In the realm of martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) stands out for its rich tradition and emphasis on continuous self-improvement. A distinctive feature of BJJ is its meticulous belt ranking system which signifies a practitioner’s skill, experience, and journey towards mastery. Each belt color represents a phase in this journey, with specific requirements and expectations associated with it.
White Belt: The Genesis
The White Belt is where the journey begins. It’s the genesis of understanding the basics of BJJ. This belt is designated for those new to the art with no prerequisites required. The primary focus at this level is on learning escapes and defensive positioning since newbies often find themselves in inferior positions when sparring with seasoned practitioners. However, a well-rounded skill set encompassing basic offensive moves like common submissions and guard passes is also encouraged.
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Scramble V3 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Belt | Fighters Market
Blue Belt: The Horizon Broadens
Stepping into the Blue Belt, practitioners start to see the horizon of BJJ broadening. At this level, which requires a minimum age of 16 as per the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) guidelines, students amass a wide breadth of technical knowledge through hundreds of hours on the mat. This is where the repertoire of techniques expands significantly, laying a solid foundation for the intermediate and advanced levels ahead.
Purple Belt: The Voyage Inwards
The Purple Belt stage is where the voyage turns inwards. With a minimum tenure of 1.5 years at this rank, and a recommendation of having spent at least two years at the blue belt level, practitioners delve deeper into the art. Now considered qualified to instruct lower-ranked students, they start refining and innovating on the techniques learned thus far, developing a deeper understanding and an individual style.
Brown Belt: The Refinement
Brown Belt is a phase of refinement and finesse. It takes at least five years of dedicated training to reach this level, with a minimum age of 18. The IBJJF also recommends spending at least 18 months at the purple belt level before progressing to brown. This stage is often seen as a period for honing techniques to near perfection, getting closer to the coveted Black Belt.
Black Belt: The Expertise
The Black Belt is a symbol of expertise and a deep commitment to the art of BJJ. It requires a practitioner to remain at this belt for a minimum of 3 years. The journey to this level is long and arduous, with practitioners accumulating thousands of hours of experience. Being at least 19 years old and having spent a minimum of a year as a brown belt are prerequisites. Often addressed as ‘professor,’ black belts embody the essence of BJJ.
Coral Belt (Black/Red Belt): The Master
Upon reaching the seventh degree, a practitioner is awarded the Coral Belt, marking them as a master. This level requires a tenure of at least 7 years, showcasing a profound impact on the BJJ community. It’s a recognition of not just technical prowess, but a significant contribution to the art.
Red/White Belt and Red Belt: The Grandmaster
The journey culminates at the Red Belt, the highest rank achievable, reserved for those whose influence has reached the pinnacle of BJJ. It requires a minimum tenure of 10 years at the white & red belt, transitioning from the 7th to the 8th degree, as per the IBJJF guidelines. The title of ‘Grandmaster’ is often bestowed upon these practitioners, symbolizing a lifetime dedicated to the art.
Kids Belt Ranks: The Young Warriors
For young warriors aged 4-15, the belt system is designed to nurture their growth and love for BJJ. Starting as early as 5 years old, kids progress through various ranks, earning stripes or degrees before moving to the next belt level. At 16, they transition to the adult ranking system, beginning with the blue belt.
The Jiu Jitsu belt ranking system is not merely about colors and ranks; it’s a representation of a practitioner’s journey, dedication, and the endless pursuit of mastery. It encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, embodying the spirit of continuous learning and respect for the art.
Paul is a 44 year old Online Marketeer and Dad to a beautifull daughter who started Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
After a few lessons Paul joined a class where the parents where allowed to go on the mat with the kids.
Since then Paul is hooked and he immediately started immerging himself in the world of martial arts.
