When I first stepped onto the mats to try my first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, I had no idea how the belt system worked. I knew black belts were at the top and white belts were at the beginning-but everything in between felt like a mystery. How long does it take to level up? Is there a secret to getting promoted faster? What if you train hard but still don’t get noticed?
These are questions nearly every BJJ practitioner-especially beginners-asks at some point. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt progression isn’t just about skill. It’s about dedication, mindset, and a journey that often takes years rather than months. And unlike some other martial arts, it doesn’t come easily.
In this article, we’ll break down what belt progression really looks like in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, what each belt level represents, and why it’s less about belts-and more about becoming better on and off the mat.
Understanding the Belt System in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Let’s start with the basics. The adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt system typically includes:
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White Belt – The beginner’s belt
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Blue Belt – The first big promotion; fundamentals and survival
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Purple Belt – Intermediate; creativity and refinement begin
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Brown Belt – Advanced techniques and transition mastery
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Black Belt – Mastery and deep understanding of the art
There are also belts above black (coral and red), but those are rare and reserved for lifelong practitioners, often with decades of teaching and contribution to the art.
It’s important to note that BJJ belt progression is notoriously slow compared to other martial arts. Getting a black belt in karate might take 3–5 years. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it can take 10 years or more.
White to Blue: Where Most People Quit
The journey from white to blue belt is often the hardest. Why? Because it requires a major mindset shift.
As a white belt, you’re focused on survival. You’ll be tapped out a lot, and your movements will feel clumsy. It’s easy to feel discouraged. But Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is all about learning how to stay calm under pressure and grow from discomfort.
To earn a blue belt, you typically need to:
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Understand the basic positions (guard, mount, side control, etc.)
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Know key submissions and escapes
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Show consistency and a solid training ethic
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Have around 1–2 years of experience (though it varies)
Most schools don’t base promotions on a strict checklist. Coaches look for improvement, attitude, and mat time. One of the most honest truths in BJJ: just showing up consistently is half the battle.
The Purple Belt Paradox
Earning your purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a huge milestone. It signals that you’re no longer just “getting by” with techniques—you’re starting to own them. Your game develops personality. You start noticing patterns, anticipating attacks, and creating your own sequences.
But purple belt also comes with a new kind of pressure. You’re not expected to be perfect, but people look to you for guidance. You’re part student, part teacher. And sometimes, imposter syndrome creeps in-especially when you still lose to a tough blue belt.
This phase of the journey teaches something powerful: progress isn’t linear. Some weeks you’ll feel unstoppable. Other weeks, it’ll feel like you’re getting worse. But this emotional rollercoaster is where real growth happens.
Why Stripes Matter (and Why They Don’t)
Most Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools award stripes between belt promotions. Each belt typically has four stripes before you move up to the next color. These stripes offer:
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Motivation: A small sign you’re on the right path.
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Feedback: Recognition for progress in skill and consistency.
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Structure: Helps instructors track development.
But stripes are also subjective. Some coaches give them regularly, others rarely. Some don’t use them at all. If you ever find yourself obsessing over your next stripe, remind yourself: no stripe will teach you what time on the mat will.
Promotions Take Time (And That’s a Good Thing)
There’s no fast track in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. And that’s one of the reasons it’s so respected. You can’t buy a belt. You have to earn it. That means spending years drilling, rolling, failing, and learning. It’s humbling. And incredibly rewarding.
Here’s a rough breakdown of average time spent at each belt:
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White to Blue: 1–2 years
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Blue to Purple: 2–3 years
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Purple to Brown: 1.5–2.5 years
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Brown to Black: 1–2 years
These aren’t rules, though. Some people progress faster. Some slower. Life happens—injuries, family, jobs. BJJ will always be there. What matters is that you keep coming back.
It’s About More Than Just Skill
One of the most beautiful aspects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that belt progression often reflects who you are off the mat as much as on it. Coaches look for:
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How you treat your teammates
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Your attitude toward learning
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How you handle wins and losses
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Your contribution to the academy’s culture
I’ve seen people promoted not just for their technical ability, but for being a positive force in the gym. Belts in BJJ aren’t just a reward—they’re a responsibility.
My Own Journey with Belt Progression
When I finally earned my blue belt, I cried. Not because I thought I was great, but because I remembered all the days I wanted to quit. The days I felt too old, too tired, too out of shape to show up. The classes where I got tapped five times in five minutes and still stuck around.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu taught me that progress happens in the quiet moments—the small improvements, the days you come to class when you don’t feel like it, the conversations with a training partner that spark a breakthrough.
If you’re reading this and wondering if you’ll ever get promoted, here’s what I can tell you: You will. But not because you chased it. Because you earned it, step by step, roll by roll.
Final Thoughts
Belt progression in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is unlike anything else. It’s slow. It’s unpredictable. And it’s worth every drop of sweat.
If you’re thinking about starting-or you’re in it and feeling stuck-remember this: the belt is not the goal. The person you become while earning it is.
And if you’re in Central Florida and looking to start or continue your journey, there are incredible Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Orlando academies filled with instructors and teammates ready to support you. Step on the mat. Stay curious. And trust that your time will come.
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