BJJ Belt System Explained: What Do the Belt Ranks Mean?

A BJJ belt does more than just hold your gi together. Its color clearly shows your overall skill level. Discover the complete BJJ belt rankings for both adults and kids, and learn why younger practitioners actually have a broader range of belt colors.

What Are the BJJ Belts?

How do you get promoted in BJJ? There are no set, step-by-step requirements or a rigid checklist of techniques you must master to earn your next belt. However, every BJJ belt rank carries a specific meaning that reflects a practitioner's skill level. Here is a breakdown of the BJJ belt colors and what they symbolize:

• White Belt – The belt of survival and discovery. As a white belt, you learn the core fundamentals, build essential reflexes, and focus on escapes, defensive positioning, and surviving from the bottom.
• Blue Belt – The belt of experimentation. At this stage, you know the basic moves and positions inside out. You begin experimenting with advanced variations, testing out submissions, and developing your personal style. The IBJJF recommends spending at least two years at blue belt.
• Purple Belt – The belt of growth. While you sharpen your go-to techniques, this is also the time to fill gaps by practicing positions outside your comfort zone. The IBJJF recommends spending at least 18 months at purple belt.
• Brown Belt – The belt of refinement. You know your game inside out and focus on fine-tuning every detail. You work on seamless transitions into dominant positions and apply high-level tactics. The IBJJF recommends spending at least one year at brown belt.
• Black Belt – The belt of mastery. Earning a black belt reflects deep technical knowledge, a complete understanding of both foundational and advanced variations, and the ability to effectively apply and teach the art.

Kids' BJJ Belt System

The BJJ belt promotion system for children works differently than it does for adults. It features a more expanded ranking system designed to keep young fighters motivated as they grow and progress. Here is the breakdown of children's belt colors for ages 4 to 15, according to IBJJF guidelines:

• White
• Grey-White
• Grey
• Grey-Black
• Yellow-White
• Yellow
• Yellow-Black
• Orange-White
• Orange
• Orange-Black
• Green-White
• Green
• Green-Black