BJJ Belt Progression Explained: A Complete Guide to Ranks

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 an iconic aspect of the art, reflecting both skill progression and dedication. Belts are a central feature of BJJ, serving as a visual representation of your journey and growth in the discipline.

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there are five primary belt ranks: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Each belt signifies a new chapter in a practitioner’s development, with unique challenges and accomplishments at every level.

For belts below black, practitioners typically earn up to four degrees or stripes as they refine their skills and gain experience. At the black belt level, there are six degrees that recognize further mastery and commitment to the art. Beyond the black belt, there are three prestigious ranks: 7th degree, 8th degree, and the ultimate honor, the 10th degree red belt, which is exclusively reserved for the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Embarking on the journey from white belt to black belt—and even beyond—is as much about personal growth as it is about honing your BJJ techniques. Each milestone in the ranking system tells the story of perseverance, discipline, and a 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	Undefined

Source: IBJJF

For children there are 13 belts explained further below.

The journey towards a black belt is a common goal among many BJJ practitioners, and for most requires a lot of time, hard work and discipline. Read on to see how belt progression works in BJJ, and what you need to do and know at each stage to progress to the next belt.

Understanding the BJJ Ranking System: From White Belt to Black Belt

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ranking system is designed to recognize skill, dedication, and time invested in mastering the art. For children, the BJJ belt system includes 13 unique belts, which we’ll explore further below.

For adult practitioners, the journey toward achieving a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a common and ambitious goal. This path demands years of hard work, discipline, and a deep commitment to the art. Below, we’ll break down how progression works in the ranking of belts in Jiu Jitsu and what you need to focus on to advance through each rank.

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How Many Belts Are There in BJJ? What Does It Take to Earn Them?

The information here is based on the IBJJF adult belt system and insights from experienced practitioners. While the IBJJF sets widely followed guidelines, other systems, like the Rickson Gracie-led Jiu Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF), offer alternative structures.

Unlike some martial arts, there’s no single regulatory body overseeing the BJJ belt order for every practitioner. Instead, progression is determined by qualified instructors who evaluate students based on their skill, age, and time on the mat.

Organizations like the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) outline minimum time requirements for each belt and specify the qualifications needed to grade others. For example, IBJJF guidelines state that a blue belt practitioner must hold their rank for at least two years before advancing to purple belt. Promotions to black belt must be overseen by an accredited 2nd-degree black belt, and certain belts have minimum age requirements.

Let’s dive into each belt, starting with white, to explore what’s required at each stage of the BJJ ranking system.

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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.

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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 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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 Highest Honour in 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 belts: 4 – 15 years of age

Belt	Minimum age requirement
White	None
Grey and White	4 to 15 years
Grey	4 to 15 years
Grey and Black	4 to 15 years
Yellow and White	7 to 15 years
Yellow	7 to 15 years
Yellow and Black	7 to 15 years
Orange and White	10 to 15 years
Orange	10 to 15 years
Orange and Black	10 to 15 years
Green and White	13 to 15 years
Green	13 to 15 years
Green and Black	13 to 15 years

Kids BJJ Belts: For Practitioners Aged 4–15

Source: IBJJF

The kids BJJ belt system is designed to introduce young practitioners to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while fostering discipline, focus, and technical growth. For children aged 4–15, there are no strict time requirements for advancing through the BJJ ranks for kids, aside from meeting the minimum age requirements.

Once a practitioner turns 16, they transition into the adult BJJ belt order, as outlined in the IBJJF graduation rules. Their new rank will be determined by their current children’s BJJ belt, ensuring a smooth progression into the adult ranking system.

This transition is a significant milestone in a young athlete's journey, as it marks their entry into the more structured and competitive realm of adult BJJ ranks. The kids belt system not only prepares them technically but also instills the values and discipline needed to thrive in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community.

Belt before turning 16	Promotion belt
White belt	White belt
Grey belt, yellow belt, orange belt	Blue belt
Green belt	Blue or purple belt (depending on your instructor’s decision)

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.