The belt system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu explained
- Warren Gannon
- May 4
- 3 min read
Updated: May 24
If you’re new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), one of the first things you’ll notice is the colorful range of belts wrapped around people’s waists. Each belt represents a student’s experience level, technical knowledge, and time on the mat. But unlike some other martial arts, progressing through the BJJ belt system takes time, commitment, and real skill.
In this article, we’ll break down the BJJ belt system, explain roughly what each belt represents, and share how long it typically takes to move through the ranks.
What are the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt ranks?
The standard adult belt system in BJJ consists of the following ranks:
White belt – The beginner
Blue belt – The committed student
Purple belt – The technician
Brown belt – The strategist
Black belt – The expert
There are also coral and red belts beyond black belt, awarded to long-time practitioners and legends of the art, but we’ll focus on the most common journey: white to black.
⚪ White belt: The starting point
The white belt is where everyone begins. At this stage, your main job is to show up, absorb the basics, and build a foundation. You'll learn:
Basic positions (guard, mount, side control)
Fundamental escapes and submissions
How to survive and move safely
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but remember: every black belt was once a white belt.
🔵 Blue belt: The first big milestone
Most students earn their blue belt after 1–2 years of consistent training. A blue belt has:
A good understanding of basic positions and techniques
The ability to roll (spar) competently with other belts
Started developing a personal game or style
Blue belt is often where students hit “the wall” — it’s a long belt, and many people quit here. Sticking with it is part of what makes BJJ rewarding.
🟣 Purple belt: The technician
After several more years of training (often 4–6 total), a student may be awarded a purple belt. At this point, a practitioner:
Has a deep technical understanding of BJJ
Can teach and mentor lower belts
Has developed sharp offence and solid defence
Purple belts are often referred to as “mini black belts” because of their strong overall knowledge.
🟤 Brown belt: The strategist
This belt is about refining your game. Brown belts are:
Polishing timing, precision, and transitions
Learning to control pace and dictate matches
Preparing for the responsibilities of a black belt
It’s the shortest belt for most — typically 1–2 years before promotion to black.
⚫ Black belt: The beginning of mastery
Achieving a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can take 8–12 years (or longer). But it’s not the end — it’s the beginning of a new chapter. A BJJ black belt:
Has mastered fundamentals and advanced techniques
Understands timing, strategy, and efficiency
Often teaches, mentors, and contributes to the community
Black belts also earn degrees over time (every 3 years or more) to reflect continued involvement in the art.
What about stripes?
Between belts, students often receive stripes on their belt as markers of progress. These vary by academy and coach but generally indicate you’re moving closer to your next belt. Most belts have 4 stripes before promotion.
What about kids’ belts?
Kids follow a different belt system that includes colors like yellow, orange, and green before they transition to adult ranks at around age 16. It’s designed to keep younger students motivated and appropriately challenged.
Final thoughts
Progressing through the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system is about more than just technique — it’s about consistency, humility, and perseverance. Whether you’re tying on a white belt for the first time or chasing your purple, every step matters.
Stay patient, keep showing up, and the belts will come.
