For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Three students of Marshfield BJJ, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu school within Ki Nagare Dojo in Marshfield, recently became the first to receive rank through the program. Mack Scheppler, Jason Tucker, and Ryan Jackson received their blue belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu on July 30.

The exam was conducted by black belt Michael Ellefson of Hudson. The students tested not only knew terms and techniques but also demonstrated functional application against resisting opponents.

The belt system for Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not a quick or easy path. Students who train regularly and develop necessary skills typically advance to the first rank of blue in 18 months to three years.

The program started when Cody Strey of Marshfield began teaching the class in 2014. Scheppler, Tucker, and Jackson were some of Strey’s first students.