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When I first tied a white belt around my waist, I had no idea how much that simple piece of fabric would come to mean. In jiu jitsu, belts aren’t just markers of rank—they represent growth, challenges, and a personal journey toward mastery.
Every belt earned tells a story of dedication, discipline, and the lessons learned on and off the mats. If you’re curious about what each belt means or how the ranking system works, let’s walk through it together.
By the end of this, you’ll have a solid grasp of the journey from white belt all the way to black.
The Origins of the Belt System in Jiu Jitsu
The belt system in jiu jitsu actually has its roots in judo, which was one of the main influences when Brazilian jiu jitsu was developed.
Originally, the belt system was much simpler, with fewer colors to signify rank. Over time, Brazilian jiu jitsu expanded this, giving practitioners more levels and milestones to work toward.
The belt system gives structure to the process. It allows students to track their growth, not just in skill but in character.
Earning a belt takes time, patience, and persistence, and it represents far more than just your ability to execute moves—it reflects your commitment to the art.
What Jiu Jitsu Belt Colors Represent
Let’s break down the Jiu Jitsu belt ranks and colors and what they represent in terms of your progression through jiu jitsu.
White Belt – The Beginning
Everyone starts here. As a white belt, you’re learning the absolute basics. From how to hold positions to understanding basic submissions, it’s about developing a foundation.
You might feel like you’re fumbling through things, and trust me, that’s perfectly normal. Every black belt was once a white belt—no exceptions.
Blue Belt – The Fundamental Phase
At this stage, you’ve gained some understanding of the techniques and are starting to grasp the fundamentals.
Blue belts are usually where students begin to feel more comfortable defending themselves and understanding the flow of jiu jitsu.
For many, reaching the blue belt can take around two to three years, and it’s a huge milestone. It’s where you start to connect the dots.
Purple Belt – The Technical Intermediate
This is where things start to get really fun. Purple belts have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of jiu jitsu. You’re no longer just following instructions—you’re developing your own game.
This is the phase where I found myself thinking several steps ahead, setting up moves and knowing what was coming next. At this level, jiu jitsu feels more strategic than ever.
Brown Belt – The Advanced Practitioner
By the time you reach brown belt, you’ve truly immersed yourself in jiu jitsu. The moves have become second nature, and the focus shifts to sharpening those techniques.
Brown belts often teach and mentor lower belts, helping them refine their skills. This is where you’re preparing for the responsibility and deeper knowledge that comes with the black belt.
Black Belt – The Expert
Ah, the black belt. It’s what everyone dreams of when they start, but here’s the thing: earning a black belt doesn’t mean you’ve “finished” jiu jitsu. It’s a new beginning.
By the time you reach black belt, you’ve spent years honing your craft, but you also know there’s always more to learn. The journey doesn’t end—it evolves.
How Long Does It Take to Achieve Each Belt?
Now, how long does it take to move through these ranks? This is something I get asked all the time. The answer? It depends. Jiu jitsu is an individual journey, and no two paths are the same. However, here’s a rough estimate:
- White to Blue Belt: 2-3 years
- Blue to Purple Belt: 3-5 years
- Purple to Brown Belt: 1.5-3 years
- Brown to Black Belt: 1-3 years
There are factors that influence how quickly you progress, like how often you train, how well you absorb the techniques, and how much effort you put into your practice.
Competitions can also speed up the process, but the bottom line is this: don’t rush. The belt is a representation of your growth, not a race.
The Belt System for Kids vs. Adults
When it comes to kids, the belt system is a bit different. Kids often have more colors in their belt progression—belts like yellow, orange, and green.
This is mainly because kids need shorter-term goals to stay motivated. It’s a way to break down their progress into more manageable chunks.
For adults, it’s usually a straight shot from white to blue to purple, brown, and then black. But regardless of the color or system, the journey remains the same—a constant learning process where every belt earned reflects dedication and effort.
What Do the Stripes Mean?
If you’ve been in a jiu jitsu class, you’ve probably noticed stripes on people’s belts. These stripes are progress markers that signify how far along someone is within a particular belt. Think of them as mini-promotions.
You can earn stripes through a combination of time spent training, improvements in your techniques, and sometimes even through competition performance.
For me, stripes are a great way to acknowledge that you’re on the right path and making consistent progress.
Tips for Progressing Through the Jiu Jitsu Belt Ranks
Progressing through the belts takes time, but here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful:
Train Consistently
There’s no substitute for regular training. Whether you train once or five times a week, consistency is key. You won’t progress if you’re not putting in the time.
Focus on Technique Over Strength
Jiu jitsu is about leverage and technique. It’s tempting to rely on brute strength, but if you truly want to excel, you need to focus on mastering the mechanics of each move.
Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask your instructors or higher belts for advice. The more you engage with the material, the faster you’ll grow.
Challenge Yourself
Try new things. Whether it’s competing or rolling with someone more experienced, pushing your limits will help you grow. I always tell students that discomfort is where growth happens.
The Psychological Journey Behind Belt Progression
Jiu jitsu isn’t just about physical skills. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey is the mental and emotional growth that comes with it.
Each belt teaches you something about yourself. White belt teaches you patience; blue belt teaches you perseverance; purple belt challenges your ego.
By the time you reach brown and black belt, you realize that jiu jitsu is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.
Confidence is another thing that develops as you progress. It’s not the loud, boastful kind of confidence but rather a quiet assurance that comes from knowing you’ve put in the work. You begin to trust yourself more, both on the mats and in everyday life.
Don’t Just Earn a Belt – Master the Art at Eye2Eye Combat
Jiu jitsu is a lifelong journey, where every belt you earn represents not just skill, but growth as a person.
Whether you’re a white belt just starting or working your way toward black, the lessons learned on the mat go beyond just fighting techniques—they shape who you are mentally and physically.
If you’re serious about diving deeper into this transformative martial art, Eye2Eye Combat is the perfect place to start or continue your journey.
At Eye2Eye Combat, you’ll find a supportive community, expert instruction, and a training environment that prioritizes both practical self-defense and personal growth. Take the next step—come experience the art of jiu jitsu firsthand with us.
FAQs
What order are the belts in jiu jitsu?
The Jiu Jitsu belt order typically starts with white, then goes to blue, purple, brown, and finally, black. For kids, there are extra belts like yellow, orange, and green to mark their progress in smaller steps. Each belt represents growth, and you move up as your skills, experience, and understanding of the art deepen.
How long does it take to belt in jiu jitsu?
It usually takes about two to three years to earn your first promotion from white to blue belt. After that, it can vary depending on how often you train and how quickly you improve, but earning a black belt can take ten years or more. Remember, it’s all about your personal journey—there’s no rush.
Why do jiu jitsu practitioners wear two belts?
In jiu jitsu, it’s not common to wear two belts. Sometimes you might see someone wearing a colored belt with a red or black “rank bar” on it. This bar holds stripes that signify progress within that belt level. The idea is to show advancement and hard work even before moving on to the next full belt color.
What is a good age to start jiu jitsu?
Kids as young as 4 or 5 can start learning jiu jitsu. At this age, they pick up the basics through fun, engaging activities while developing discipline and respect. But really, you can start jiu jitsu at any age—it’s never too late! Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, jiu jitsu is for anyone willing to learn.
What is a grey belt in jiu jitsu?
The grey belt is part of the belt system for kids in Brazilian jiu jitsu. It comes after the white belt and is typically followed by yellow, orange, and green belts. The grey belt helps younger students measure their progress in smaller steps as they build foundational skills before moving into the adult belt system, starting with blue.
What is the average belt in jiu jitsu?
Most practitioners stay at the blue or purple belt levels for a good amount of time, making these the most common belts you’ll see. Blue belt signifies that you’ve moved beyond the basics, while purple shows a deeper understanding of the techniques. These belts are where many people really start to develop their own style in jiu jitsu.
What is the hardest belt to achieve in BJJ?
I’d say the hardest belt to earn is the black belt. It takes years of dedication, not just in physical technique but in mental toughness, discipline, and persistence. The journey to black belt can easily take a decade or more, and it’s more about the overall growth you experience than just the time spent training.
Can jiu jitsu help with self-defense?
Absolutely! Jiu jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense because it teaches you how to control an opponent, even if they’re bigger or stronger. It focuses on leverage, positioning, and technique, which means you can protect yourself without relying on brute strength. Plus, it helps build confidence and awareness, both of which are key to staying safe.
How often should I train in jiu jitsu?
That really depends on your schedule and goals, but I usually recommend training at least two to three times a week to see steady progress. If you can train more often, great! But consistency is key. The more you show up, the more you’ll improve. Just be sure to listen to your body and give yourself time to recover between sessions.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belts?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) belts represent a practitioner’s skill, knowledge, and experience in the martial art. Progression through the BJJ belt ranks typically includes white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts, with stripes indicating progress within each rank. Belts signify mastery of techniques, with promotions based on skill, training time, and instructor evaluation.
