Close-up of a black martial arts belt with red and white stripes, lying on a white surface.

RANK & BELT SYSTEM

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has eight adult belts and an additional four belts specifically for children under the age of 16.

Line drawing of a martial arts belt tied in a knot.

White Belt

Blue martial arts belt tied in a knot.

  • The introductory belt for all BJJ students. Beginners start at this level with no prerequisites.

Blue Belt

Purple martial arts belt tied in a knot

  • The second rank. Blue belts develop a broad understanding of techniques and spend significant time mastering moves.

Purple Belt

  • A purple belt practitioner has a high level of skill and is generally able to assist in teaching lower-ranked students.

Illustration of a brown martial arts belt tied in a knot.

Brown Belt

  • Typically requires five years of dedicated training. At this level, students focus on refining their techniques.

Illustration of a black martial arts belt with a red stripe, tied in a knot.

Black Belt

  • The pinnacle rank in BJJ, denoting an expert level of skill and technical knowledge.

Illustration of a red and black belt tied in a knot.

Red/Black Belt (Coral Belt)

  • Given to a BJJ black belt upon reaching the seventh degree.

Illustration of a martial arts gi belt tied in a knot, with red, black, and white colors.

Red/White Belt (Coral Belt)

  • Awarded to a BJJ black belt upon reaching the eighth degree.

Red martial arts belt tied in a knot on a white background.

Red Belt

  • Reserved for those whose influence has shaped BJJ. According to Renzo and Royler Gracie, this belt represents the pinnacle of the art, achievable only after many decades of mastery.

STRIPES / DEGREES

At Garra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, students can earn stripes (or degrees) between belts as recognition of their progression. Each belt has four levels of stripes, which indicate advancement within that rank. Both Junior and Adult students can earn stripes from white to brown belts.

After attaining a black belt, practitioners can continue earning stripes based on merit and lifetime commitment to the art. At the highest level, a Master can achieve a red belt, the ultimate mark of dedication and knowledge in BJJ