The History and Meaning Behind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt Rankings

VAUGHAN, Ontario - May 13, 2025 - PRLog -- The Roots of the BJJ Belt System

BJJ's belt ranking system has its origins in traditional Japanese martial arts. In the early 20th century, Mitsuyo Maeda—a judoka trained under Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo—traveled to Brazil and eventually taught Carlos Gracie. Carlos, along with his brother Hélio Gracie, adapted what they learned into what we now know as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Judo already had a belt system in place to recognize progress, and BJJ adopted and modified this structure. While Judo used colored belts to indicate rank, the Gracie family introduced their own variations over time, gradually evolving into the modern BJJ ranking we see today.

How the Belt System Works

For adults, the primary belt colors are white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Progression through the ranks is not just about physical skill, but also about knowledge, mat time, and character. Each promotion takes years of consistent training—often 10 years or more to reach black belt.

Many schools also award stripes (small pieces of tape or fabric) between belt levels to signify progress. These stripes are informal but motivational, helping students see incremental growth on the path to the next belt.

After black belt, rankings continue with degrees (or Dans), which are awarded based on years of service and contribution to the art. For example, a 6th-degree black belt may wear a coral belt (black and red), and the rare 10th-degree black belt is reserved for pioneers of the art—like the Gracie family founders.

A Journey, Not a Race

BJJ takes a slow and deliberate approach to progression, emphasizing consistency, humility, and resilience. This reinforces the idea that mastery isn't about rushing—it's about showing up, learning from failure, and staying committed over the long haul.

In the end, the BJJ belt isn't just a piece of fabric. It's a symbol of your journey, the challenges you've overcome, and the person you're becoming both on and off the mat.

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