Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often called “human chess,” a martial art where technique and strategy allow a smaller person to overcome a larger one. Central to the BJJ journey is its unique and demanding belt ranking system. But what does each belt represent, and how long does it take to progress?
This article will explore the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt Ranking system, detailing the progression requirements for each rank, essential techniques, and associated responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
- A Long Journey: BJJ progression is notoriously slow. It takes significantly longer to earn a black belt in BJJ (typically 8-12 years) than in most other martial arts.
- Adult Ranks: The standard adult belt progression is White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black.
- Beyond Black: Like Judo, BJJ has advanced “Coral” and “Red” belts for high-level masters who have dedicated their lives to the art.
- Skill Over Everything: Promotion is based almost entirely on practical skill, especially sparring (“rolling”) performance. Knowledge of specific techniques is required, but the ability to apply them effectively in real-time is paramount.
The History of BJJ’s Ranks
The BJJ belt system is a direct descendant of the Judo ranking system. When the Gracie family adapted Judo to create their unique art, they also modified the belt progression. The BJJ system gained recognition for its stringent standards and the lengthy periods required between promotions, ensuring that each belt represented a genuine and formidable level of skill.
The Adult Ranks (Ages 16+)
The adult journey in BJJ is a long and rewarding one, with each belt signifying a distinct level of mat maturity.
- White Belt: The beginning of everything. A white belt’s primary goal is survival. The focus is on learning fundamental positions (like the guard, mount, and side control), basic submissions (like the armbar and rear-naked choke), and, most importantly, how to relax and move efficiently.
- Blue Belt: The first significant milestone. A blue belt has a solid defensive foundation and a working knowledge of the most common positions and submissions. They are no longer a complete beginner and have enough skill to be a handful for untrained opponents.
- Purple Belt: The transition to expert. A purple belt has developed a more sophisticated and offensive game. They begin to chain attacks together and often create a specific “A-Game” (a set of techniques they are particularly good at).
- Brown Belt: The final stage before black belt. A brown belt is a bona fide expert. They have a deep understanding of nearly all positions and submissions and are excellent at troubleshooting and refining techniques. They are often leaders and assistant instructors in the gym.
- Black Belt: A true master of the art. Earning a BJJ black belt is one of the most prestigious achievements in the martial arts. It signifies over a decade of dedication. A black belt possesses a profound, instinctual understanding of jiu-jitsu and can effectively teach, innovate, and perform at a high level.
The Master Ranks: Coral and Red Belts
After the black belt, the journey continues with ranks awarded based on time spent practicing and contributing to the art.
Red Belt: The 9th and 10th degrees, representing the pinnacle of the art and a lifetime of dedication.
Coral Belt (Red and Black): Awarded to 7th-degree black belts.
Coral Belt (Red and White): Awarded to 8th-degree black belts.
The Kids’ Ranks (Under 16)
BJJ has a separate, more detailed belt system for children, providing more frequent motivation and milestones. The progression is: White, Grey, Yellow, Orange, and Green. Each of these belts has a white-striped and solid-colored version to mark progress.
How Do You Get Promoted in BJJ?
Unlike many martial arts, BJJ has no formal, universal testing system. Promotions are decided solely by the head instructor of a school. An instructor evaluates a student based on several factors:
Character and Mat Time: Have you demonstrated dedication, respect, and consistent attendance over an extended period?
Sparring Performance: This is the most critical factor. Can you consistently and effectively apply your techniques against training partners who resist, of your rank and higher?
Technical Knowledge: Do you know the techniques and concepts appropriate for your level?
Prominent BJJ Practitioners
The effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the highest level of combat sports is undeniable. The UFC is filled with elite grapplers who use their BJJ skills to dominate opponents.
- Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira: The UFC’s all-time submission leader, Oliveira’s aggressive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has been the cornerstone of his championship success.
- Gilbert “Durinho” Burns: A multiple-time BJJ world champion, Burns has seamlessly translated his world-class grappling into a formidable MMA career.
- Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling: The former bantamweight champion’s unique grappling style, built on a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) foundation, has made him one of the most effective controllers in the sport.
- Rodolfo Vieira: An ADCC and five-time IBJJF World Champion, Vieira is one of the most credentialed grapplers to ever compete in MMA, possessing a formidable submission game.
- Ilia Topuria: A rising star in the featherweight division, Topuria has demonstrated elite-level BJJ, which has been instrumental in maintaining his undefeated record.
These influential practitioners are instrumental in pushing the boundaries of the sport, inspiring countless others to strive for excellence in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A rising star in the UFC featherweight division, Ilia Topuria has showcased high-level grappling skills. His BJJ has been instrumental in his undefeated streak, with a notable victory coming from an arm-triangle choke against Bryce Mitchell.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu owes a lot to a select group of influential practitioners who have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of the sport and shaping it into what it is today. These individuals have served as a source of inspiration for countless practitioners, motivating them to strive for excellence in this martial art and aim for greatness.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belts 101: The Guide to the Ranking System Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a black belt in BJJ?
The average time for a dedicated practitioner training consistently is between 8 and 12 years.
What are the stripes on a BJJ belt?
An instructor awards stripes (up to four per belt) to signify progress within a specific belt rank. They are milestones on the way to the next color.
Is BJJ good for self-defense?
Yes. BJJ is considered one of the most effective martial arts for one-on-one, unarmed self-defense, as it teaches you how to control and submit a larger, stronger opponent without relying on striking.
What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi BJJ?
“Gi” BJJ is practiced with the traditional uniform, which can be gripped for chokes and throws. “No-Gi” is practiced in shorts and a rash guard, requiring different grips (similar to wrestling controls) and often resulting in a faster-paced, scramble-heavy style.
