Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) isn’t just about rolling on the mats and perfecting submissions; it’s also a long and painful journey that tracks your growth and skill development. Whether you’re a white belt just starting out or a seasoned black belt, each step represents a deeper commitment to mastering the craft. As John Danaher puts it, "The only thing that counts is the skills you have." So, instead of focusing on the belt, focus on becoming the best version of yourself on the mats. Let’s take a closer look at how this system works, its origins, and what each belt really means.

The Origins: From Judo to BJJ

The roots of the BJJ ranking system trace back to Judo, where Kanō Jigorō, the founder of Judo, introduced the concept of belts in the early 20th century. When Mitsuyo Maeda brought Judo to Brazil in 1914, this system evolved into what we now recognize as the BJJ belt system. Unlike Judo, which traditionally used only white and black belts, BJJ incorporates a variety of colors to represent different stages of a practitioner’s journey.

Adult Belt Ranks: The Colors of Progress

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The BJJ ranking system for adults consists of several belts, each representing a significant milestone in a practitioner’s development:

1. White Belt: The starting point for every BJJ practitioner. At this stage, the focus is on learning the fundamentals, defensive techniques, and understanding basic positions. At this point, you're probably figuring out what BJJ even is, and trying not to get crushed under the weight of more experienced practitioners.

2. Blue Belt: Awarded after mastering the basics, the blue belt is where students begin to expand their technical repertoire. It's often considered the belt where most of the foundational techniques are learned. Being a blue belt about understanding that you’re still at the beginning of your journey. That blue belt is a reminder that you’ve moved beyond the basics, but you’re far from mastering the art.

3. Purple Belt: Ah the purple belt. This is where things start to get really interesting. This is the belt where your game starts to take shape. You’re no longer just surviving—you’re strategizing, refining, and even starting to develop your own style. You’ve spent hundreds, maybe thousands, of hours on the mats, and it shows. At this stage, you might even find yourself teaching newer students as an instructor, passing on the knowledge that you’ve painstakingly acquired.

4. Brown Belt: The final step before the coveted black belt, the brown belt is a time for refining skills, perfecting techniques, and preparing for the highest level of mastery. The brown belt is where you start to see the nuances in the art, the subtle shifts in weight, and the tiniest details that can make or break a technique. It’s a time of serious dedication—each roll is an opportunity to sharpen your skills.

5. Black Belt: A symbol of expertise in BJJ. Reaching the black belt is like reaching the peak of a mountain, only to realize that the journey is far from over. It’s a symbol of expertise, but also a gateway to a new phase of learning. The black belt isn’t the end; it’s a new beginning. With degrees that go up to the 9th, each representing years of teaching, learning, and contributing to the art, the black belt is a lifelong commitment. You’re not just a practitioner—you’re a custodian of the art, responsible for passing on the knowledge and spirit of BJJ to future generations.

6. Coral Belts (Red/Black and Red/White): Reserved for practitioners who have achieved the 7th and 8th degrees of black belt, these belts are symbols of a lifetime dedicated to BJJ.

7. Red Belt: The pinnacle of BJJ ranking, awarded only to those who have profoundly influenced the art. This belt is often reserved for the grandmasters and founders of BJJ.

In addition to the colored belts, BJJ practitioners can earn stripes on their belts, which serve as a recognition of progress within that belt level. Typically, up to four stripes can be awarded before a practitioner is considered for promotion to the next belt.

Unlike many martial arts, BJJ promotions are not just about time spent on the mats. They require a demonstration of technical knowledge, practical skill, and often, performance in competition. Some schools may have formal testing, while others rely on the instructor’s judgment to decide when a student is ready for the next level.

In the wise words of Giancarlo Bodoni, "nobody gives a f**ck what belt you are if you're terrible." While that quote hits the nail on the head, you can read here about what what it really takes to be a blue belt. At the end of the day, the belt you wear is only there to hold up your gi. BJJ is about the journey, the people you meet, and the lessons you learn along the way. So tie up whatever belt have, step onto the mats, and keep moving forward. The best is yet to come in your BJJ journey.

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Youth Belt Ranks: Tailored for Young Practitioners

For children under 16, the BJJ ranking system uses a different set of belts to mark their progression. Starting with white, they can move through gray, yellow, orange, and green belts. Upon reaching 16, they transition into the adult system, usually starting with the blue belt.

Conclusion: A Journey Marked by Stripes and Belts

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ranking system is more than just a series of colored belts; it’s a roadmap of personal and technical development. Whether you’re a white belt just starting out or a seasoned black belt, each step in the ranking system represents growth, learning, and a deeper understanding of this incredible martial art.

I'll leave you with the beautiful response of John Danaher when Lex Fridman asked him, "What does it take to get a black belt?"

"[It takes] very little. Just show up. Pay your fees. Don't set your goals low. Don't even ask yourself that question. Nobody cares you have a black belt. The only thing that counts is the skills you have. I know plenty of black belts that suck. There's a lot of them out there. Don't lower your standards saying 'I want to get a black belt.' Ask yourself a much more important question: 'How good do I want to be.'"