GRADES

IBJJF BELT GRADUATION SYSTEM

Belts in Jiu-Jitsu are given out based on skill and the amount of time the participant has been training. From lowest ranked to highest ranked, the belts are ordered as follows:

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White Belt: this is the belt you start with.  It is important to note that, while there is no explicit time limit for white belts, it typically takes practitioners 1-2 years to get promoted to a blue belt.

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Blue Belt: it typically takes 2 years of consistent training to reach the blue belt level.

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Purple Belt: again, it takes about 2 years of solid mat time to earn a purple belt, once you already have a blue belt.

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Brown Belt: this is the belt level that can really vary from coach to coach. By the time you get to brown belt, it’s very likely you will be eventually promoted to black belt as long as you keep training consistently. On average, it will take another 2 years or so for a purple belt to earn a brown belt, but this will vary a lot based on your academy.

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Black Belt: all told, it will take a fresh white belt approximately 10 years to earn a black belt in Jiu Jitsu.

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What Happens After Black Belt?

Once you’ve earned your black belt, you get stripes on your belt based on the IBJJF’s Belt Timelines (see below for the entire IBJJF’s belt/grading system):

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How do I Get Promoted? 

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The number one factor in how to get promoted in BJJ is your time on the mats. Stick with it, train hard, and you’ll naturally advance through the belts!

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After showing proficiency at your current rank, your coach will promote you to the next belt!

For adults, IBJJF rules require spending time at each rank prior to a promotion as discussed above

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Technical Skills - This is the ability of a student to replicate and understand the techniques they have seen in class. The coach is constantly evaluating the student skill levels and their understanding of the concepts of BJJ. This should be exemplified in their drilling and rolling.

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Positive Attitude - BJJ is more than just technique. It is about discipline, commitment, and leadership. Are you focused? Are you respectful to your coaches and teammates? Do you give 100% in training? One of our favourite things to see is when new students make the transition into experience students and begin to become teachers themselves- helping out teammates in class, showing the ability and willingness to train with someone at a lower level and training at their level showing support to those who are struggling.

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Consistency - An average student will spend between 125 to 175 classes at each rank before showing proficiency in their belt level. Based on athletic ability or prior experience, a student may progress faster or slower than the attendance guideline. It is important to also be proficient and confident in your self-defence skills? Your journey is unique, and your evaluation will be unique.