Altogether, there are over 600 techniques that you will need to master to be considered for promotion to black belt. The first step is to perfect the 36 techniques that are covered in the Gracie Combatives® course. From there, you will work on your blue belt, and then move on to purple, brown, and black. You must be at least 14 years of age to test for Gracie Combatives® belt and at least 16 years of age to test for blue belt.