Below is a tabular overview of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) belt ranks, typical time periods required to progress (for adults), and common guards associated with or emphasized at each level. Approximation timeframes can vary significantly based on training frequency, competition experience, instructor discretion, and individual progress.
| Belt Rank | Typical Time to Achieve | Common Guards Emphasized or Mastered | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | Starting rank (0 years) | Closed Guard, Open Guard | Fundamentals: posture, escapes, basic submissions (e.g., armbar, triangle), survival |
| Blue | 1–2 years | Closed Guard, Open Guard, Half Guard | Building offense/defense, positional control, basic sweeps, guard retention |
| Purple | 2–4 years (cumulative) | De La Riva, X-Guard, Deep Half Guard | Advanced guard play, transitions, strategy, developing personal game |
| Brown | 4–6 years (cumulative) | Worm Guard, 50/50, Inverted Guard | Refinement, pressure passing, high-level submissions, competition-level tactics |
| Black | 6–10+ years (cumulative) | All guards (mastery & innovation) | Mastery of all positions, teaching ability, strategic depth, often specialization |
Notes:
- Youth Belts: Children under 16 follow a different belt system (white → gray → yellow → orange → green), with no fixed time requirements.
- Time Periods: These are general estimates; some may progress faster or slower. IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) requires a minimum of 2 years at blue and 1.5 years at purple before promotion to the next rank.
- Guards: Guard selection evolves with experience. Lower belts focus on foundational guards (closed/open), while higher belts explore and specialize in advanced or modern guards.
- Stripes: Within each belt (except black), students often earn up to 4 stripes as interim progress markers.
⚠️ Important: Belt promotions are ultimately at the discretion of the head instructor and are based on technical knowledge, attitude, consistency, and sometimes competition performance—not strictly time served.