BJJ Belt System: Enlightening the Path, Progression, Expectations and Requirements in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The BJJ belt system serves as a symbolic representation of a practitioner’s progress, understanding and expertise in Brazilian jiu jitsu. The BJJ belt system differs greatly from other martial arts, due to the demanding nature and timeframe.
A black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu on average takes anywhere from 10-15 years of dedicated training. Obviously, there are notable exceptions, but the journey for most, me included, is a long one. 11 years separate my first lesson and receiving my black belt. For other martial arts, the timeframe differs greatly. Karate, depending on the style averages 4-6 years. Judo around 6-8 years, and taekwondo in 3-5 years. This is no slight on the other arts, it’s simply to illustrate the journey Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioners take.
An additional, crucial difference is the number of belts in each martial art. While they aren’t all standardized, a generalized look at each gives eight belts in karate, seven in judo, six in taekwondo, and just five in Brazilian jiu jitsu. With only a handful in the BJJ belt system, you’re looking at spending a lot of time in each.
So, I wanted to share my quick breakdown of each belt, what to expect, and how to survive, and thrive in it.
Laying the Foundation Correctly: White Belt
The BJJ belt system begins with a shiny new white belt. This is the stage of confusion quite honestly. The art is so complex, so broad, and so varied that it is hard for brand-new students.
It’s this stage where students should focus on learning the fundamentals and learning them well. This includes techniques, positions, and concepts that encompass the art of jiu jitsu. Here you’re looking to obtain a well-rounded skill set of defence, some offence, as well as common submissions and guard passes.
It’s here as well you’ll want to learn the names of each position and a basic understanding of each. You’ll want to learn to control your ego, understanding you’re going to get beaten by most of the other students – if you’re a large, athletic individual, this is doubly important for you. You’ll want to attend regular classes and get to know the instructors, the academy, and the art as a whole.
This is truly the start of a wonderful journey and it’s important here at white belt you build the best and strongest foundation you can.
Personally, I like to see my white belt students displaying a high level of defensive skills – learning how to escape common positions well and utilizing good hip movement and solid frames. In the early stages, surviving a round without getting submitted is a massive win in and of itself.
Progression and Technical Knowledge: Blue Belt
Blue is the first given belt in BJJ – anyone who walks through the door wears a white belt. It’s here you’re firmly finding your footing in the art. You have likely garnered a good proficiency and knowledge base and can execute a lot of techniques effectively and safely. You have likely spent hundreds of hours on the mat and are starting to develop your own game or personal style – finding how your body moves and what works for you.
At blue belt you’ll likely be a solid member of the academy, displaying great sportsmanship and respect for all. Blue belt is a time when you’ll gather a lot of different techniques and begin to see where they all fit into the overall game of jiu jitsu.
For me, I like to see my blue belt students learning to guard pass. Guard passing is one of, if not the most difficult aspects of the game, so a good deal of time is needed to be spent in opponent’s guards and understanding how to stay safe and the principles that make up a good guard pass. It’s wise to learn a large number of passes and styles of passing, but it’s also good to home in on the one or two you really gravitate towards and look for technical mastery in them. Blue belt is a fun belt – you can beat up some white belts and start nipping at the heels of the purples. There isn’t too much pressure still, so enjoy it!
Refining and Expanding Skill Sets: Purple Belt
The purple belt is a significant belt in the BJJ belt system. It lies directly in the middle with the blues and whites clamouring for you and the browns and black belts now taking note of your increasing skill sets and threat. It’s the baby black belt.
When I received my purple belt, I recall talking with Roger Gracie and he said to me that, at purple belt, you basically know all jiu jitsu and have a game in place. The only thing that separates purple and black belts is the time spent honing those skill sets.
At purple belt, you will have a high level of proficiency and knowledge. You’ll likely be creative and understand the intricacies that make techniques work. It’s here at purple you’ll also have a seniority in the academy to a degree. You’ll be a mentor to the lower students and even a coach on the mat to the lower belts.
I like to see in my purple belt students a high level of confidence. Not only in their skill set, but in their attitudes, mindset, and leadership. This is the belt with the most momentum and honestly, I recall it being my most difficult belt. This is where you sharpen edges and clean up bad habits.
I also like to see at this stage from my students a solid offensive game – both on top and from their guard. The foundations will have been laid at white belt and defences and passes honed through blue. This is the time to attack.
Mastery and Mentorship: Brown Belt
Although not quite a master, brown belt is a critical stage in Brazilian jiu jitsu. You’re knocking on the door of a black belt and you’re likely a force to be reckoned with in your academy.
At brown belt there will be few positions you don’t understand and few places you’re vulnerable. Your skill set is well-refined, and you have a lot of technical knowledge and a deep understanding of your game and overall strategies.
It’s here at brown belt you will likely have taken on the role of mentor, guiding and helping any less experienced students. You’ll serve as an example of humility, dedication, and discipline – as well as possibly the enforcer and the person riddled with injuries!
I like to see in my brown belt students a consolidation of the knowledge he or she has gained over many years. When on top, they’re very heavy and have a solid understanding of their body weight, connection, and pressure. When passing guard, they will make it look smooth and even effortless taking advantage of even the narrowest of opportunities given. When passing, they will be difficult to sweep and even more difficult to catch in a submission. He or she will be always ahead of their opponents and most likely have a signature game or technique.
Most of all though, I like to see my brown-belt students being a good person.
Reaching the Top of the Mountain: Black Belt
The black belt is the pinnacle of Brazilian jiu jitsu. After I received my black belt, I spoke to Roger Gracie and he told me, you’ve climbed the mountain, enjoy the view. I’ll never forget receiving my black belt and it’s a feeling I truly wish everyone could feel.
Earning a black belt in the BJJ belt system requires an extraordinary level of dedication and contribution to the art. It shows years and years of consistent training, overcoming adversity, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.
It’s here at black belt that practitioners not only possess an incredible arsenal of understanding and techniques but also embody the core values of the gentle art. A black belt is a person who understands themselves, their skillsets, and their bodies and minds better than most. They understand just how fragile humans can be while being so incredibly tough and capable of so much.
It's here at black belt the journey begins anew.
I know personally that I can now see the game with different eyes. I can take a day one white belt movement and understand now I know so little about it. I am on the path to understanding every little element to the best of my knowledge and refining it from a lump of coal to the shiniest diamond possible.
Of the black belt friends I have, I know they are the humblest, most friendly, and most respectful of all. They are all collectively the most dangerous people I know and yet, use their skill sets to aid others along their journeys.
I can’t speak for other black belts, but I know my goals are to continue to learn and grow while being the most dangerous, humble, respectful, and gentle person I can be.
BJJ Belt System Closing Thoughts
The BJJ belt system provides practitioners with a roadmap to progress through the art. From white belt to black belt, each stage represents a unique phase of learning and growth, both on and off the mats.
The belts may represent technical proficiency, but they represent so much more. They’re a testament to growth, character, discipline, understanding, knowledge, and heart.
The journey from white to black belt is a long and rewarding one.
I will say as a closing thought, however, that please don’t go chasing the belts. Chase skills, knowledge, understanding, and proficiency. The belts come as they may. Enjoy the journey.
Any thoughts, questions, or think I have missed anything, let me know. I’m always happy to hear from anyone who takes the time to read my words.