Jiu-Jitsu Belt Ranking System Explained 

If you’re reading this, you’re either thinking about starting Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or you’ve just recently started, become hooked – as we all do – and want to know more about how to advance though this amazing martial art you’ve found. In either case, welcome. You’ve found the right place. 

The world of jiu-jitsu is wide and varied. There is no “one” jiu-jitsu. Not only are there differences between the gi styles and the no-gi styles, but there can also be differences between various academies, from the techniques they focus on to their internal cultures and values. However, one thing that provides structure throughout the discipline is the belt ranking system. Understanding this system can provide insights to help you in your own progression through the art, no matter where you are.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the key elements of the BJJ belt ranking system, exploring its significance, its structure, and what it means for practitioners at different stages of their journey. 

The Basics of Belt Ranking

The jiu-jitsu belt ranking system is designed to denote a practitioner’s level of expertise, experience, and skill. Unlike some martial arts that have a strict, universally accepted ranking structure, with clearly defined time limits and testing requirements for advancing through each belt, the BJJ belt system allows for a bit more variation between the different schools and organizations. However, the basic structure is pretty consistent:

• White Belt: The starting point for all practitioners, the white belt symbolizes the beginning of your journey. If your academy has a separate beginner’s curriculum, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental techniques, positions, and concepts of BJJ. If not, you’ll learn these as you go. Don’t get overwhelmed by the more advanced techniques… focus on learning and refining the basic movements.
• Blue Belt: The blue belt represents the first significant milestone in a practitioner’s development. By this stage, you should have a solid grasp of fundamental techniques and key elements of each position. As you progress through your blue belt, focus on developing the connections between the different techniques. As you incorporate more advanced concepts and techniques into your game, you’ll begin to find your own personal style.
• Purple Belt: Advancing to purple belt signifies that you’ve joined the ranks of the “upper belts.” At this point, you’ll have deepened your technical proficiency and started to develop a more strategic approach to rolling, adapting to your opponent’s reactions. At this stage, in addition to further advancing your individual “jiu-jitsu game,” you should also be teaching and helping lower belts. This helps both you and them advance.
• Brown Belt: The brown belt is a mark of advanced skill and understanding in jiu-jitsu. At this level, you should have developed a robust, comprehensive game that includes both offensive and defensive techniques. Hopefully, you’ve also become a more well-rounded player, but most tend to specialize more in being a “guard puller” or a “passer.” At this point, you are expected to be proficient in a wide array of techniques and to demonstrate a high level of problem-solving ability during sparring.
• Black Belt: The black belt is a symbol of mastery and dedication to the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Achieving a black belt requires years of hard work, untold hours of “time on the mat,” perseverance, and a commitment to continuous improvement. At this point, you’re expected to be able to teach lower belts of all levels. However, most black belts see this milestone as where their “learning really begins.” 

It's All About Time and Experience 

As mentioned earlier, many other martial arts have clearly defined rules and requirements for when and how an individual is ready to “rank up.” This is not as much the case in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), the longest-running association in the sport, offers some general guidelines for BJJ belt promotions, but these are not the end-all-be-all for all jiu-jitsu academies.

There are some academies and affiliations that tend to rank their students up relatively quickly, and others that make their students wait a long time. Additionally, each student’s personal progress – the frequency in which they train, their natural aptitude, and how often they compete –  will factor in how fast or slow they are promoted to the next belt.

The following gives some idea of the average for most academies:

• White: All ages – kids and adults – start at white belt. You can expect to spend anywhere from six months to two years at white belt.
• Blue: A youth practitioner typically isn’t promoted to blue – even if he/she has spent 10+ years training – until they reach the age of 16. You can expect to stay at blue between two to four years.
• Purple: The minimum age for purple – according to the IBJJF – is also typically 16. Purple belt tends to be a much wider range of variability. Some will advance after only a year and a half, others might spend several years at purple.
• Brown: The minimum age for brown is 18. As with purple belt, promotion periods vary. I’ve seen a brown belt promoted to black in barely a year, and I’ve seen 5-year brown belts.
• Black: The minimum age for black belt is 19. You will spend the longest time in black belt, as once you’ve achieved your black belt, you’ll receive a stripe every three to five years. After 31 years at black belt, you’ll be eligible to receive your red/black belt, followed by your red/white after seven years, and then your red belt (the last and final belt) after an additional 10 years.

The belt ranking system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu serves as a general roadmap for practitioners, helping to guide their progression and development in the art. From the humble white belt to the advanced mastery signified by the black belt, each stage represents a significant step in the journey of becoming a skilled and knowledgeable BJJ practitioner.

However, it’s important to remember that – at the end of the day – your belt is just something that holds your gi together. It’s easy to start comparing yourself to others within your rank, and maybe get discouraged about where you are in your jiu-jitsu journey. That’s human nature. Just remember: everyone’s journey is their own. Your belt color is merely an indicator – and a very loose one – of your progress, and says nothing about the type of person you are or your personal achievements off the mat.