Like many martial arts, a practitioners progress throughout their journey in Jiu-Jitsu is signified by a ranking system. Practitioners of Jiu Jitsu progress through a series of belts, each representing a different level of skill and knowledge. In this blog post, we will explore the jiu jitsu belt order and what each belt signifies
When you first start your training you will wear a white belt to tie your Gi/Kimono, as you develop your skill set over the years you will progress through a series of different coloured belts with the highest rank achievable being the black belt. The typical amount of time it would take a casual practitioner to go from white belt to black belt is around 8-10 years, although there are many examples of people earning their black belt much sooner.
What is the jiu jitsu ranking system/bjj belt order?
When you first start training you will wear a white belt over your Gi/Kimono, as you develop your skill set over the years you will progress through a series of different coloured belts with the highest rank achievable being the black belt. The typical amount of time it would take for a casual practitioner to go from white belt to black belt is around 8-10 years, although there are many examples of people earning their black belt much sooner.
The jiu jitsu belt order follows a specific progression from white belt to black belt. The order is as follows:
- White Belt
- Blue Belt
- Purple Belt
- Brown Belt
- Black Belt
What does each belt signify?
Each belt in the jiu jitsu belt order represents a different level of proficiency and understanding of the art. Let's take a closer look at what each belt signifies:
White Belt
The white belt is the starting point for all jiu jitsu practitioners. It represents a beginner level and signifies the beginning of the journey. At this stage, practitioners focus on learning the fundamental techniques and concepts of jiu jitsu.
Blue Belt
The blue belt is the first major milestone in jiu jitsu. It signifies that the practitioner has gained a solid foundation of techniques and is starting to develop a deeper understanding of the art. At this stage, practitioners begin to explore more advanced techniques and strategies.
Purple Belt
The purple belt represents a significant advancement in skill and knowledge. It signifies that the practitioner has developed a high level of proficiency in both fundamental and advanced techniques. At this stage, practitioners are considered to be highly skilled and are capable of executing complex techniques with precision.
Brown Belt
The brown belt is a symbol of mastery in jiu jitsu. It represents a high level of technical proficiency and a deep understanding of the art. At this stage, practitioners are considered experts and are often involved in teaching and mentoring others.
Black Belt
The black belt is the highest rank in jiu jitsu. It represents mastery of the art and a profound understanding of its principles. Black belts are considered to be true experts and are often recognized as leaders in the jiu jitsu community. Achieving a black belt requires years of dedicated practice, discipline, and a deep commitment to the art.
Stripes
In between promotions from belt to belt, some instructors/professors will award their students with stripes on their current belt to signify smaller increases in progress. After a practitioner receives four stripes on their belt, the next step will be for them to promoted to the next belt in the ranking system (whenever their instructor feels that they are ready for it). So for example, if a white belt student has received his/her fourth stripe on their white belt, they would receive a blue belt in their next promotion.
Conclusion
The jiu jitsu belt order provides a clear path for progression and growth in the art. Each belt represents a different level of skill and knowledge, with the black belt being the ultimate goal for many practitioners. Whether you are just starting your jiu jitsu journey or have been practicing for years, understanding the belt order can help you set goals and track your progress. Remember, jiu jitsu is a lifelong journey, and the belt order is just one aspect of the rich and rewarding experience that this martial art offers.
Looking to learn more about jiu jistu? Sites like bjjfanatics.com have some great videos with technique demonstrations and breakdowns that you can check out to get a feel of the art. We also have a great collection of Gi’s & NoGi wear for practitioners at any stage of their jiu jistu journey.