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Table of Contents

1. The Right Fabric Weight for Your Training Style

2. A Durable Build That Holds Up Through Hard Training

3. A Comfortable Fit That Allows Free Movement

4. IBJJF-Legal Color Options

5. Value That Makes Sense for a Beginner Budget

6. Final Thoughts

Walking onto the mats for the first time is exciting. But showing up in the wrong gi? That can make the whole experience harder than it needs to be, and nobody wants that.

For anyone stepping into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the gi is more than just a uniform. It is the tool used to train, grip, and grow on the mat. Picking the right one from the start can shape how good a new student feels during those early weeks of training. Elite Sports, one of the most trusted names in BJJ gear and rash guards, has built a strong following among beginners and seasoned grapplers alike, and for good reason. Their gis are crafted to hold up through hard training while staying easy on the budget.

So what should a beginner look for when picking a first BJJ gi? Here are the five features that matter most.

1. The Right Fabric Weight for Your Training Style

The fabric weight of a gi is measured in GSM (grams per square meter). For beginners, this is one of the first things worth knowing.

• Single weave (350–450 GSM): Lighter and easier to move in, this is a solid pick for those training in warm gyms or during summer months. Single weave gis dry faster and tend to cost less, making them a smart choice as a first gi for anyone on a tighter budget.

• Double weave (550–750 GSM): Much heavier and stiffer, these are harder to grip and more durable over time. However, they can feel stiff for beginners who are still learning to move on the mat.

• Pearl weave (450–550 GSM): This sits right in the middle. It is the most popular weave type among beginner and mid-level grapplers because it balances comfort, grip resistance, and long-lasting strength.

For most beginners, a pearl weave gi is the best starting point. It performs well in most gyms and holds its shape through many washes.

2. A Durable Build That Holds Up Through Hard Training

New students often underestimate how rough BJJ training can be on gear. A gi gets pulled, twisted, and tugged from every angle during drilling and rolling. A poorly made gi will start to fall apart within weeks.

When looking at the best BJJ gi for beginners, pay close attention to these signs of solid build quality:

• Strong stitching at stress points: The collar, armpits, and sleeve cuffs take the most strain during rolls. Double- or triple-stitching in these areas means the gi will last much longer without splitting at the seams.

• Firm collar that keeps its shape: The collar is one of the most grabbed parts of the gi. A collar that does not stretch out, fray, or go limp after a few months is a key sign of a quality product.

• Durable pants with reinforced zones: The pants, especially around the knees and inner thighs, need extra strength. Look for ripstop fabric or added layers of stitching in these high-wear spots.

Elite Sports BJJ gis are built with reinforced seams and strong fabric across both the jacket and pants, a detail that beginners will appreciate as their gear holds up months into training.

3. A Comfortable Fit That Allows Free Movement

A gi that does not fit right will slow progress on the mat. Too loose, and it becomes easy for an opponent to grab. Too tight, and movement becomes stiff and limited.

Most brands size their gis on a letter scale: A0, A1, A2, A3, and so on. Some brands also offer F (female) and M (youth) sizing. Here is what to keep in mind when sizing up a first gi:

• Always check the brand's size chart: Gis can shrink after washing, especially if the fabric has not been pre-shrunk. Confirm whether the gi has already gone through that process before ordering.

• Sleeve and pant length matter: IBJJF rules require sleeves to reach a set range above the wrist and pants to reach a set range below the ankle. Even for casual training, a proper fit makes drilling and rolling much more natural.

• Room to layer underneath: Many grapplers wear a rash guard under their gi. Leave enough room to layer without the jacket feeling too snug across the shoulders or chest.

4. IBJJF-Legal Color Options

One of the most common questions from new students is: what color gi for BJJ beginners?

The short answer is white, blue, or black. These are the three colors approved by the IBJJF for events. Most gyms also ask students to train in one of these three options.

• White: The most classic choice. It shows sweat and wears more easily, but it is always accepted at any gym or event. A clean white gi also looks sharp at any rank level.

• Blue: A popular pick among new students and experienced grapplers alike. It hides stains better than white and still looks clean and sharp on the mat after repeated use.

• Black: Practical and sleek. It hides wear and marks well but can feel warmer in hot training spaces, so keep the gym climate in mind.

For a first gi, white or blue are both smart picks. They are easy to find, widely accepted at most academies, and come in at every price point.

5. Value That Makes Sense for a Beginner Budget

Spending a large sum on a gi before knowing if BJJ is the right fit is not always wise. That said, buying the cheapest option on the market often leads to frustration when the gi falls apart after a few weeks of regular training.

The sweet spot for most beginners is a mid-range gi that offers solid quality without a steep price. Elite Sports men's BJJ gis, women's BJJ gis, and kids' BJJ gis hit this mark well, offering durable, well-made gear at prices that work for new students who are still finding their footing in the sport.

A good beginner gi should:

• Last through steady training without losing shape or coming apart at the stitching, even after weekly washes and hard roll sessions.

• Wash and dry without major shrinkage once the first wash is done, so the fit stays true to size throughout training.

• Come in at a price that does not feel like a big risk for someone who is still exploring the sport and building their first set of gear.

6. Final Thoughts

Picking the first BJJ gi does not need to feel like a big task. Focus on fabric weight, build strength, fit, color, and value, and the choice becomes much clearer.

For anyone stepping onto the mats with a goal to learn and grow, investing in a quality gi from a trusted brand makes those early months of training more enjoyable. It also builds a strong base for the long journey ahead in Jiu-Jitsu.

As we look ahead, we're more committed than ever to making Open Black Belt the best place for your martial arts journey. And to do that, we need YOUR help!

Your Voice Matters: Coming Soon - Our Member Survey!

We believe in continuous improvement, and the best way for us to improve is to listen to the people who matter most – you, our valued members. In the coming weeks, we'll be sending out a comprehensive survey to gather your feedback on all aspects of Open Black Belt.

This is your opportunity to share your thoughts on our classes, instructors, facilities, communication, and anything else you feel is important. What do you love? What could be better? Your honest feedback is invaluable and will directly help us shape the future of our academy. Please keep an eye on your inbox and social media for the survey link – we can't wait to hear from you!

Exciting New Features Are On The Way!

In addition to listening to your feedback, we've also been busy behind the scenes planning some exciting new features and enhancements for Open Black Belt! We're always looking for ways to enrich your experience, whether it's through new training modules, community events, or enhanced digital resources.

We're not ready to spill all the beans just yet, but rest assured, we have some fantastic things in store that we believe will add even more value to your membership and help you progress further on your martial arts path. Stay tuned for more announcements coming soon!

Thank you for being such an integral part of the Open Black Belt family. We're incredibly excited for what this new year holds and look forward to training, growing, and celebrating with all of you.

Here's to a year of strength, growth, and new achievements!

Sincerely,

The Open Black Belt Team

One of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to improve attendance is by helping families mentally commit to their training schedule before the week begins.

The Weekly Check-In That Works

Here’s a technique dojos are using with great success:

Once a week, your instructors send a quick message to parents or adult students:

“Which class are you coming to this week?”

It’s simple. It’s fast. But the psychology behind it is powerful.

Why It Works

When someone chooses a day—even casually over text—they create a mental commitment.
And when that commitment is made, attendance jumps. Consistently.

Many schools even ask families to screenshot the class they’re attending to help reinforce the decision. A tiny step, but a big anchor.

Small Action, Big Retention Results

Try this approach for just one week.
You’ll likely notice:

• More students showing up

• Fewer “we forgot class was today” messages

• Stronger parent engagement

• Better habit formation overall

Sometimes a simple question is all it takes to keep students on track.

Give it a shot this week—and watch your attendance strengthen almost immediately.

When you share stories about your own failures, you teach students a crucial lesson: that failure is not the end of the road—it's part of the journey. You show them that bravery isn't just about winning; it's also about getting back up after you fall.

Share Your Own Stories

Think of a time you struggled in your martial arts journey. Maybe you messed up a form, didn't pass a belt test on the first try, or just had a day where nothing seemed to go right. Share that story with your students.

For example, you might say, "I remember when I forgot my entire kata in front of my whole class. I was so embarrassed, but I didn't quit. I went home and practiced until I knew it perfectly."

When you share these moments, remember to keep your stories short and age-appropriate. The goal is to emphasize the courage it takes to try again, not to dwell on the mistake itself.

Why This Works

Sharing your own struggles shows your students your human side. It builds a deeper connection and rapport with them. When they see that even their instructor has faced challenges, they'll feel more comfortable with their own. Vulnerability builds connection, and it teaches students that true greatness isn't about avoiding mistakes, but about learning from them and moving forward.

After you share your story, invite your students to share theirs, too. This can create a powerful, supportive environment where everyone feels safe to admit their struggles and celebrate their progress.

Share your stories with us at help@openblackbelt.com

Why Join the Open Beta?

The open beta is your chance to be among the first to experience the enhanced Open Black Belt CRM. We've taken feedback from our incredible community and worked hard to develop a system that simplifies running your martial arts school like never before.

Key Features of the Open Beta:

✅ Comprehensive Member Management – Track student progress, attendance, and ranks with ease. ✅ Integrated Payment Processing – Accept and manage payments directly within the CRM. ✅ Automated Billing & Invoicing – Reduce admin work and ensure timely payments. ✅ Enhanced User Experience – A refined and more intuitive interface for smoother operations. ✅ Scalability & Security – Designed to grow with your business while keeping data secure.

What’s Next? Official Release Coming Soon!

The open beta is just the beginning! As we gather feedback and refine the platform, we are preparing for the full official release of Open Black Belt CRM in the coming months. The final version will feature even more enhancements, including advanced reporting tools, improved automation, and additional integrations.

Join the Beta Today!

We invite martial arts school owners, gym operators, and fitness studios to participate in the open beta and help shape the future of Open Black Belt CRM. Your feedback will be invaluable in fine-tuning the system before the official launch.

🔗 Sign Up for the Open Beta Now!

Stay tuned for more updates and be ready for the next evolution in martial arts school management. We can't wait to hear what you think!

#OpenBlackBeltCRM #MartialArtsManagement #CRM #BetaLaunch

This beta version showcases the innovative features and improved functionality that will soon be fully integrated into OBB. To get the most out of this experience, we recommend creating a new student, class, or other relevant entity. This will allow you to explore the system's capabilities and provide valuable feedback.

Please note: As this is a beta version, there may be some unexpected issues or limitations. If you encounter any errors or have suggestions for improvement, please don't hesitate to let us know. Your feedback is crucial in helping us refine the Open Black Belt and ensure it meets the needs of our members.

https://openblackbelt.com/beta

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop and refine the beta OBB. We're excited to bring you a powerful and user-friendly tool that will streamline your work and enhance your experience.

• Payment Processing is coming soon. We are still finalizing the best way to organize the screen layout.

• Reports are currently missing from the beta and will be integrated before launch.

• Self Check-In / Lead Forms are also still being enhanced and should appear shortly.

• New Main Website will also launch around in the same window to modernize showing the features in Open Black Belt.

• New surveys will be sent out to gather feedback but feel free to contact us.

Born in the Shadows of Slavery:

Emerging from the brutal realities of slavery in Trinidad and Tobago, Calinda was more than just a fighting style. It was a covert form of communication, a way for enslaved Africans to maintain their cultural identity and practice self-defense. Disguised as celebratory dances, Calinda's movements incorporated elements of capoeira, stick fighting, and wrestling, all hidden beneath the veil of joyful music and vibrant costumes.

More than Just Self-Defense:

Calinda wasn't just about physical prowess; it was a form of cultural resistance. The intricate footwork and rhythmic stomping served as a coded language, conveying messages of hope, solidarity, and even rebellion. The seemingly harmless sticks became potent weapons, ready to be used if necessary. This hidden power resonated deeply within the enslaved community, fostering a sense of unity and defiance.

A Legacy that Lives On:

Calinda's legacy extends far beyond the shackles of slavery. Today, it serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and strength of the African diaspora. It's practiced not only for its combat effectiveness but also for its cultural significance. Practitioners around the world keep the traditions alive, showcasing the beauty and power of this unique martial art.

Celebrating Black History Through Calinda:

As we celebrate Black History Month, let's remember Calinda not just as a fighting style, but as a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. By exploring this rich history, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora, and the enduring power of cultural expression in the face of oppression.

Here are some ways to celebrate Calinda:

Read articles, watch documentaries, or attend workshops to gain a deeper understanding of Calinda's roots and its impact on the Black community.

Support Calinda practitioners and organizations: Look for local groups or events that showcase Calinda, and consider donating or volunteering your time to help preserve this important cultural heritage.

Spread the word: Share information about Calinda on social media, with friends and family, or even in your community. By raising awareness, you can help ensure that this important part of Black history is not forgotten.

Let's celebrate Black History Month by recognizing the diverse expressions of resilience and resistance that continue to inspire us today. Calinda is more than just a martial art; it's a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the fight for freedom.

1. Assess student demographics
   One of the crucial factors in determining the content of your teachings is understanding your students. Demographics often include a consideration of their age, physical fitness levels, and individual preferences. If your school attracts children and beginner-level practitioners, it might be best to focus on basic martial arts styles. If you mainly have adult clients, however, improving physical fitness or highly specialized disciplines like advanced wushu may be in demand.

2. Research local and international trends
   Keeping up-to-date with regional or global trends will allow you to shift with any prevailing strategies that inspire wider martial arts curiosity. For example, the growing global interest in mixed martial arts competitions has led many schools to emphasize grappling or striking skill sets.

3. Understand available resources
   As an instructor, evaluating your experiences is crucial when determining which skills to teach at your martial arts facility. You want to be proficient in those skills you opt to share with your pupils. Beyond that largely personal evaluation involve considerations related to human resources as well as equipment access. For instance, customers favoring advanced wushu weapons training may require added cost analysis into whether the investment in relevant apparatuses for such lessons proves worthwhile.

4. Consult fellow instructors and mentors
   While running a successful workout studio demands ultimate flexibility among instructors communicating various goals and expertise levels, inter-trainer discussions prove invaluable. When determining which practices to infuse into your curriculum, peer connections as worldwide resources facilitate informed decision-making or emphasize fresh choices.

5. Evaluate requirements for certification
   In some martial arts disciplines, progression necessitates adhering to particular requirements to achieve certification. As an instructor, understanding the programs and deeming them appropriate for inclusion at your school will greatly benefit learners. Mapping those desired paths that prove honest partnership for learners alongside training peers successfully conveys investiture in global frameworks held sanctimoniously by advocates across continents.

6. Gauge student interest
   Be open to student feedback and interests, since some styles may resonate more than others among committed learners. Tools such as OpenBlackBelt help manage your students and see who is attending classes and who isn't.

Deciding which martial art styles to bring robustly into the curriculum – not limited merely to state that the foundational alphabet requires experimentation and unflagging responsibility – requires heavy introspection. Providing varied examples exposes the very principles we hold when constructing a holistic syllabus that includes marital arts styles and weapons education. Remember, numerous deciding factors call forth suitably gifted ways before approaching possible alumni – realistic resource evaluation marks one just territory starting with your demographic approach for robust learner-forward institutional practice methods. Ultimately, passion for your craft pulsates through its experiences. Driven by personal authenticity amid guiding longtime lovers of martial pleasurably binds practitioners in lifetimes since both fields' early historic moments unite even seemingly disparate industries upon contemplation.

Are you passionate about martial arts and fitness? Have you ever dreamed of opening your own gym or dojo, but don't know where to start? Look no further than "From White Belt to Business Owner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting and Managing Your Own Gym or Dojo."

This book is a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the entire process of starting and managing your own gym or dojo. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced martial artist, this book will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to turn your passion into a successful business.

The book covers all aspects of gym or dojo ownership, from finding the right location and securing funding to creating a business plan and managing your finances. You'll learn how to hire and train staff, create effective marketing strategies, and provide excellent customer service. With helpful tips and advice throughout, "From White Belt to Business Owner" is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to turn their passion for martial arts and fitness into a successful business.

Available on Amazon in eBook and paperback

But what sets this book apart from others is its focus on the unique challenges that come with owning a gym or dojo. The author understands firsthand the particular demands of the martial arts and fitness industry and offers practical advice on how to navigate them. You'll learn how to create a culture of respect and discipline in your gym or dojo, how to deal with difficult students and parents, and how to create effective training programs that will keep your members coming back.

Whether you're just starting out or are looking to take your gym or dojo to the next level, "From White Belt to Business Owner" is the ultimate resource for anyone who wants to succeed in the martial arts and fitness industry. With its practical advice, helpful tips, and real-life examples, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about making their dreams a reality. So why wait? Get your copy today and start building the gym or dojo of your dreams!

Available on Amazon in eBook and paperback

This feature is easy to use, and it allows you to set a maximum capacity for each session. Your students can then sign up in advance, and you can see how many spots are left. You'll also get a list of all the students who have signed up, so you can prepare for the class ahead of time.

We know that managing a martial arts class can be tough, especially when it comes to scheduling and capacity limits. That's why we're excited to bring you this new feature, which we think will make your life a lot easier. So, if you're interested in trying it out, make sure to sign up for our beta version and let us know what you think! 🙏

1. Utilize social media: Social media is a powerful tool that can help you reach a large audience. Create social media accounts for your school on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Post regularly, share photos and videos of your students and share information about upcoming events or promotions.

2. Host an open house or free trial class: Hosting an open house or free trial class is a great way to attract new students to your school. This gives potential students a chance to experience what your school has to offer and can help to generate interest and excitement.

3. Offer referral incentives: Encourage your current students to refer their friends and family to your school by offering referral incentives such as discounted tuition or free gear.

4. Create a referral program: Create a referral program that rewards students who bring in new students. This can help to motivate your current students to spread the word about your school.

5. Partner with local businesses: Partner with local businesses in your area to promote your school. For example, you could offer a self-defense seminar at a nearby gym or fitness center.

6. Attend local events: Attend local events such as festivals or fairs to promote your school. Set up a booth or table, and hand out flyers or brochures to generate interest.

7. Offer special promotions: Offer special promotions such as a free uniform or discounted tuition to attract new students.

Remember, getting more students to your school is a continuous effort. It's important to consistently market your school and offer a quality program that students will enjoy and want to continue attending.

We hope you found these tips helpful.

Let us know how we can help you

Power Up Your Dojo with

Open Black Belt - Gym and Studio Management Software

We are back on the App Store

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We are back on the App Store

iPhone/MacOS users rejoice!

Open Black Belt

Jan 26, 2022

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This is just a quick little update for our iOS users to let them know we are back on the App Store. We hope in the future to bring more features to the App but for right now the App will give you the same experience as the web version. Android App coming soon…

iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/open-black-belt/id1228026522

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Open Black Belt LLC

help@openblackbelt.com

https://www.openblackbelt.com

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June 2021 Updates

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June 2021 Updates

A few quick patches

Open Black Belt

Jun 4, 2021

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June 2021 Updates

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Hey everyone as usual here are the latest updates for Open Black Belt.

Updated Group Members View: Using grid like Members View

Update Class Members View: Using grid like Members View

Fixes to Bulk Pause/Delete: Deleting and Pausing have be patched. NOTE You can only delete Members they are Paused. This has been setup to prevent accidental bulk deletions

New Default Messaging Template: We now have a new messaging template as our Default. Feel free to pick from the various ones that have been recently updated.

That is all for this update. Please let us know if you have any questions comments or suggestions. We will be planning to launch a new overview video on the current V2 version of OBB.

Thanks

OBB Management Team

https://www.openblackbelt.com

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A few quick updates

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A few quick updates

Open Black Belt

May 20, 2020

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Goodbye Mobile Apps:

First up we will be discontinuing all mobile apps at this time if you continue to as they not compatible with current features of OBB. The Android/iOS should be removed from the App Store soon. We have covered in length why will be only using a browser version as the core and only version for all devices.

Latest browsers:

As of the above statement we will only be supporting the latest version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Note even though Chrome does exist for iOS it is only a shell for Safari and not actually the Chrome rendering engine found on other devices and computers.

https://www.openblackbelt.com/app/

Sending Emails from your address:

You now can send email thru OBB as your email address instead of the noreply@openblackbelt.com NOTE: as the emails are not sending thru your email client so email services may reject. You can switch the from address located in the Email module Also as a new feature is Email Templates.

Member Self Check In:

Remeber to use the

Email Templates:

Email Templates will allow you to send shorter branded emails for when you need to send a quick note to your members. Currently Message(standard) and Alert(new) are available.

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Previous Version Info:

We have made a few adjustments to the Members screen as well as mass assigning members to classes and groups. Note you can not mass delete members without them being Paused Status.

In Progress:

We are currently working on security features to allow you to designate Staff to have their own logins and control which sections they may access in OBB. This is currently in beta and more info will be provided at launch.

We hope you are holding up during these trying times and that we may all may return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Thanks and hope to see you back on the mat soon!

help@openblackbelt.com

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A Message From OBB

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A Message From OBB

Open Black Belt

Mar 20, 2020

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A Message From OBB

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We hope this message finds you in good health and good spirits during this challenging time.

In response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), we’re adjusting our customer support offerings until further notice.

Our commitment to safety has always been our leading principle. It drives our products, our relationship with our customers like you, and everything we do.

In keeping true to our guiding focus, we are unable to provide phone support at this time. Rest assured that while we may not be reachable via phone, we are hard at work and are happy to help you!

Please visit openblackbelt.com and click on the Chat at the bottom right corner of your desktop or mobile screen for immediate assistance.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as this situation continues to develop.

Be well and be the reason someone smiles today.

​- OpenBlackBelt

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Jan 2020 Updates

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Jan 2020 Updates

Open Black Belt

Jan 29, 2020

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We have working hard on updating our back-end that has been keeping us busy but we are ready to jump into next month with new features.

Mobile Apps:

At this time we have decided to discontinue our native mobile apps and just focus on our web interface that is optimized for desktop and mobile. Starting in February we will remove the apps from the App Store and Google Play. If you are still using any of these apps you will need to move to the web version as the apps may be out of date with our current features.

Manual Payments:

We are almost done with our manual payments tracker. You can use this to keep ledger on expenses for your organization that came thru via cash/check.

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Digital Waivers Updates:

As we get ready to prepare the member waivers feature. Many of you should start seeing a new option in a member’s profile to flag whether they have signed a waiver or not. This will launch before the ability to digitally sign waivers.

SMS Usage:

Currently SMS only works with US, Mexico and Canada. We hope by mid February to expand this. You will need to update your School Settings to setup your region if your not located in US.

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Attendance Update:

Attendance screen will now show how many members have been checked for an easy count on how your attendance is shaping up per class.

Self Check In Update:

The Self Check In can now auto check-in a member if they are only enrolled in one class. Also if you are using barcodes for your members you may now use the camera (from the browser interface) to scan your members barcode for quick login.

As always if you run into any issues or have any suggestions for us please let us know at support@openblackbelt.com or our support portal at https://www.openblackbelt.com

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November 2019 Updates

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November 2019 Updates

Open Black Belt

Nov 5, 2019

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There is so much to mention in this update we thought just a quick update on key new features would be best way to see what is going on.

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SMS/Texting:

• SMS Texting feature has been turned back on.

Sticky Filter:

• When editing/creating a member and saving you will be returned to the members page with the filter left just where you left it. This is a quick way to save you time in managing many members.

Top Filter:

• You can now select new Filter Types from the Members Screen such as Active, Prospects, Staff, Trials and more.

Bulk Enrollment:

• As our previous version (V1) we have brought over Bulk Enrollment to the V2 located on top of the Members List Page.

Reports:

• Reports have been updated to export to CSV/Excel compatible formats.

Feature Suggest:

• To make sure we can clearly see what our members wan.t We encourage you to use this form to fill out a suggestion.

• https://openblackbelt.uservoice.com/forums/197851-general

Next Update:

• Moving the Manual Payments to current version

• Moving Journals to current Version

Remember if you have any questions please feel free to email us support@openblackbelt.com or catch up with live chat.

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November 2019 Updates

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Aug 2019 Updates

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Aug 2019 Updates

Open Black Belt

Aug 7, 2019

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Aug 2019 Updates

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Well it has been a while since we have published an update. We will break down the updates into sections below:

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Speed Updates - Self Check In:

We will be enhancing the speed of the site further as we have heard reports of slowness when accessing the Member Self Check In. With our new V2 release you will notice a lot of the site has had a performance boost. We are still in the process of moving a few left over features from V1 to V2. If you have suggestions this would be a great time to get them included.

Member Filtering:

We have enhanced our system with a updated Member Filtering options.

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If you wish to search by part of a members name just type in the box. If you want to filter by a status type you can select one of the buttons above the search or type in the search box. Selecting the All button will reset the filter. As we do not distinguish between first and last name in our system this should make it easier to find the member quickly by using any part of their name. Also we have changed up our Member Status names, the names are now as follows

• Active - A current active member of your organization

• Paused - An Inactive member

• Prospect - A potential member, any member added thru Prospect Page

• Trial - This is a new status to designate a member who is trialing your org.

• Staff - Remains the same as before used for attendance to track teaching and future security levels mentioned below.

Security Updates:

Now that the V2 has launched we begin the process of adding security levels to OBB. This will allow you to have multiple logins for your Staff without having full access to every module.Any input on levels of security feedback are great appreciated.

Mobile Updates:

We have recently fixes an issue where the mobile (browser version) of the members screen had inaccessible options. If you are having trouble accessing these options please let us know.

Payment Integrations:

Currently we are in the process of implementing new payment options into OBB these will launch closer to the fall season.

Reports:

We have decided to re-integrated UI’s back into the V2 rather than just having the export only option. At this time more than half are now ready for use reports without requiring a separate spreadsheet app.

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We have more to come as the year progresses. Here is a quick rundown of the latest since our last major version change.

2019-07-05

V2 Enhancement

• Reports updated for inline display and csv download

• Report Updated: Member Created

• Report Updated: Attendance

• Report Updated: Attendance By Class

• Report Updated: Birthdays

2019-05-31

V2 Enhancement

• Updated Members screen button filters

• Attendance: Speed adjustment

2019-05-09

V2 Migration

• Login save username/password adjustments

• Patch: Uploading Member Photos

• Patch: Uploading School/Organization Logo

• Patch: Uploading Member Photos

2019-05-01

V2 Migration

• Bulk enrollment

• Journals showing on profiles

• Barcodes added under Tools Menu

2019-04-30

V2 Migration

• Fixed Email Previews

• Fixed Dates not Loading. (DOB, Rank Date, etc..)

• Added Credit Card Processing Links to Menu

• Adjusted Form Links on Menu

• Fixed Member Images displaying on profiles

• Added Titles to Prospect Form

• Fixed error handling issues in Prospect Form

• Fixed members not editing (effected most non Chrome based browsers)

• Credit Card Links

• Class Saving Fixes

• Added Birthday, Status and Member Rank Reports

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Aug 2019 Updates

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Latest Changes and Open Beta

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Latest Changes and Open Beta

Open Black Belt

Jan 18, 2019

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Latest Changes and Open Beta

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[

](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1673656122814/bdPVIWZAW.html)

Here is a quick update on our changes for January 2018.

Fixes:

• Attendance By Members Report has been adjusted and should be pulling up for everyone.

• Attendance Count has been removed from Members List at this time, can still be retrieved on a members profile or using the Attendance By Members Report.

Open Beta:

Our beta version is ready for testing. We will update the initial welcome message during the beta to show progress. Please remember as this is a beta all features are in development and subject to change or may not work as expected. Your feedback will be vital in getting the beta to release for all.

As the new beta will cover mobile going forward we have paused development on the native Android/iOS Apps at this time. The new Web version will able to suit all your needs.

You can access the beta from the last menu option of the current OBB Menu. or https://www.openblackbelt.com/beta/signin

As always feel free to contact us about functionality and any issues you may find with the current and beta versions.

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Latest Changes and Open Beta

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