BJJ Belt Promotion Guide — Requirements and How Grading Works
From white to black: the adult and youth belt systems and the criteria instructors use when promoting students, all in one place.
Belt promotion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is not just about technical skill. Instructors weigh your attitude on the mats, your character, what you contribute to the gym, and your competition record as a whole. There is no single test that decides it — the core of the decision is your instructor's judgment.
Adult belt system (18 and over)
Under IBJJF rules, adult belts go White → Blue → Purple → Brown → Black, and each belt has a stripe system that takes you from one to four stripes.
| Belt | Minimum age | Minimum time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | None | — | Starting point, open to anyone |
| Blue | 16+ | None (no minimum at white) | Fundamentals in place |
| Purple | 16+ | 2+ years after blue | Intermediate techniques |
| Brown | 18+ | 1.5+ years after purple | Advanced game refined |
| Black | 19+ | 1+ year after brown | Mastery level |
Youth belt system (15 and under)
Kids use a five-color system: White → Grey → Yellow → Orange → Green. Each color is split into three levels: solid, white bar, and black bar.
What instructors look at
- Mat time: meeting a minimum number of classes and time at the belt
- Technical skill: command of the curriculum for that belt
- Sparring: how you roll with people at your belt and above
- Competition: entering and placing in tournaments (not required, but it helps)
- Attitude: attendance, helping newer students, contributing to the gym
- Character: respect for partners and good etiquette
Source: IBJJF Graduation System (minimum ages, minimum periods, youth belts)
To compete at IBJJF events you need an IBJJF membership, and up to brown belt that membership must be approved by an IBJJF-affiliated black belt instructor. Check with your instructor before a tournament.