Understanding the Belt System
Adult Belt System, Youth Belt System, and where they meet.
Adult Belt System:
The adult belt system is relatively straightforward, consisting of seven different ranks. Below, I'll list each belt, the average time spent at each level, and the minimum age requirements.
Keep in mind that each academy operates differently, so the time frames to achieve each belt may vary, but the color system remains the same. So, if you see that I have one year at the white belt and you were a white belt for five years, relax—we're discussing averages, and you might be an outlier.
Youth Belt System:
The youth belt system is far more complex with a total of 13 belts. The belt system is broken up into 5 different primary colors, 4 of which having three different variations.
Each belt takes approximately one year to complete, making this take at least 13 years to complete before entering into the adult belt system at 16 years old.
Degrees AKA Stripes
Adult System:
White belt through Brown Belt You can receive a maximum of 4 stripes on each belt, each one marking incremental progress towards the next belt.
Once you receive your Black Belt, Degrees take significantly longer to acquire. Here are the minimum years for each degree at Black Belt:
1st Degree: 3 Years — Total Years: 3
2ns Degree: 3 Years — Total Years: 6
3rd Degree: 3 Years — Total Years: 9
4th Degree: 5 Years — Total Years: 14
5th Degree: 5 Years — Total Years: 19
6th Degree: 5 Years — Total Years: 24
7th Degree: 7 Years — Total Years: 31
After receiving your 7th degree on your black belt, your next promotion will be the Black/Red Belt. Once you complete 7 years at Black/Red Belt you will be promoted to Red/White Belt. After 10 years as a Red/White Belt, you will receive your final belt, Red Belt.
Youth System:
White belt has 5 degrees, 4 white stripes and one red. All other youth belts have a maximum of 11 stripes consisting of 4 white, 4 red, and 3 black. After your 3rd black stripe, you will be promoted to the next belt color.
Unlocking Your Next Belt: What Instructors Look For
Several factors are considered when your instructor determines if you're deserving of the next belt. A common misconception is that you deserve your promotion just for showing up—WRONG! Promotions are earned, never given. Here are the main things your professor or coach is looking for:
1. Attendance.
While promotions aren't solely based on attendance, you can't earn them without showing up. Make an effort to attend class at least twice per week. This rate allows you to retain information, not miss important techniques, stay in shape, and ultimately show your commitment to the art.
If you can only make it in once every week or two, that's okay! you should still be welcomed with open arms and have a great time, just understand that your progression will naturally be slower.
2. Attitude.
You can show up every day but if your attitude sucks, you'll be a white belt forever. If you read our previous article, "Tips for Beginners" we touched on good mindsets to have to make your overall experience a good one. These will also play a role in your promotions, it’s important for your development in the sport to be coachable, practice humility, and show respect to your training partners and instructors.
3. Improvement
Are your skills developing? We will never compare one student to another as a basis for promotion, but we will compare you to your former self. Are you better than you were yesterday, last week, or last month? If you maintain good attendance and approach each class with a positive mindset, you will improve and earn those next promotions.
IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation)
Official Belt System
