Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or watching your child rise
through the ranks, understanding the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system helps you
appreciate the structure and meaning behind every promotion. At Gracie Barra, we
follow the official IBJJF standards, ensuring every belt is earned through consistent
effort, character, and technical growth.
Let’s break it down for both adults and kids.
🔹 Adult BJJ Belt System (Ages 16+)
Once a student turns 16, they begin progressing through the adult belt system, which
includes five core belts:
|
Belt |
Minimum Age |
Minimum Time at Belt |
|---|---|---|
|
White |
16 |
No minimum |
|
Blue |
16 |
2 years |
|
Purple |
16 |
1.5 years (after blue) |
|
Brown |
18 |
1 year (after purple) |
|
Black |
19 |
3 years per degree |
🕒 It typically takes 8 to 12 years to earn a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Promotions
are based not just on time, but also technical knowledge, mat hours, and personal
growth.
🟡 Kids & Youth Belt System (Ages 4–15)
The youth system provides age-appropriate progressions to motivate and encourage
children through structured learning and character development.
|
Belt |
Minimum Age |
Minimum Time at Belt |
|---|---|---|
|
White |
3.5 |
No minimum |
|
Grey/White |
4 |
1 year |
|
Grey |
5 |
1 year |
|
Grey/Black |
6 |
1 year |
|
Yellow/White |
7 |
1 year |
|
Yellow |
8 |
1 year |
|
Yellow/Black |
9 |
1 year |
|
Orange/White |
10 |
1 year |
|
Orange |
11 |
1 year |
|
Orange/Black |
12 |
1 year |
|
Green/White |
13 |
1 year |
|
Green |
14 |
1 year |
|
Green/Black |
15 |
1 year |
After age 16, students transition into the adult belt system, usually moving to blue belt
depending on their development and instructor evaluation.
🏆 How Promotions Work at Gracie Barra
At Gracie Barra, belts are not awarded by time alone. Our instructors consider:
• Mat attendance and consistency
• Technical performance and understanding
• Attitude, sportsmanship, and leadership
• Age and IBJJF time-in-rank requirements
Stripes (small tape markers on belts) are used to indicate progress within each rank and
keep students motivated between full belt promotions.
🌟 What Sets Gracie Barra Apart?
Our students benefit from a global curriculum, allowing consistent and high-quality
training regardless of the location. Promotions at Gracie Barra are:
✅ Transparent.
✅ Structured
✅ Earned through effort and teamwork
✅ Backed by Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s vision and the IBJJF