Jiu-Jitsu Belt Rankings

What the Rankings Mean

Jiu jitsu uses a colored belt system to indicate rank and skill level. It begins with the white belt for novices and progresses through blue, purple, and brown before reaching the coveted black belt. Each belt level (except white) can have stripes added to signify further progress.

While the specific criteria can vary between schools and organizations, promotions generally depend on a combination of technical knowledge, time spent training, and competitive performance. Earning a black belt often takes a minimum of 10 years of dedicated practice.