At Jiu jitsu, we often get questions about the belts in Jiu Jitsu and how practitioners progress through the ranks. The BJJ ranking system is a unique and integral part of the martial art, reflecting a practitioner’s skill, knowledge, and dedication.
From the white belt of beginners to the coveted black belt of experts, each rank represents a significant milestone in a BJJ journey. In this post, we’ll break down the BJJ belt system, explain the criteria for promotions, and explore the deeper meaning behind these colorful markers of achievement.
The BJJ Belt Journey: From White to Black
White Belt: The Foundation of BJJ
The white belt marks the start of every BJJ practitioner’s journey. At this stage, students focus on survival skills, basic positions, and fundamental techniques. White belts typically spend 1-2 years honing these skills. Consistency in training proves key to progressing through this initial phase.
Blue Belt: Developing a Unique Style
As students advance to blue belt, they begin to craft their own BJJ style. This rank usually takes 2-4 years to achieve. Blue belts explore different techniques and often start participating in competitions. This stage builds confidence and helps overcome the infamous “blue belt blues” (a period where some practitioners feel stuck or consider quitting).
Purple Belt: Mastering Advanced Techniques
The purple belt represents a significant leap in skill and understanding. Students at this level, which typically takes 3-5 years to reach, start to grasp the intricacies of BJJ. Purple belts refine their techniques and develop a more strategic approach to rolling. Many practitioners begin to assist in teaching lower belts, further solidifying their knowledge.
Brown Belt: Perfecting the Art
Brown belts stand on the cusp of mastery. This rank, which usually takes 1-2 years to achieve after purple, allows practitioners to fine-tune their skills and develop a deep understanding of BJJ principles. Brown belts often lead classes and mentor others, preparing them for the responsibilities that come with higher ranks.
Black Belt: A New Beginning
Contrary to popular belief, earning a black belt does not end the BJJ journey – it starts a new chapter. It typically takes about 10 years of dedicated training to reach this level. Black belts continue to learn, innovate, and contribute to the BJJ community. They often take on teaching roles and participate in advanced seminars to further their knowledge.
The BJJ belt system signifies a practitioner’s increasing level of technical knowledge and practical skill within the art. Each rank represents countless hours of training, sweat, and (sometimes) tears. The journey through these ranks provides the support, knowledge, and facilities needed for practitioners to progress and achieve their BJJ goals.
As we move forward, let’s examine the specific criteria that determine belt promotions in BJJ. These factors go beyond mere time spent on the mat and offer insight into the holistic development expected of BJJ practitioners.
What Determines BJJ Belt Promotions?
At Souza Grappling Co., we believe that advancement through the BJJ belt system involves more than just mat time. While consistent training remains essential, several other factors contribute to a practitioner’s readiness for their next belt.
Technical Proficiency and Skill Level
The foundation of BJJ progression rests on technique mastery. Instructors observe a student’s ability to execute moves with precision, fluidity, and effectiveness. This includes not only performing techniques in isolation but also applying them successfully during live sparring sessions. The BJJ belt system has several levels, each requiring varying years of training. White is for beginners; Blue takes 1-2 years; Purple, 2-4; Brown, 3-5; and Black belt typically takes the longest to achieve.
Competition Performance
Although not mandatory, competition results can significantly influence promotion decisions. Successful performances against peers at the same belt level demonstrate a practitioner’s readiness to advance. However, competition success isn’t the only path to promotion (many exceptional BJJ practitioners rarely compete).
Teaching and Leadership Abilities
As practitioners advance, their ability to share knowledge becomes increasingly important. Higher-ranked belts often assist in teaching lower belts, demonstrate techniques, and provide guidance during training sessions. This not only solidifies their own understanding but also contributes to the growth of the BJJ community as a whole.
Character and Attitude
BJJ transcends physical techniques; it embodies a lifestyle that emphasizes respect, humility, and perseverance. Instructors pay close attention to a student’s attitude both on and off the mat.
At Souza Grappling Co., we take pride in our comprehensive approach to belt promotions. Our experienced instructors carefully evaluate each student’s progress across all these areas, ensuring that promotions are earned through dedication, skill, and embodiment of BJJ principles. The journey through the ranks is unique for each practitioner, and comparing your progress to others can hinder your growth. Instead, focus on your personal development, and the belts will come as a natural result of your hard work and dedication.
As we move forward, let’s explore the intricacies of the stripe system and the higher ranks beyond the standard belt colors. These additional markers of progress add depth to the BJJ ranking system and recognize long-term dedication to the art.
Stripes and Degrees: The Finer Points of BJJ Ranking
The Stripe System: Milestones Within Belts
Stripes act as mini-promotions within each belt rank. A practitioner can earn up to four stripes on their belt before consideration for the next rank. These stripes indicate consistent progress, improved techniques, and increased mat experience.
White and blue belts often receive stripes every 3-6 months of consistent training. As practitioners advance to purple and brown belts, the time between stripes may extend to 6-12 months. This system provides motivation and recognition for practitioners between major belt promotions.
Some academies use stripes to track specific improvements. For example, a white belt’s first stripe might signify mastery of basic escapes, while the second could represent proficiency in fundamental submissions. This approach gives students clear goals to work towards.
Black Belt Degrees: A Lifetime of Learning
Learning doesn’t stop at black belt. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) suggests three types of graduation systems based on degrees and stripes for kids. Academies can choose the one that best fits their IBJJF program.
First to third-degree black belts often focus on refining their teaching skills and contributing to their academy’s growth. Fourth to sixth-degree black belts (sometimes called “master”) typically have decades of experience and often run their own academies or contribute significantly to BJJ’s development.
Coral and Red Belts: The Pinnacle of BJJ
The rarest and highest ranks in BJJ are the coral and red belts. The seventh-degree black belt transitions to a coral belt (red and black), while the eighth and ninth degrees are red and white. These ranks are reserved for practitioners with 40+ years of dedication to BJJ.
The tenth-degree red belt is the highest possible rank, awarded only to the Gracie family members who founded BJJ. As of 2023, fewer than 50 red belts exist worldwide, underscoring the exceptional commitment required to reach this level.
Many academies celebrate these high-ranking practitioners whenever possible, inviting them for seminars to share their vast knowledge with students. Their insights offer invaluable perspectives on BJJ’s evolution and future.
Understanding these finer points of the BJJ ranking system helps practitioners appreciate the depth of the journey ahead. Each step forward (whether it’s a stripe or a new belt) represents an achievement worth celebrating in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Final Thoughts
The BJJ ranking system, with its various belts in Jiu Jitsu, represents a journey of personal growth and continuous improvement. Each rank signifies countless hours of training, overcoming challenges, and refining techniques. The true value lies not in the color of your belt, but in the person you become along the way.
We at Souza Grappling Co. encourage all practitioners to focus on their individual journey rather than compare themselves to others. Every person’s path in BJJ is unique, shaped by their own goals, challenges, and experiences. Embrace each stage of your development, celebrate small victories, and learn from setbacks.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re well on your way through the ranks, we invite you to join us at Souza Grappling Co. Our facility offers a supportive environment where you can progress through the belts in Jiu Jitsu at your own pace (guided by expert instructors). From Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai to Yoga and Self-Defense classes, we provide a comprehensive martial arts experience for all skill levels.
