What are the Belt Levels in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? 5 Main Colors in Adult BJJ

White belt is where everyone begins their training, regardless of previous martial arts experience. You’ll focus on learning basic positions like guard, mount, and side control while developing fundamental movements and escapes. Most people spend 1-2 years at white belt, though this varies based on training frequency and natural ability. The white belt phase is about survival, learning to breathe during sparring, and building your foundation.

Blue belt represents your first major milestone, typically taking 2-4 years of consistent training to achieve. At this level, you understand basic techniques well enough to teach them to newer students and can hold your own during sparring sessions. Blue belts have developed their own game style and can chain techniques together smoothly. This belt often comes with increased responsibility as you help guide white belts through their early struggles.

The purple belt is considered the intermediate level. You’ve spent 4-6 years training and can adapt techniques to your body type and preferences while developing advanced combinations. Purple belts often face unique mental challenges as the journey to the black belt still feels distant. At this level, you’re expected to compete regularly and may begin assisting with instruction.

Brown belt represents the advanced practitioner who has mastered most techniques and developed expert-level timing and strategy. After 6-8 years of training, brown belts can teach classes independently and often specialize in particular areas. This belt requires demonstrating not just technical skill but also leadership qualities and a deep understanding of the art’s principles.

A black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu typically requires 8-12 years of dedicated training and represents true mastery of the art. Black belts must demonstrate exceptional technical knowledge, teaching ability, and character both on and off the mats. This belt comes with significant responsibility as you’re expected to contribute to the community through teaching, mentoring, and promoting the art’s values.

Black Belt Degrees

• 1st Degree Black Belt – The initial black belt promotion representing your first achievement of mastery in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after years of dedicated training.
• 2nd-6th Degree Black Belts – Progressive degrees earned every 3-5 years, recognizing continued growth, teaching contributions, and leadership within the BJJ community.
• 7th Degree Coral Belt – A prestigious red and black belt awarded to masters who have dedicated decades to advancing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through instruction and innovation.
• 8th Degree Coral Belt – An even higher coral belt recognition for extraordinary contributions to the art over many decades of service.
• 9th and 10th Degree Red Belt – The highest possible ranks in Brazilian jiu jitsu, reserved for the founding pioneers and most influential masters of the art.

Your technical knowledge forms the foundation of belt advancement in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and encompasses both offensive and defensive techniques. You must demonstrate proficiency in escapes, submissions, sweeps, and transitions appropriate for your current belt level. Instructors evaluate your ability to execute techniques with proper timing, leverage, and control during both drilling and live sparring. The complexity and variety of techniques you’re expected to know increase significantly with each belt promotion.

Consistent training over extended periods is essential for belt progression, as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills develop through repetition and muscle memory. Most academies require minimum training hours or years at each belt level, though these standards vary between schools. Regular attendance demonstrates your commitment to the art and ensures you’ve had sufficient practice opportunities. Your instructor needs to observe your development over time to assess your readiness for promotion.

Your performance during live sparring sessions provides the most accurate measure of your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu abilities under pressure. Instructors watch how you apply techniques against resisting opponents, adapt to different situations, and maintain composure during challenging rolls. You’re expected to demonstrate improvement in your ability to control positions, execute submissions, and defend against attacks from training partners. Rolling performance also reveals your understanding of timing, distance, and strategic thinking.

Character development plays a crucial role in belt advancement, as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emphasizes respect, humility, and sportsmanship. You must demonstrate good behavior both on and off the mats, including how you treat training partners, handle victories and defeats, and represent your academy. Instructors look for students who help create a positive training environment and embody the values of martial arts. Your attitude toward learning, willingness to help others, and overall maturity factor into promotion decisions.