What Are the Belt Ranks in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? — Complete Guide for Adults & Kids
Understanding the belt system in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) gives context to your long-term journey. Belts aren’t just colors — they’re milestones that represent years of practice, growth, and persistence.
Unlike some martial arts where ranks can be achieved quickly, BJJ belts are notoriously hard-earned. It often takes 10–15 years to reach black belt, with each stage bringing unique lessons and challenges.
Adult Belt Progression (White → Black)
White Belt — The Beginning
Focus: Survival, defense, learning posture, escapes, and how to relax under pressure.
Mindset: Your main job is to show up and learn how to learn. Don’t worry about winning rounds.
Common time to progress: 1–2 years.
Pro tip: Use a training journal to jot down escapes, guard concepts, and “aha moments.” It speeds up retention at this stage.
Blue Belt — Building the Fundamentals
Focus: Guard passing, positional control, submissions, and building a strong foundation.
Mindset: You’re now dangerous to newer students, but still vulnerable to higher belts. Stay humble.
Common time to progress: 2–4 years.
At blue belt, many students quit. Staying consistent is more important than “being the best.”
Purple Belt — Creativity & Style
Focus: Connecting techniques into sequences, experimenting with your personal game.
Mindset: You begin to express individuality in jiu jitsu — your “style” emerges.
Common time to progress: 2–4 years.
Purples often mentor lower belts and refine teaching skills.
Brown Belt — Precision & Polish
Focus: Sharpening tools, fixing gaps, and polishing technique.
Mindset: Preparing for the black belt requires attention to detail. You’re refining mastery.
Common time to progress: 1–3 years.
Black Belt — Mastery in Progress
Focus: Deep understanding of technique, strategy, and teaching.
Mindset: Black belt is not the finish line — it’s the beginning of a new journey.
Time to achieve: 8–15 years on average.
Kids Belt System (Under 16)
Children progress through a different sequence before entering the adult ranking system. According to the IBJJF:
White (starting rank)
Grey (grey/white, solid grey, grey/black)
Yellow (yellow/white, solid yellow, yellow/black)
Orange (orange/white, solid orange, orange/black)
Green (green/white, solid green, green/black)
At age 16, students transition into the adult belt system (usually to blue or purple depending on experience).
Stripes: The Mini-Milestones
Most gyms award up to four stripes per belt as recognition of progress, mat time, and consistency. Stripes are informal and vary by instructor, but they:
Motivate students with incremental goals.
Recognize development between promotions.
Encourage consistency rather than chasing belts.
Belt Promotion Criteria
Promotion standards vary by academy and instructor, but common factors include:
Time on the mat (IBJJF sets minimums for some ranks).
Technical knowledge and ability to apply under resistance.
Consistency & attitude — showing up matters more than talent.
Competition results (optional, depends on academy).
Belt Ranks Beyond Black
The journey doesn’t stop at black. Higher degrees (stripes) and coral belts mark decades of dedication:
1st–6th degree black belt: earned every 3 years of teaching/practice.
7th & 8th degree (coral belts): red/black and red/white belts.
9th & 10th degree red belt: reserved for pioneers of the art.
The Deeper Lesson: Belts Are Earned, Not Given
A belt doesn’t make you skilled — your time, consistency, and ability to apply techniques under resistance does. BJJ is a merit-based martial art, and promotions are slow on purpose.
Belts mark your progress, but your training habits determine your growth.
This is where a training journal can help: logging classes, techniques, and goals gives structure to your path — whether you’re a fresh white belt or a seasoned purple. (Check out The Practitioner’s Journal for a minimalist, easy-to-use log built for BJJ practitioners.)
FAQs
How long does it take to get a black belt in BJJ?
On average, 10–15 years depending on consistency, school, and individual progress.
What’s the hardest belt in BJJ?
Many say blue belt, because it’s where students either commit long-term or quit.
Do all schools follow IBJJF rules for belts?
Not always. IBJJF sets common standards, but some gyms promote faster/slower, or have their own philosophy.
What belt can you start competing at?
White belt. Competitions are divided by belt rank, weight, and age.
Do kids get promoted to black belt?
No. Children stop at green/black. At 16, they transition to adult belts (blue or purple).
Action Step
Reflect on what stage you’re in now. Ask yourself:
What should I be focusing on at this level?
Am I showing up consistently?
Then write it down. Building awareness at each stage accelerates growth.
Keep training and own the process,
— Tim
