BJJ Belt Ranks Explained

By Ryan Norton

Owner & Black Belt Instructor, Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu

If you're new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you might be wondering what all the belt colors mean and how you move from one to the next.

Here's a quick breakdown.

The Adult BJJ Belt System

White Belt → Blue Belt → Purple Belt → Brown Belt → Black Belt

Each belt represents growth in your technique, understanding, experience, and time on the mats.

White Belt

You're just getting started.

You're learning the fundamentals (positions, escapes, sweeps, submissions, and how to move).

You'll probably get tapped. A lot.

That's part of it. The biggest thing at white belt is to keep showing up and keep learning.

Blue Belt

You've built a solid foundation and are starting to put the pieces together.

This is often the “blue belt buffet” stage. You've learned enough to start trying a little bit of everything. Different guards, sweeps, submissions, takedowns, and transitions.

Some things work. A lot of things don't.

That's part of the fun. Over time, you'll figure out what fits your body, your style, and your game.

Purple Belt

Your Jiu Jitsu starts to become your own.

You're developing a deeper understanding of technique and strategy and beginning to build a game that fits you.

You're also becoming someone newer students can learn from.

Brown Belt

It's time to refine.

You have a lot of experience and a deeper understanding of the details behind the techniques you're using.

You're also getting closer to one of the biggest milestones in Jiu Jitsu: black belt.

Black Belt

Black belt doesn't mean you've finished learning.

It's the result of years of training, experience, and dedication—and there's still plenty left to learn.

And yes, black belts still get tapped.

What About Kids?

Kids have a different belt system than adults, with additional colors along the way as they grow and develop. At Lion Heart, we don't want kids focused only on earning the next belt. We want them learning to work hard, listen, help their teammates, overcome challenges, and enjoy the process.

The belt recognizes the growth. It isn't the reason for it.

How Long Does It Take?

There's no set timeline for earning a new belt.

Everyone progresses differently, and promotions aren't based on time alone. Your instructor looks at your technique, understanding, consistency, attitude, and overall development. Some people progress faster. Some take longer.

That's okay. Jiu Jitsu isn't a race.

Focus on getting a little better every time you train. The belts will take care of themselves.

Ready to Start?

You don't need to know anything about Jiu Jitsu before you start.

At Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu in Hoover, Alabama, your first class is free and no experience is necessary.

Train together. Grow together.