Let’s talk about how many belts are in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt rank system in a simple way.
We will consider additional questions in parallel that are asked the most when it comes to belts in jiu jitsu.
How many Brazilian jiu jitsu belts are there?
First things first: the short answer is 5 main belt colors and 8 colors in total. As in most martial arts, Brazilian jiu jitsu begins with the white belt. For children and adults. The jiu-jitsu highest belt is red and the most honorable.
A BJJ blue belt – the next belt level after white – can be obtained by reaching 16 years old or even purple under certain circumstances. Brazilian jiu jitsu brown belt can be achieved from 18 years old.
There are 8 adult BJJ belts in the jiu-jitsu rank system. But very often you can hear the answer 5 belts.
‘What?! So 8 or 5 belts?!’ you may ask.
Well, it is just not common for now to think about achieving the red belt. BJJ is a quite young martial art. Jiu-Jitsu black belt rank is already a high achievement and says a lot about the perseverance and devotion of its owner.
BJJ belts in order from the first – white, and to the highest – BJJ red belt.
back to menu ↑Belts in Brazilian jiu jitsu: Adults
Jiu jitsu belt order for adults in color is the next:
White
Blue
Purple
Brown
Black
Black Red (coral belt)
White Red (coral belt)
Red
back to menu ↑How do you get a black belt in jiu jitsu?’
This is a popular question. And importantly to understand that it’s a normal and obvious question.
The simplest way to answer is to google ‘Brazilian jiu jitsu near me’, start your BJJ white belt journey, enjoy your BJJ classes, and that day will come. But notice, the holder of a black belt cannot be younger than 19 years old.
Don’t think, it’s not sarcasm at all. It’s how it happens in real life.
Another way to explain this is the BJJ belt system. It gives a visualization and understanding of what progression should a BJJ practitioner go through.
There for is this our article.
back to menu ↑What is a red belt in BJJ?
Is there a rank higher than the black belt in BJJ?
Yes, it’s the red belt color. The red belt BJJ rank is the most honorable. It is tied to the achievement of merit and 67 years.
back to menu ↑How many BJJ red belts are there? [Updated]
I’m sure any jiu jitsu practitioner was interested in the question at least once how many red belts are there in BJJ?
We are trying to track and update this information here regularly. Obviously, it is possible to implement only if this information goes to the public.
There are about 55 jiu jitsu red belts in BJJ as of 2021. Depending on when you will be reading this article. The red belt in BJJ is the highest belt in jiu jitsu.
Who is a red belt in BJJ?
According to Renzo and Royler Gracie, red belts in BJJ are reserved “for those whose influence and fame takes them to the pinnacle of the art”. It is awarded in lieu of a ninth and tenth-degree black belt. The five existing 10th degree or grau (from Portuguese) red belts were given only to the pioneers of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Gracie brothers.
Red belts in BJJ
If you, as a BJJ practitioner receive your black belt at 19 years old, the earliest you could expect to receive a ninth-degree red belt would be at the age of 67.
back to menu ↑How long does it take to get a black belt in BJJ?
On average it takes 8-12 years to get to a black belt in jiu-jitsu. If you train jiu-jitsu with no long-term breaks, the most common average time span will be 10 years.
back to menu ↑Stripes on jiu jitsu belt
Each belt during its existence receives white marks (as a rule made from tape), which are usually called “stripes”, from 1 to 4. After the fourth stripe – certification for the next belt. Usually…
How long to get BJJ blue belt or purple belt?
The “life” of each belt lasts 1.5-5 years, depending on belt color and circumstances.
It is determined that a black belt with a red bar, as well as with white side stripes, is for instructors. According to some information, the first option is an assistant coach, the second is a head coach.
BJJ black belt degrees are called grau (degree in Portuguese).
There is also a BJJ black belt white bar vs red bar. This variant of the black belt – with a white bar – is for athletes who do not train students.
How many belts are in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids?
Kids jiu jitsu belt ranks and youth Brazilian jiu jitsu belt ranks
| White | as a rule from 4 years |
| Gray/White | 4-15 years |
| Gray | 4-15 years |
| Gray/Black | 4-15 years |
| Yellow/White | 10-15 years |
| Yellow | 10-15 years |
| Yellow/Black | 10-15 years |
| Orange/White | 10-15 years |
| Orange | 10-15 years |
| Orange/Black | 10-15 years |
| Green/White | 13-15 years |
| Green | 13-15 years |
| Green/Black | 13-15 years |
Level of Belts in BJJ according to IBJJF System:
The width of the children’s belt for BJJ, as a rule, does not differ from the adult – about 4-4.5 cm, although the width of 2.5-3.5 cm is indicated in the IBJJF description.
Upon reaching 16 years the kid’s belt is replaced according to the adult system in accordance with the circumstances. The white belt remains white. Gray, yellow, orange turns into blue. Jiu jitsu green belt turns into blue or purple by decision of the head coach.
On the recommendation of IBJJF promotion for stripes and belts takes place every three months. Depending on the rules of a particular federation or academy, the conditions of promotion may differ.
Why are there so many divisions in the children’s BJJ belts?
The jiu jitsu belts order is a system of grades that serves for practical reasons.
The fact that the adults’ and kids’ belts grades differ has also a sense.
Each color of the children’s belt is also modified by a white or black stripe along the entire belt. According to some explanations, such fragmentation exists to encourage a sporting spirit and the desire of the child to continue to train.
According to the adult system, a child would have to wait for two or three years to achieve the next rank, which is like half of her or his life.
Check other BJJ news and articles about Brazilian jiu jitsu fighters and MMA athletes. For instance, Female Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Fights against White Belt.
P.S.: First thing to do before starting BJJ and to learn jiujitsu is to type in Google “jiu jitsu near me” and let it be what it should be.
