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When you start practicing Jiu Jitsu, you quickly realize there’s a lot more to it than just learning techniques. It’s a journey, and the belt you wear reflects where you are on that path.
The belt order in Jiu Jitsu is a system that not only tracks your progress but also teaches you to value growth and persistence over quick wins.
Every belt you earn shows your dedication and growing skill, and it keeps you moving forward. So, let’s break down the belt system and what it means for your Jiu Jitsu journey.
What is the Jiu Jitsu Belt System?
The belt system in Jiu Jitsu is a structured way to measure a student’s growth, both mentally and physically.
It’s not just about how many techniques you can pull off but about how much you’ve developed as a person.
Mastering Jiu Jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint, and every belt you earn is a milestone that reflects your hard work and discipline.
The Origins of Jiu Jitsu Belt Colors
The Jiu Jitsu belt system originally came from Judo, which used white and black belts to differentiate beginners from advanced students.
As time went on, more colors were added to create smaller steps in the journey. This allowed for a better progression system, giving students more achievable goals to work toward.
The current belt system is used globally and recognized as a solid way to measure progress in the art.
Why Belts Matter in Jiu Jitsu
Belts in Jiu Jitsu are more than just accessories. They represent a practitioner’s skills, mindset, and time spent on the mat. But more than that, they serve as a form of motivation.
When you know what you’re working toward, it’s easier to stay disciplined. Plus, the belt system helps create a sense of community and respect among practitioners, as you can quickly recognize where everyone is in their own journey.
Understanding the Philosophy Behind Belt Progression
In Jiu Jitsu, each belt not only represents your growing knowledge of the art but also how much you’ve grown personally.
As you move from one belt to the next, you learn more about patience, persistence, and respect—not just for the art but for yourself and others.
This philosophy is at the core of why the belt system exists. It’s not about collecting belts; it’s about growing as a martial artist.
The Beginner Levels
To start your journey in Jiu Jitsu, you’ll begin as a white belt and slowly work your way up, learning the basics and building a foundation that will carry you through the ranks.
The White Belt: Starting Your Journey
The white belt is where it all begins, and trust me, everyone remembers what it feels like to be new. You walk into the gym, tie on that white belt, and suddenly you’re aware of how much you don’t know.
But that’s part of the process. As a white belt, you’re introduced to the fundamentals, learning basic techniques and the art of survival. It’s all about absorbing knowledge and getting comfortable with the idea that there’s a long road ahead—and that’s okay.
The Blue Belt: Developing Basic Skills
Getting to blue belt is a big deal. This is where things start to come together. You’re no longer just learning how to survive; you’re starting to implement offense.
At this stage, your movements become more fluid, and you begin to develop a deeper understanding of how to control your opponent.
But blue belt isn’t just about learning new techniques; it’s about sharpening the basics. This is the level where your foundation solidifies, preparing you for what’s to come.
Tips for Moving From White to Blue Belt
Advancing from white to blue belt isn’t easy, but it’s doable with consistency. Here are a few things that helped me:
- Show up consistently: Even on the days you don’t feel like it. Progress happens when you put in the hours.
- Focus on basics: Mastering the basics is what will get you through tough rolls.
- Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask higher belts for advice. They’ve been where you are.
Intermediate Belt Levels
At the intermediate level, you’ll transition from simply knowing the basics to mastering and refining them, bringing your skills to a more advanced stage.
The Purple Belt: Mastering the Basics
When you hit purple belt, it feels like you’re finally “in the game.” You’ve spent years refining your fundamentals, and now you get to play with more advanced strategies.
Purple belts start to develop their own style. Some people lean into guard work, while others focus on top pressure.
The beauty of purple belt is that you get to explore different aspects of Jiu Jitsu and figure out what works for you.
The Brown Belt: Transitioning to Expert Level
Brown belt is the final stop before black, and it’s an exciting place to be. By now, you should have a solid grasp of all the major positions and techniques.
At this stage, it’s about fine-tuning your game. Brown belts often focus on the small details—things like grip placement and transitions—that separate the good from the great.
It’s a time to clean up any lingering holes in your game and start thinking about the bigger picture.
How to Stay Motivated Between Purple and Brown Belts
The gap between purple and brown belt can feel like a long stretch, but there are ways to stay motivated:
- Set mini-goals: Whether it’s mastering a particular guard pass or improving your cardio, breaking down the journey into smaller goals helps.
- Teach others: One of the best ways to solidify your understanding is to help newer students.
- Celebrate small victories: Whether it’s executing a tricky move in sparring or simply surviving a tough roll, take a moment to acknowledge your progress.
Advanced Belt Levels
Once you’ve passed through the intermediate levels, you’ll find yourself preparing for the pinnacle of Jiu Jitsu: the black belt. But that’s just the beginning of a lifelong journey.
The Black Belt: A Symbol of Mastery
Reaching black belt in Jiu Jitsu is a monumental achievement, but it’s far from the end of the road. In fact, many black belts will tell you that this is where the real learning begins.
By the time you earn your black belt, you should have a deep understanding of the art, but you’ll also realize that there’s always more to learn. A black belt symbolizes mastery, but it also represents a commitment to lifelong learning.
Red and Black Belts: Beyond Mastery
For those who continue their Jiu Jitsu journey far beyond the black belt, there are even higher ranks, such as the red and black belts.
These belts are rarely seen, and they represent not just mastery of the art but also decades of dedication.
Earning these ranks often means you’ve become an ambassador for the art, helping to preserve and pass down its teachings to future generations.
Continuing Growth After Achieving a Black Belt
You might think that earning a black belt is the pinnacle of Jiu Jitsu, but the truth is, the journey continues.
Black belts spend their time refining techniques, learning new ones, and focusing on teaching others. The beauty of Jiu Jitsu is that there’s always something to improve on.
Even after years of training, black belts continue to evolve, both as practitioners and as mentors to those coming up behind them.
The Role of Time, Discipline, and Dedication in Belt Progression
Progressing through the Jiu Jitsu belt system takes time, discipline, and an unwavering dedication to learning and improvement.
How Long Does it Take to Earn Each Belt?
One of the most common questions I get is, “How long will it take to get my black belt?” The truth is, it varies for everyone.
Generally, it takes about 10 years of consistent training to earn a black belt, but the timeline for each belt can differ. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- White to Blue Belt: 1-2 years
- Blue to Purple Belt: 2-3 years
- Purple to Brown Belt: 1.5-2 years
- Brown to Black Belt: 1-2 years
Keep in mind that these timelines depend on how often you train and your commitment to improvement.
The Importance of Consistency and Commitment
The number one factor that determines how far you go in Jiu Jitsu is your commitment. It’s not about who’s the most talented; it’s about who shows up consistently.
Every class, every roll, and every drill gets you one step closer to your next belt. If you stick with it, you’ll get there. It’s as simple as that.
Balancing Patience and Progress
It’s easy to get frustrated when you feel like you’re not progressing fast enough, but Jiu Jitsu teaches you patience.
You might go through plateaus where it seems like you’re stuck, but trust me, if you keep putting in the work, you’ll break through.
Remember that Jiu Jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on enjoying the process, and the results will come.
Take the Next Step in Your Jiu Jitsu Journey with Eye2Eye Combat
The journey through the Jiu Jitsu belt system is a rewarding one, filled with challenges, growth, and personal victories.
Whether you’re just starting out as a white belt or already advancing toward black, each level teaches you something valuable—not just about martial arts, but about yourself.
If you’re ready to continue that journey, Eye2Eye Combat is the perfect place to explore your potential. With a focus on practical, real-world techniques and a supportive community, it’s more than just a gym—it’s a space for transformation.
Why wait? Come experience Eye2Eye Combat and take the next step in mastering your self-defense skills. Your journey starts here, and we’re ready to help you every step of the way.
FAQs
What is the order of jiu jitsu belts in order?
The order of Jiu Jitsu belts typically goes: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Each belt represents a different stage of your progress, from beginner to advanced. After black, there are even higher ranks, like red and black belts, but those take decades to achieve.
How long does it take to belt in jiu jitsu?
It really depends on how often you train and your level of dedication, but on average, it can take 1 to 2 years to move up from one belt to the next. Reaching black belt usually takes about 10 years of consistent practice.
How many levels are there in jiu-jitsu?
In Jiu Jitsu, there are five main belt levels: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. After black belt, there are additional degrees of black, and even red and black belts for those who have been training for decades.
How many belts can you get in Jiu Jitsu?
There are five main belts in Jiu Jitsu: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Once you reach black belt, there are additional degrees of black, and eventually, the red and black belts, which represent mastery beyond the standard black belt.
What is the highest rank in Jiu Jitsu?
The highest rank in Jiu Jitsu is the red belt, but very few people achieve it. It takes decades of dedication and a lifelong commitment to the art. Most practitioners aim for the black belt, which itself is an impressive accomplishment.
