The Adult Belt System (Ages 16 and up)

The adult belt system is a comprehensive journey with five main belts, each with its own set of rules and expectations.

White Belt

The white belt is the starting point for every student. It has no prior requirements, and it represents a clean slate ready for learning. Your main goal at this stage is to build a solid foundation of fundamental techniques and a deep understanding of basic concepts.

• Minimum Age: There is no minimum age for adult students to receive a white belt.

• Time Requirement: While the IBJJF does not set a strict minimum time, Gracie Barra Texas generally recommends a minimum of one year of consistent training before an instructor considers a student for a blue belt.

• Key Focus: Learn fundamental positions, defenses, and basic submissions. Develop proper etiquette and discipline on the mat.

• Rules and Prohibitions: White belts face the most restrictions to ensure safety. We strictly prohibit submissions that twist the knee (like toe holds and heel hooks), knee bars, and cervical locks.

Blue Belt

The blue belt signifies that a student has a functional understanding of the art. They have a solid grasp of the basics and are beginning to connect techniques into combinations.

• Minimum Age: 16 years old.

• Time Requirement: You must have a minimum of two years as a blue belt before you are eligible for a purple belt. This can be a challenging period, often called the “blue belt blues,” where students must stay committed to their training.

• Key Focus: Expand technical knowledge, develop a personal game, and refine a wide range of attacks and defenses.

• Rules and Prohibitions: The rules begin to loosen. Students may use straight foot locks and knee bars in certain competitions. We still prohibit heel hooks and cervical attacks.

Purple Belt

The purple belt is the first advanced rank. It shows a comprehensive knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu techniques and a high level of proficiency. Purple belts are considered intermediate instructors and often help newer students.

• Minimum Age: 16 years old.

• Time Requirement: You must have a minimum of 1.5 years as a purple belt before you are eligible for a brown belt.

• Key Focus: Refine techniques, master advanced submissions, and develop strategic thinking. At this stage, students must have a deep understanding of the principles behind the movements.

• Rules and Prohibitions: Purple belts can use most submissions. They can apply knee bars, toe holds, and other advanced leg attacks. However, many federations still prohibit heel hooks for this rank.

Brown Belt

The brown belt is a student’s final step before the black belt. This rank represents an extremely high level of technical skill and a deep commitment to the art. Brown belts are elite practitioners and are seen as leaders in the academy.

• Minimum Age: 18 years old.

• Time Requirement: You must have a minimum of one year as a brown belt before you are eligible for a black belt. This period is crucial for polishing your skills and preparing for the responsibilities of a black belt.

• Key Focus: Perfect your techniques, develop a “bread and butter” game, and demonstrate your ability to teach and mentor others.

• Rules and Prohibitions: At this level, students can use almost all submissions, including heel hooks and other advanced leg attacks. The emphasis is on the safe and controlled application of techniques.

Black Belt and Beyond

The black belt is a symbol of mastery and a lifelong commitment to Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a new beginning, not an end. Beyond the black belt, practitioners earn degrees based on their time and contributions to the art.

• Minimum Age: 19 years old.

• Time Requirement: Earning degrees on a black belt requires specific timeframes, starting with a minimum of three years for the first degree.

• Key Focus: Continue learning, leading, and teaching the next generation of students. A black belt’s role is to share their knowledge and uphold the values of the art.

• Rules and Prohibitions: Black belts can apply most Jiu-Jitsu submissions, with very few exceptions in competition. The primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of their training partner.