When you practice BJJ or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you wear a gi. This gi needs to be tied with a BJJ belt. These are available in different colors, which are controlled by what level you are at.
BJJ belts
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, students go through a system of ranks (belt colors) and are given a corresponding colored belt to indicate their skill level.
The six levels in order are:
- White Belt: Denotes a beginner who has mastered the basics.
- Blue Belt: Denotes a student who has mastered the basics and is now working on more advanced techniques.
- Purple Belt: Denotes a student who has a good understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is beginning to develop his own style.
- Brown Belt: Denotes a student who is approaching the level of black belt and is considered an expert in the field.
- Black Belt: Denotes a master of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
Red and Black Belt (also called "Coral" Belts): Designates a Grandmaster in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The stripes and degrees of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu belt
Most BJJ academies use a similar ranking system.
There are usually 6 grades: white, blue, purple, brown and black. Each rank has a certain number of stripes that can be earned. Additionally, there are grades within each rank that represent a higher level of achievement.
For example, a 1st degree black belt is higher than a 2nd degree black belt. Here's a breakdown of the most common stripes and degrees:
White belt
4 stripes: represent the basic foundation of techniques that a student should know.
1 degree: represents a higher level of proficiency in the basic techniques.
Blue belt
5 stripes: represents an increased knowledge of techniques and starting to develop your own style.
2 degrees: represents a higher level of proficiency in the techniques and starting to develop your own style.
Purple belt
6 stripes: represents an advanced knowledge of techniques and an evolving style.
3 degrees: represents an advanced level of skill in the techniques and an evolving style.
Brown belt
7 stripes: represents an expert knowledge of techniques and a well-developed style.
4 degrees: represents an expert level of skill in the techniques and a well-developed style.
Black belt
The black belt is the highest rank in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Once you achieve this rank, you are considered a master of the art. There are no more stripes or degrees beyond black belt.
BJJ belt system: from white to black
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu belt system is much stricter than in most other martial arts. It can take up to 10 years to achieve the black belt. Since there are only a few belts, you will spend a long time on each one. Your progress won't be linear either. You will spend weeks or months plateauing before being rewarded with a jump in ability.
Sometimes it will actually seem like you're getting worse instead of better. But the plateau is actually your friend and is itself an indicator of progress. It is those who have the mental strength to continue when they are at a plateau that break through to a higher ability.
Find jiu jitsu belts here with us
Here at Nippon Sport you can find Brazilian jujutsu belts as well as regular jujutsu belts, as well as other good equipment you may need to practice BJJ. What kind of belt you should buy depends on what level you are in the sport. So you can't buy a belt in a certain color just because you think it looks good, but you have to earn it. Your Brazilian jiu-jitsu club can help you with what you need. Juniors often have a different color scheme than the adults.
You can also take the opportunity to buy yourself a gi or a jiu jitsu outfit here with us. We also have other things to offer within various martial arts. Here with us, it's high quality at a good price and we deliver your order quickly!
