Many people find the jiu-jitsu belt system confusing. The order of belts is a key part of mastering this martial art. This article will guide you through each level, from white to red, explaining what they mean and how you can progress.
Belt Levels in Jiu-Jitsu
In Jiu-Jitsu, each belt color represents a step in learning this martial art. Climbing from white belt to red belt shows growth and mastery.
White Belt
Starting as a white belt in Jiu-Jitsu marks your first step on this martial arts journey. This level is for beginners who are just learning the basics of grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
You will learn fundamental techniques, how to defend yourself, and start understanding how to move on the ground. Safety and respect are key lessons at this stage.
As you train and improve, you aim to master these basic skills before moving onto more complex moves. The white belt phase focuses on building a strong foundation in Jiu-Jitsu that will support your progress through later belts.
Next up is the blue belt, where things get more challenging.
Blue Belt
After mastering the basics as a white belt, students move up to the blue belt. This level shows they understand the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Blue belts learn more techniques and start building their own style.
They must also improve their defense skills against higher belts. Training gets tougher at this stage to prepare them for advanced levels.
Blue belt holders often help white belts, sharing knowledge and tips. This teaching helps blue belts review basic moves and principles too. They spend about two years at this rank, focusing on expanding their skill set before moving on to the purple belt.
Purple Belt
Earning a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu marks a significant step. Students show deep understanding of techniques and strategies at this level. They also start to develop their personal style.
Purple belts often help teach less experienced students, sharing their knowledge.
This belt requires years of training and dedication. Purple belt fighters can perform complex moves with ease. They know how to adapt to different opponents in competitions or sparring sessions.
This rank sets the path towards mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, leading them closer to the prestigious black belt.
Brown Belt
A brown belt in Jiu Jitsu shows a high level of skill and understanding. This rank is just one step below black belt. Students at this level have spent years mastering moves and strategies.
They can teach lower belts and may compete at advanced levels.
Brown belts work hard to refine their techniques. They focus on small details that make a big difference during matches. Their journey continues as they prepare for the ultimate goal: earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Black Belt
Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a major achievement. It shows you have mastered the techniques and can apply them with skill. This level takes years of practice, often more than 10 years.
Black belts teach others and keep learning new things themselves.
The journey doesn’t stop here, though. After reaching this rank, there are even higher levels to achieve, like the red/black belt and beyond.
Red / Black Belt (Coral Belt)
A Red / Black Belt, also known as a Coral Belt, is a major milestone in the martial art of Jiu Jitsu. This belt shows that someone has vast knowledge and years of experience. Achieving this level means you are an expert who can both teach and lead in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
It takes about 30 to 40 years of training to reach this rank.
Jiu jitsu practitioners who earn a Coral Belt have contributed significantly to the sport. They often shape the future generations by sharing their wisdom and skills. Being awarded this belt is not just about personal achievement; it’s a sign that you have helped grow and develop Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a whole.
Red / White Belt (Coral Belt)
Earning a red and white belt, also known as a coral belt in Jiu Jitsu, is a massive achievement. This rank signifies deep knowledge and decades of dedication to the martial art. To reach this level, practitioners need more than just skills; they must contribute significantly to the Jiu Jitsu community.
Many spend years teaching and sharing their expertise with others.
The journey doesn’t stop at black belt for those passionate about Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The red and white belt comes after achieving a 6th-degree black belt, showing not only mastery but also commitment to evolving the sport.
Only a few reach this esteemed rank, making it one of the rarest honors in the jiu-jitsu world.
Red Belt
The red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu signifies the highest level of expertise. This rank is reserved for those who have dedicated a lifetime to the art, often taking over 40 years to achieve.
Masters and grandmasters who receive this honor are seen as living legends within the community. They have not only mastered techniques but also contributed significantly to Jiu-Jitsu’s growth and development.
Reaching red belt status is an incredible achievement in the BJJ belt system, reflecting immense dedication, skill, and knowledge. These practitioners hold a deep understanding of Jiu-Jitsu’s principles and philosophy.
Their role extends beyond personal accomplishment; they guide and inspire future generations in the sport.
Youth Belt Ranks
Young Jiu Jitsu students follow a unique belt system different from adults. This system helps track their progress and achievements as they learn and grow in the sport.
Conversion between Youth Belt Systems
Different youth belt systems exist in Jiu-Jitsu. Some schools use colors like white, gray, yellow, orange, and green for kids. Other places might follow the adult system but add stripes or tags to show progress.
The idea is to make it easy for young students to see how far they have come and what they need to work on next.
Switching from one school’s youth system to another can seem tricky at first. But most coaches know how to match up belts between different systems. They look at a student’s skills, knowledge, and time spent training.
This way, kids can move into a new class without losing their hard-earned rank. Teachers always aim to place students where they will learn best and keep growing in Jiu-Jitsu.
Promotion Criteria
To move up in jiu-jitsu belt ranks, students must show they have learned certain skills and know-how. Coaches look at how well you understand techniques and your ability to use them during training.
They also consider your dedication to training, respect for others, and how you help teammates improve. Promotions are not just about winning competitions; they’re about growing as a martial artist both on and off the mat.
Progress is marked by stripes before moving to the next belt color. Earning stripes shows your improvement and gets you closer to your next big step – changing belts. Each school might have its own rules for giving out stripes and belts.
Always aim to learn, practice hard, and be patient with yourself.
Moving forward, let’s talk about formal testing in jiu-jitsu.
Formal Testing
After learning about promotion criteria, it’s time to explore formal testing in Jiu Jitsu. Formal testing is a key part of moving up in belt ranks. Coaches watch students closely during these tests.
They look for skill, knowledge, and readiness for the next level.
Tests can be tough. They cover moves, defense techniques, and sometimes sparring with another student. Passing means you’re ready for a new belt color and more advanced techniques.
It’s a big step forward on your Jiu Jitsu journey.
Competitions
Passing your formal tests shows you’re ready for the next exciting part of Jiu Jitsu: competitions. Competitions let fighters from different schools test their skills. They can fight in matches that match their belt level, weight, and age.
This makes sure fights are fair and safe.
Competitions are a big deal in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). They help students see where they stand and what they need to work on. Winners often get medals or trophies, but everyone learns valuable lessons about facing challenges head-on.
Stripe Degrees
Stripes on belts show progress in Jiu Jitsu. You get stripes before moving to the next belt color. Coaches give them out based on skill, knowledge, and time spent training. Stripes help students set short-term goals while working towards their next belt.
Earning stripes keeps motivation high. It shows you’re improving even if you haven’t reached a new belt level yet. After understanding stripe degrees, let’s look at how to progress through the entire belt system.
Progression through the Belt System
Moving through the Jiu Jitsu belt system shows your growth and skill. Setting clear goals and understanding what each belt means can help you improve faster.
Goals for Each Belt Level
At the white belt level, beginners learn the basics of Jiu Jitsu. They focus on understanding the fundamentals, practicing discipline, and respecting their peers. This foundation is crucial for building a strong Jiu Jitsu journey.
Blue belts work on refining techniques and starting to develop their own style. They also begin helping lower-ranked members, showing leadership and deeper knowledge of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Purple belts continue this path but take on more complex skills and often compete to test themselves.
Brown belts are nearing mastery and polish their skills while teaching others. Their goals include perfecting techniques and preparing for black belt responsibilities. Black belts aim to excel in their craft, contribute to the community, and uphold the values of Jiu Jitsu taught by legends like Royce Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.
Coral belts represent decades of dedication to Brazilian jiu-jitsu after becoming black belts. They serve as mentors within the sport jiu-jitsu community, guiding practitioners toward excellence.
Red belts symbolize a lifetime commitment to Jiu Jitsu’s art and philosophy. Achieving this rank reflects immense respect within the grappling world due to contributions like those from Hélio Gracie.
Timeline and Knowledge Level
Understanding the goals for each belt level sets the stage for knowing how long it might take to progress. Moving from one jiu jitsu belt rank to another can vary greatly among individuals.
Jiu jitsu practitioners often spend years at each belt level, honing their skills and acquiring deeper knowledge of Brazilian jiu-jitsu principles. Advancement relies not just on skill but also on demonstrating respect, discipline, and dedication.
Growth in this martial art isn’t tied strictly to time spent on the mat; knowledge gained is just as crucial. A white belt learns fundamentals, while a black belt has mastered them along with developing teaching abilities.
Achieving higher ranks like the coral or red belts takes decades, reflecting both immense skill and significant contributions to the sport of jiu-jitsu. Each step forward in your journey symbolizes personal development that goes beyond mere technique mastery.
After Black Belt
Earning the black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a major achievement. It shows you have mastered many skills and understand the sport deeply. But your journey doesn’t stop there. Beyond the black belt, there are higher ranks like the red/black belt (coral belt), red/white belt (coral belt), and ultimately, the red belt.
Achieving these belts takes years of dedication, teaching, and contributing to Jiu-Jitsu.
As a black belt holder, you can focus on refining techniques and sharing your knowledge with others. Many choose to open their own schools or mentor upcoming fighters. Others continue competing at high levels to test their skills against equally experienced practitioners.
These advanced belts symbolize not just personal mastery but also significant contributions to evolving the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Tips for Advancing in Jiu-Jitsu Belt System
Practice consistently to improve in jiu-jitsu. Show up to class, listen carefully, and apply what you learn. Training regularly builds your skills faster.
Focus on learning from losses. Each mistake teaches something important. Ask higher belts for advice and use their feedback to grow stronger in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ranking system. Don’t rush; mastering takes time but leads to true advancement through BJJ belt ranks.
Conclusion
The journey through Jiu Jitsu belts is a rewarding adventure. Every belt represents growth, skill, and dedication in this martial art. As you move from white to the esteemed black belt and beyond, you keep learning and evolving.
The path isn’t just about fighting; it’s also about personal development. Keep pushing forward, respecting each level’s unique challenges and lessons.
FAQs
1. What is the order of Jiu Jitsu belts for adults?
The order starts with white, then blue, purple, brown, and finally black belt. After reaching a black belt, there are higher degrees like the red-and-black belt.
2. Are there different belts for kids in Jiu Jitsu?
Yes! Kids have their own set of colored belts that help track their progress until they’re old enough to move into the adult ranking system.
3. How long does it take to get a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
It varies by person but getting a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt usually takes about 10 years of regular training and practice.
4. What do the colors of Jiu Jitsu belts mean?
Each color represents a level of knowledge and skill in jiu-jitsu. As you learn more techniques and improve, you earn belts that show your progress.
5. Who created the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu ranking system?
The Gracie family developed this ranking system to organize how students progress through sport jiu-jitsu based on their mastery of techniques.
6. Can anyone learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes! People from all ages can start learning Brazilian jiu-jitu regardless if they want to compete or just enjoy learning martial arts for self-defense and fitness.
