coach or club will run the actual assessment. If you are training in Australia, the Sambo Federation of Australia is the body to check with for how your club's grading lines up with the FIAS system.

What belt and uniform do you need to start?

Whatever rank you are training at, the kit requirement is the same: a FIAS-approved kurtka (jacket) and a red or blue belt, assigned per session or per match. As a Level 1 rookie you do not need separate gear for your rank, you need gear that will actually pass inspection at your first grading or competition.

If you are kitting out for your first grading or your first Sport SAMBO competition, the Sport Sambo Bundle covers the full required setup (jacket, shorts, and belt) in one purchase, instead of piecing it together item by item.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a different coloured belt as I rank up in SAMBO?

No. SAMBO belts stay red or blue regardless of rank. Your level is shown through separate insignia, not by changing belt colour.

How long does it take to reach black level (Level 7) in SAMBO?

There is no fixed timeline. Level 7 is reserved for national champions and international medallists, so it is earned through sustained competitive results, not time served on the mat.

Is the FIAS belt ranking system used in Australia?

Yes, Australian SAMBO clubs operate under FIAS, the world governing body for the sport. Check with your specific club or the Sambo Federation of Australia for how local gradings are run.

Can I compete in SAMBO without a formal rank?

Yes. Many SAMBO competitors enter tournaments based on weight category and experience level set by the tournament organiser, separate from the FIAS grading system. Grading is more relevant for club progression and kids' programs.

What belt do I need for my first SAMBO competition?

A FIAS-approved red or blue belt, assigned to you per match by the organisers. You do not choose your own colour, so make sure you own both.