The BJJ Belt System

White belt is where every practitioner starts. At this level, it's all about learning the basics — foundational movements, positions, and concepts. The focus here is on understanding the core principles of balance, posture, and defense. It's also important to embrace learning from every mistake.

Reaching the blue belt means that the basics are well understood. You have developed enough skill to start effectively defending yourself and have a firm grasp of fundamental techniques. Blue belts should focus on expanding their knowledge, experimenting with techniques, and learning how to transition between positions.

The purple belt is a time to develop a unique style. At this stage, you're refining your techniques and becoming more creative on the mat. Purple belts often take on more responsibilities in the gym, helping teach lower belts, which helps solidify their understanding. It's about becoming comfortable with your approach to BJJ, while fine-tuning both offense and defense.

The brown belt is a preparatory stage for the black belt. Practitioners focus on refining their game, addressing any weak points, and mastering their strengths. Brown belts should have a well-rounded skill set and often guide lower belts during training sessions. This belt is about fluidity, ensuring transitions are seamless and that techniques are applied with precision.

Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu represents years of dedication, practice, and mastery of the art. A black belt practitioner not only knows how to execute techniques but also understands when and why to use them effectively. Black belts often contribute to the BJJ community by teaching, mentoring, and continuing their own journey of learning.

In many ways, earning a black belt is not the end but rather the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After achieving a black belt, practitioners can continue to progress through the 1st to 6th degrees, each of which can be awarded after three years of active practice and contribution.

The 7th-degree black belt is often referred to as the "coral belt," which is visually represented by a belt that is red and black in color. To be eligible for a 7th-degree black belt, a practitioner must generally hold the 6th-degree black belt for at least seven years. This rank represents a significant level of expertise, experience, and contributions to BJJ, including leadership, coaching, and promoting the sport worldwide.

The 8th-degree black belt is also a coral belt but is represented by a belt that is red and white in color. Practitioners must have held the 7th-degree black belt for at least seven years to be promoted to the 8th degree. This belt signifies further mastery and contributions to the art and is awarded to those who have continued to demonstrate dedication at the highest levels of the sport.

The 9th-degree black belt is represented by a solid red belt. This rank is often referred to as the "grandmaster" rank and is awarded to practitioners who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of BJJ. It is an acknowledgment of their lifelong service and impact on the art.

The 10th-degree red belt is the highest possible rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This rank is extremely rare and is generally reserved for the original pioneers of the art, specifically the founders of BJJ, such as Carlos Gracie Sr., Oswaldo Fadda, and others of that generation.