Jiu-Jitsu Belt Levels

Jui-Jitsu, like most martial arts, requires years of practice, dedication, and mastery. Each training student will graduate by receiving a different color belt to represent each level of successful completion and mastery. The timeframe of completing each level is entirely dependent on the trainee and their dedication and skill. It can take most students roughly ten years to reach a master’s level of the black belt.

There are five belt levels: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Each color has its own significance as students progress and hold honor in each one. Belt color help to effectively and successfully separate each level of training and the skills taught in each level. 

The White Belt

The white belt is the first belt received by every new student training Jiu-Jitsu. This is when the first focus is basic training, becoming confident in yourself, and learning the foundational steps and motions. 

This level is when students will learn the most important and vital techniques they will use throughout their journey. Such as posture, endurance, flexibility, and strength. Mastering this level can take anywhere from six months and beyond. This may be the first and most basic training, but it is the most critical. This is where the foundation for each student’s journey to mastery is laid out. 

Again, how soon a student progresses is dependent on their dedication, practice, and commitment. 

The Blue Belt

The first progression in training is to the blue belt. After this graduation, it is taught that students will have an understanding of basic movements and positions to begin the next phase of training. This level focuses on defensive drills, tackle training, and invasion maneuvers.

During training as a blue belt, the requirements are to master specific advanced moves such as escaping from an opponent of equal talent, basic mounts, and steps. To progress from this level, students will also be required to complete a non-complex match. This is the right of passage to the purple belt. 

The Purple Belt

The purple belt is a representation of the knowledge of general fighting and momentum. While students are training at this level, they will focus on strengthening and attaining strategic movements. On average, it is normal to wear the purple belt for at least a minimum of one year. 

Again, there are various movements, drills, and routines required at this level, as its focus is geared more towards general fighting. During this training, purple belts are encouraged to refine their basic knowledge and build their overall confidence in their skills. 

Combinations and complicated positions are taught during this time as well. This prepares students for the next belt color when these skills will be put to the test.

The Brown Belt

This belt is the next level before the final belt of mastery. Students will learn various submissions, passes, and sweeps during this level. Instructors will continue to teach on defensive drills while also focusing more on attack techniques. This is where trainees begin polishing rough edges and beginning to set into their unique style. Students learn strategic countermoves, defensive steps, offensive tactics, and furthering submission knowledge. 

Matches in this color can be with the next level of belts for learning purposes and challenge. 

The Black Belt

Black belts are highly trained in Jiu-Jitsu. They are considered experts in fundamentals and masters of the basics. They are able to successfully compete in matches by quickly learning the movements and patterns of opponents, breakdown fighting styles, and mentoring lower-level trainees. 

There are many requirements to earn a black belt, including learning first aid, being CPR certified, and reaching the minimum time required at each lower belt color. The amount of time it takes to earn a black belt depends on many factors. Still, the averagely reported time is approximately 8-12 years. However, there are many who earn it much sooner or even later.

Black belts are proficient in self-defense, know effective attacks, understand core techniques at a high level, and can dominate brown belts when sparring. 

There are a few higher-level belts for those who continue to master Jiu-Jitsu. Most train the majority of their lives for these belts. 

Overall, students are encouraged to focus on their goals, skills, and mat performance rather than belt color and the time it takes to get to that belt color. While they are essential and necessary to train in an effective, successful way, they should not hinder the trainee’s confidence or distract from the main purpose of training.

If you are ready to begin or further your Jiu-Jitsu journey and begin receiving your colors, contact us today! We have classes for Kids Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and others.