Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world with over 1 million practitioners worldwide. BJJ popularity has exploded in popularity since its introduction to wider audiences by Royce Gracie and the increased popularity of MMA promotions like the UFC, PFL, and One Championships.
BJJ is one of the complex and complete grappling arts in the world today. Sometimes referred to as human chess, practitioners use dynamic transitions like guard passes and sweeps in order to set up a high variety of submission attacks. Notoriously, a BJJ black belt is hard to come by.
While other martial arts like karate and taekwondo can take anywhere form 1-3 years, BJJ black belts are typically earned somewhere between 8-12 years with consistent training. Here is an explanation of the belt system for adults and people over 16 years old.
1. White Belt- The Beginner
The white belt is the beginning of the BJJ journey, worn by all new practitioners. This is the foundation where everyone starts and you can decide whether or not you wish to continue in the sport.
The primary focus of this belt is survival, defense, basic guard concepts, and understanding basic body mechanics. At this belt you will be introduced to submissions like: triangle chokes, collar chokes, rear-naked chokes, and arm bars.
White Belts are encouraged to learn the fundamentals before jumping to more exotic guards, sweeps, and submissions. At this level you can also get up to 4 “stripes” on your belt during promotion ceremonies. These are small milestones that you’ve hit and acknowledgment that your skills are improving.
BJJ practitioners spend approximately 1-2 years on average at this belt.
2. Blue Belt- Building the Toolbox
Earning a blue belt is a major milestone. It shows that you are dedicated and have been coming to practice consistently. A blue belt shows that you have build a solid foundation where you grasp the fundamentals.
A blue belt should know how to escape every major inferior position, possessing a broad arsenal of techniques. Although not extremely refined yet, a blue belt is beginning to develop their personal game and exploring styles that works best for the individual.
BJJ practitioners spend approximately 2-3 years at the blue belt level. The IBJJF (BJJ governing body) requires a minimum of two years before the next belt.
3. Purple Belt – First Advanced Rank
A purple belt in BJJ is considered the first “advanced rank” having spent thousands of hours on the mat and is highly dangerous to an untrained opponent.
At this rank, practitioners are capable of teaching lower ranks and has a near mastery of the fundamentals. Practitioners at this rank are beginning to focus and refine their own techniques developed for their personal style. They can chain attacks together smoothly and develop a strong defense as well as offense.
BJJ practitioners spend a minimum of 1.5 years at purple (IBJJF rule) though its often longer.
4. Brown Belt
The brown belt is the stepping stone to the elite level. It signifies a transition from refining techniques to mastering them. The primary focus of this belt is perfecting the game and attacking.
A brown belt’s technique is sharp, efficient, and requires minimal strength. They have an exceptionally deep understanding of weight distribution and leverage.
Brown belts show leadership on the mats, often helping coach lower belts. Brown belts are focused on the details, precision, and leadership with the ability to finish opponents with high-level submissions from almost any position.
Practitioners must spend at least one year at brown belt.
5. Black Belt
The black belt represents an expert level of technical and practical skill. However, it is often said that in BJJ, getting a black belt simply means you are now ready to truly start learning.
Black Belts can teach nearly every technique and devoted to lifelong refinement. Black belts move instinctually, they have an answer for nearly every situation and understand the hidden details that make techniques work at the highest levels.
Historically, it can take anywhere from 8 to 12 years of highly dedicated training to earn a black belt, often times longer depending on the school and the students dedication.
Bonus: Beyond the Black Belt (Coral and Red Belts)
Red / Black Belt (Coral Belt) – 7th Degree: Awarded after holding an active black belt for at least 31 years.
Red / White Belt (Coral Belt) – 8th Degree: Awarded after a minimum of 7 years at the Red/Black belt level.
Red Belt – 9th & 10th Degree: The pinnacle of the art. The 9th degree is awarded to pioneers of BJJ who have dedicated their lives to the sport. The 10th degree was given only to the original pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (the Gracie brothers: Carlos, Oswaldo, George, Gaston, and Hélio).
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