Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is more than just learning how to grapple—it’s about dedication, discipline, and growth. One of the key ways that progress is measured in BJJ is through the belt and stripe system, which indicates your level of proficiency. In this post, we’ll walk you through how the belt system works for both adults and kids, and how you can move up through the ranks at Stockman Jiu-Jitsu.
The Adult Belt System: From White to Black Belt
For adults, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system is straightforward, with five main belts marking your progress. But what you’ll notice along the way are stripes—small markers added to your belt to show progress within a rank before advancing to the next one.
1. White Belt: The Beginning
What it means: White belt is where every adult starts their BJJ journey. It’s all about getting to know the basic positions and movements.
Focus: Fundamentals of BJJ like guard, mount, and basic escapes.
2. Blue Belt: Building Skill
What it means: Blue belt is typically awarded after 1-2 years of consistent training. It shows that you've developed a strong foundation.
Focus: Refining basic techniques, learning defenses, and developing your style.
3. Purple Belt: Advanced Techniques
What it means: The purple belt is considered an advanced rank, typically achieved after several years of training.
Focus: Perfecting advanced techniques and understanding more complex aspects of Jiu-Jitsu.
4. Brown Belt: Nearing Mastery
What it means: The brown belt is the final step before reaching black belt and represents a high level of proficiency in BJJ.
Focus: Fine-tuning techniques and preparing for black belt, often through teaching and leadership.
5. Black Belt: The Ultimate Goal
What it means: The black belt signifies mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Reaching this level typically takes between 8 to 15 years of training.
Focus: Continuing to grow, lead, and give back to the Jiu-Jitsu community.
Stripes: Tracking Your Progress
Stripes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu act as mini-promotions, helping you stay motivated and track your progress between belts. Typically, you'll earn 3-4 stripes on each belt before being promoted to the next one. Stripes reflect various aspects of improvement such as:
Attendance and consistency: The more consistently you train, the faster you'll see progress.
Technical knowledge: As you learn and successfully apply techniques, you're more likely to be awarded a stripe.
Attitude and effort: BJJ isn’t just about technique—your mindset, attitude, and respect for others play a role in your progression.
At Stockman Jiu-Jitsu, we keep a close eye on all of these factors, ensuring that when you earn a stripe, it’s well deserved and shows true improvement on the mats.
The Kids Belt System: Colorful Progression
For kids, the belt system includes more colors to provide motivation and ensure steady progress as they develop their skills. Like adults, kids also earn stripes on their belts to mark progress before moving up to the next belt level.
1. White Belt: The Start
What it means: Just like adults, kids start at white belt, learning the basics of movement and control.
Focus: Simple techniques like escapes and positional control.
2. Grey Belt: Building Confidence
What it means: Grey belt signifies progress in BJJ fundamentals and an improved ability to control opponents.
Focus: Continuing to refine the basics and building confidence in sparring.
Grey Belt Variations: Grey-White, Solid Grey, Grey-Black.
3. Yellow Belt: Developing Skills
What it means: The yellow belt is for kids who are starting to move beyond the basics, learning intermediate techniques.
Focus: More advanced techniques and preparing for live sparring.
Yellow Belt Variations: Yellow-White, Solid Yellow, Yellow-Black.
4. Orange Belt: Advanced Development
What it means: Orange belt represents a high level of skill for kids who are mastering more complex techniques.
Focus: Kids at this level focus on advanced techniques and begin to develop their personal style of rolling.
Orange Belt Variations: Orange-White, Solid Orange, Orange-Black.
5. Green Belt: The Final Youth Belt
What it means: Green belt is the highest belt a child can earn before transitioning to the adult belt system at age 16.
Focus: Advanced techniques, live sparring, and preparation for adult BJJ.
Green Belt Variations: Green-White, Solid Green, Green-Black.
Transitioning from Kids to Adult Belts
When a child turns 16, they transition from the kids’ belt system to the adult belt system. Based on their skill level, they may begin at blue belt rather than white, which reflects the years of training and experience they have accumulated as a child.
How Do You Earn a Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Advancement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not simply about time on the mats—though that certainly helps! Belts and stripes are awarded based on a combination of factors, including:
Consistent attendance: The more you train, the faster you progress.
Technical proficiency: Demonstrating an understanding of techniques and their proper application.
Attitude and discipline: Your willingness to learn, respect others, and stay dedicated to your practice.
At Stockman Jiu-Jitsu, we value every step of your journey and carefully assess your progress before awarding stripes or promoting you to the next belt.
Why Train at Stockman Jiu-Jitsu?
At Stockman Jiu-Jitsu, we focus on helping you achieve your full potential in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and personal development. Whether you're starting as a white belt or working your way up to black belt, our structured programs ensure steady progress. For kids, the colorful belt system keeps them motivated and engaged, while adults benefit from a supportive and challenging learning environment.
Ready to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey?
Visit www.stockmanjiujitsu.com to sign up and start your journey.
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