How Many Belts in BJJ?
If you're stepping onto the mats of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy for the first time, or if you're a seasoned practitioner aiming for the next level, understanding the belt ranking system is crucial. So, how many belts are there in BJJ, and what do they signify? This article will give you a detailed overview of the BJJ belt hierarchy.
The Belt Structure
In BJJ, there are generally six main adult belt levels:
White Belt
Blue Belt
Purple Belt
Brown Belt
Black Belt
Coral Belts (Black/Red and Red)
BJJ has six adult belts: white, blue, purple, brown, black, and coral. Youth belts range from white to green. Each belt signifies skill level and can have up to four stripes.
The Youth Belts
For children and adolescents, the belts usually include:
White
Grey
Yellow
Orange
Green
White Belt
The starting point for all practitioners, the white belt is where you learn the basics of BJJ, including basic positions, submissions, and escapes.
Blue Belt
The first advanced belt, where you begin to understand the complexities of the BJJ game. The focus shifts to strategic planning and fluid transitions.
Purple Belt
At this stage, you'll have a well-rounded game and begin to develop a style. Many start taking on teaching roles at the purple belt level.
Brown Belt
Here, the practitioner starts refining techniques and integrating advanced tactics. Brown belts are often competent enough to run their own academies.
Black Belt
The symbol of mastery, though the journey is far from over. Black belts often specialize in particular areas and contribute to the growth of BJJ as a whole.
Coral Belts
Reserved for those who've made substantial contributions to BJJ, these belts signify decades of practice and are rarely attained.
Stripes and Promotions
In addition to belts, each level can also include up to four stripes, representing incremental achievements.
How Long Does It Take?
The time to progress from one belt to another varies based on factors like training frequency, natural aptitude, and the gym's promotion criteria.
Conclusion
The BJJ belt system serves as a roadmap for your journey, allowing you to set goals and understand your progress. Each belt is more than just a change in color; it represents a growth in skill, maturity, and understanding of this profound martial art. Whether you're a white belt just starting or a black belt deepening your mastery, each level offers its own set of challenges and rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Many Belts in BJJ
Belt Levels
Q: How many belts are there in BJJ?
A: In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are five main adult belts: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Additionally, there are coral belts (black belt with a red bar) and red belts for higher degrees.
Stripes
Q: How many stripes per belt in BJJ?
A: There are typically four stripes for each colored belt, including the white belt. Stripes serve as markers of progress within a belt level.
How Many Black Belts?
Q: How many BJJ black belts are there in the world?
A: The exact number of black belts worldwide is not publicly documented, but it's estimated to be in the tens of thousands as of 2021.
Red Belts in BJJ
Q: How many red belts are there in BJJ?
A: The number of red belts is very limited as they represent the highest level of expertise in BJJ, often requiring many decades of dedication. Only a few practitioners have achieved this status.
Coral Belts
Q: How many BJJ coral belts are there?
A: The coral belt is a rank for experienced black belts and is less common than the lower belts. It's difficult to pinpoint an exact number, but there are several hundred coral belts globally.
Belt Stripes on White Belt
Q: How many stripes on a white belt in BJJ?
A: A white belt can have up to four stripes before progressing to a blue belt.
Time to Blue Belt
Q: How many hours to get a blue belt in BJJ?
A: The number of hours can vary significantly based on the individual and frequency of training, but it often takes between 100 to 200 hours of mat time to reach blue belt.
Years to Black Belt
Q: How many years to get a black belt in BJJ?
A: On average, it takes about 10 years of consistent training to achieve a black belt, though this can vary.
Other Colored Belts
Q: How many color belts are there in BJJ?
A: Including white, there are five main colored belts in adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: white, blue, purple, brown, and black.
Global Distribution
Q: How many BJJ blue belts and purple belts are there globally?
A: It's difficult to ascertain exact numbers, but blue and purple belts make up a significant portion of the BJJ community worldwide.
Stripes in BJJ
Q: How many stripes in BJJ overall?
A: Counting all the colored belts, you could potentially earn up to 20 stripes (4 stripes for each of the 5 colored belts) before reaching the level of black belt.