Understanding Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Rankings for Adults and Children

Everything You Need to Know About the BJJ Journey: From White Belt to Black Belt and Beyond

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) ranking system is a defining characteristic of the martial art, deeply rooted in skill progression and unwavering dedication. Belts act as not only symbols but also visual markers that represent an individual's journey and continuous growth within the discipline of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, practitioners advance through five primary belt ranks: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Each of these belts signifies a distinct stage in a practitioner's development, complete with its own unique challenges and accomplishments.

For those below the rank of black belt, individuals can earn up to four degrees or stripes as they refine their skills, accumulate experience, and demonstrate their commitment to training. At the black belt level, practitioners can attain six further degrees, which recognize advanced mastery and significant contributions to the art. Beyond the black belt, three esteemed ranks exist: the 7th degree, 8th degree, and the prestigious 10th degree red belt. This ultimate honor is reserved exclusively for the pioneers who shaped Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Embarking on the journey from white belt to black belt—and extending beyond—encompasses both personal growth and technical refinement in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Each milestone achieved in the ranking framework narrates a story filled with perseverance, discipline, and a profound passion for the art.

The IBJJF Adult Belt System

Belt Minimum Age to Receive - Belt Minimum Time Required at This Belt

 

White belt

 Any - None

 

Blue belt

 16 years - 2 years

 

Purple belt

 16 years - 1.5 years

 

Brown belt

 18 years - 1 year

 

Black belt

 19 years - 31 years

 

Red and black belt (7th degree black belt)

 50 years - 7 years

 

Red and white belt (8th degree black belt)

 57 years - 10 years

 

Red belt (9th and 10th degree black belt)

 67 years

White Belt: The Starting Point in BJJ

Minimum Age: None
Minimum Time at Belt: No minimum

The white belt is the entry point for all BJJ practitioners. According to Saulo Ribeiro in his book Jiu-Jitsu University, students typically spend 6–18 months at white belt before moving on to blue belt. However, this journey can vary, with some taking up to two years.

What Should White Belts Focus On?

At the white belt level, the focus is on building a strong foundation. Ribeiro emphasizes the importance of learning how to survive on the mats. Renowned black belt competitor Bernardo Faria advises white belts to master fundamentals like posturing in closed guard, basic sweeps, simple submissions, and essential escapes.

According to John Danaher, three critical techniques every white belt should prioritize are:

• Escaping from low mount
• Escaping from side control
• Escaping from back control

World-class MMA coach Firas Zahabi recommends that white belts drill these techniques extensively and seek out consistent, high-quality training to develop a solid understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals.

Blue Belt: Progression to a New Level

Minimum Age: 16 years
Minimum Time at Belt (for adults 18+): 2 years

The blue belt is a significant milestone in the BJJ ranking system, as it represents a practitioner’s development in both defensive and offensive techniques. It’s the first rank earned based on merit, showcasing a deeper understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals and a commitment to consistent training.

According to Saulo Ribeiro in Jiu-Jitsu University, the blue belt is often the rank practitioners spend the most time at on their journey toward black belt. For many, this period involves two to five years of growth and experimentation. Notable BJJ coach Nick Albin (known as "Chewy" from the Chewjitsu YouTube channel) describes the blue belt stage as one of exploration, where practitioners experiment with various techniques to find what works best for their personal style.

What Should a Blue Belt Know?

Helio Gracie famously defined a blue belt as someone capable of defending themselves against a larger, stronger opponent using pure jiu jitsu techniques. Building on this foundation, John Danaher outlines the key skills every blue belt should master:

• Being equally effective from the top and bottom positions
• Escaping from an opponent of similar skill level at will
• Finishing opponents with submissions
• Mastering techniques like the elbow escape, hook sweep, knee slice guard pass, and back strangles

The blue belt stage is also about honing your ability to stay composed under pressure and developing versatility in your approach to both offense and defense. Coaches like Ryan Young from Kama Jiu Jitsu suggest that this rank is where practitioners truly begin to refine their understanding of BJJ, solidifying their foundational skills.

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Purple Belt: Refinement and Mentorship

Minimum Age: 16 years
Minimum Time at Belt (for adults 18+): 1.5 years

The purple belt is the next step in the belt ranking system in BJJ and marks a deeper refinement of technique. According to world-class MMA coach Firas Zahabi, the purple belt is a challenging rank that should take approximately five years to achieve, demonstrating dedication and technical proficiency.

What Should a Purple Belt Know?

At this stage, practitioners focus on both improving their skills and mentoring less experienced students. As Saulo Ribeiro notes in Jiu-Jitsu University, purple belts are often responsible for guiding white and blue belts, helping them improve while reinforcing their own understanding of techniques.

Purple belts are expected to:

• Believe in their own skill level without being intimidated by lower belts
• Regularly control and submit blue belts with confidence
• Compete effectively against experienced blue belts
• Present a challenge to brown belts

Firas Zahabi emphasizes that purple belts should know details of advanced combinations and navigate more complex positions with ease. This rank is also about cleaning up any rough edges in your game, as Ryan Young puts it, ensuring every move and technique is precise and deliberate.

Chewy from Chewjitsu calls the purple belt a “prototype belt,” where practitioners begin to specialize in particular areas of their game. This is the stage where you start building the “tip” of the iceberg that will eventually define your style as a brown belt and beyond.

Brown Belt: The Final Step Before Black

Minimum Age: 18 years
Minimum Time at Belt (for athletes aged 18+): 1 year

The brown belt is the final milestone before reaching the coveted black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As Saulo Ribeiro explains in Jiu-Jitsu University, this stage is all about refining your game and polishing the rough edges. It’s a rank where practitioners sharpen their skills, aiming for the technical mastery and precision required to reach the next level.

What Should a Brown Belt Know?

At the brown belt level, a practitioner should be capable of dominating and controlling purple belts with consistency. Firas Zahabi emphasizes that brown belts must demonstrate the ability to submit purple belts with confidence, showcasing clear technical superiority.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Brown Belt?

The time spent at brown belt varies, but according to Ryan Young from Kama Jiu Jitsu, most practitioners hold this rank for 1–2 years. During this time, the focus is on perfecting techniques and preparing for the responsibilities and challenges of being a black belt.

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Black Belt: The Pinnacle of (most) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

Minimum Age: 19 years
Minimum Time at Belt: 31 years (with degree progression)

Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the most difficult and rewarding achievements in the art. For many, this rank represents not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new phase of learning and teaching. As John Danaher describes it, achieving black belt is like "entering into training adulthood," where practitioners start to develop their unique approach to the game and share their knowledge with others.

Requirements for an IBJJF-Certified Black Belt

To be officially recognized by the IBJJF, practitioners must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid first aid and CPR certification
• Be affiliated with the IBJJF
• Attend an IBJJF referee course and score at least 60%
• Either lead or assist in an IBJJF-affiliated gym or train under a qualified IBJJF-affiliated instructor
• Be promoted by an IBJJF-affiliated 2nd-degree black belt instructor

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Black Belt in BJJ?

The time it takes to earn a black belt varies widely, but the average is often quoted as 8–12 years. However, there are exceptions where practitioners achieve this rank in significantly less time. Some notable examples include:

• Demian Maia: 4 years 7 months
• Kit Dale: Under 5 years
• Nicolas Gregoriades: 4 years
• Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez: 3 years 11 months

What Should a Black Belt Know?

A black belt practitioner is expected to have an expert-level understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals, self-defense techniques, and advanced strategies for both competition and teaching. Key insights from experts include:

• Dave Kama (Rickson Gracie black belt): Proficiency in core self-defense techniques and a deep understanding of fundamental principles.
• Rickson Gracie: Teachers must master the "full program of self-defense" to guide others effectively.
• John Danaher: Black belts should excel in creating effective attacks across the entire body.
• Firas Zahabi: Black belts must dominate and control brown belts during sparring, demonstrating clear superiority.

Achieving the rank of black belt is a testament to years of dedication, perseverance, and passion for the art. It signifies mastery not just of techniques, but also the mindset required to lead and inspire others in the BJJ community.

Red and Black Belt: Mastering the 7th Degree

Minimum Age: 50 years
Minimum Time at Belt: 7 years

The red and black belt, also known as the 7th degree black belt, is a symbol of mastery and lifetime dedication to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Practitioners are eligible to receive this rank after spending at least 31 years as a black belt and reaching the age of 50. This belt signifies a practitioner's commitment to not only improving their skills but also mentoring and contributing to the broader BJJ community.

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Red and White Belt: The 8th Degree Milestone

Minimum Age: 57 years
Minimum Time at Belt: 10 years

The red and white belt, or 8th degree black belt, is awarded after spending at least 7 years as a 7th degree red and black belt. To achieve this rank, practitioners must be at least 57 years old and demonstrate an enduring commitment to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals and the art's traditions. This belt is a mark of both technical excellence and leadership in the world of BJJ.

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Red Belt: The Pinnacle of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Minimum Age: 67 years
Minimum Time at Belt: 10 years (for 9th degree)

The red belt represents the highest achievement in the BJJ ranking system, signifying the 9th and 10th degree grandmaster ranks. These belts are reserved for practitioners who have dedicated their entire lives to the art and are seen as the ultimate authorities in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

9th Degree Red Belt

Practitioners may receive the 9th degree red belt after spending at least 10 years as an 8th degree red and white belt. This rank is a rare honor and serves as a testament to decades of teaching, mentorship, and mastery.

10th Degree Red Belt

The 10th degree red belt is the highest rank in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, reserved exclusively for its founders—Carlos, Oswaldo, George, Gaston, and Helio Gracie. This belt is a tribute to their pioneering contributions to the art, marking them as the creators of the modern BJJ system.

To this day, the list of 9th degree grandmasters is carefully maintained by organizations such as BJJ Eastern Europe, ensuring these masters receive the recognition they deserve for their lifelong dedication to the art.

Kids BJJ Belt Rankings: A Comprehensive Overview

The kids BJJ belt system provides young practitioners with a structured progression through the ranks of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, emphasizing both technical skill development and personal growth. Designed for children aged 4–15, this system introduces them to the fundamentals of BJJ while fostering discipline, confidence, and a love for the sport.

Kids BJJ Belt Colors

The kids' ranking system includes a total of 13 belts, each with its own unique color and progression. These belts help young grapplers track their achievements and provide incremental goals as they develop their skills. The following are the belt colors in the kids BJJ ranking system:

1. White Belt
2. Grey Belt (Grey/White, Solid Grey, Grey/Black)
3. Yellow Belt (Yellow/White, Solid Yellow, Yellow/Black)
4. Orange Belt (Orange/White, Solid Orange, Orange/Black)
5. Green Belt (Green/White, Solid Green, Green/Black)

Each belt also includes three levels of progression, represented by stripes, before transitioning to the next rank. This approach allows children to set smaller, achievable milestones within each belt level.

Minimum Requirements for Kids Belts

While the IBJJF graduation system sets minimum age and time requirements for adult belts, the kids' system is more flexible. There are no strict time requirements for staying at each belt, though promotions typically depend on the child’s age, dedication, and performance. Promotions are at the discretion of the instructor and are based on factors such as:

• Technical skills: Mastering fundamental techniques appropriate to their level.
• Consistency: Regular attendance and effort during classes.
• Behavior and discipline: Demonstrating respect, focus, and sportsmanship on and off the mats.

Transitioning to Adult Belts

At 16 years of age, children transition from the kids BJJ belt rankings to the adult belt system. The adult belt they are promoted to will depend on their current rank and proficiency level. For example:

• A Green/Black Belt will typically transition into a Blue Belt, the first rank in the adult system.

This transition is a major milestone in a young practitioner’s journey, marking the shift to more advanced training and competition.

The Benefits of Kids BJJ Belt Rankings

The kids BJJ ranking system is about more than just skill acquisition—it instills values like perseverance, goal setting, and self-confidence. Each promotion signifies a child’s progress not only as a grappler but as an individual, preparing them for future challenges both on and off the mats.

By providing clear pathways for growth and achievement, the kids BJJ belts play an essential role in developing the next generation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners.

How Do You Progress to the Next Belt in BJJ?

Source: IBJJF

Progressing through the BJJ belt system is typically determined by your head instructor and can vary significantly between gyms. While the IBJJF graduation system includes four “degrees” or stripes for each belt below black belt, not all gyms follow this system. Some gyms may not award stripes at all, while others might only provide stripes for certain belts. For instance, Kama Jiu Jitsu only awards stripes at the blue belt level.

The process for earning stripes or belts can also differ. Some gyms hold official gradings for stripes but not belts, while others focus on belt promotions and disregard stripes entirely. There are even gyms that do both—or neither. Ultimately, progression is heavily influenced by the traditions and preferences of your gym.

Factors That Influence Belt and Stripe Promotions

Instructors generally evaluate students for promotion based on several key criteria, including:

• Technical proficiency: How well a student understands and applies techniques.
• Performance in sparring or competition: Demonstrating effectiveness on the mats.
• Well-rounded skills: Competency in both offense and defense, across positions.
• Time spent training and frequency: Dedication and consistency in showing up for training.

Some systems, such as Rob Biernacki’s from BJJ Concepts, take an innovative approach by tying stripes to specific skill sets. For example, in his system for earning a blue belt, one stripe might represent proficiency in guard retention while another signifies expertise in sweeping movements. Students can earn stripes in any order by mastering these modules, creating a highly structured and skill-focused path to progression.

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Does Your Belt Color Really Matter?

For some, like the respected John Danaher, the color of your belt below black doesn’t hold much significance. Danaher emphasizes performance over superficial milestones, stating:

“At the end of the day – don’t give a damn about what color your belt is – worry about what you can do on the mat. The people we all admire the most are those whose performance level exceeds the expectations of their belt, age, and time of training. Make that your goal rather than the superficial concern over whether it took you twenty-four months rather than twenty-eight months to get a new belt color.”

Ultimately, the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ranking system is a guide for progress, but it’s your performance, dedication, and growth as a martial artist that truly define your journey. Focus on developing your skills and let your efforts speak louder than the color of your belt.