How To Jiu Jitsu - Episode 2: The Belt & Ranking Structure
Episode 2: The Belt & Ranking Structure
Jiu jitsu uses a belt color ranking system like most other martial arts. The belt ranking system in jiu jitsu is as follows: white, blue, purple, brown, black, red & black, red & white, red. It does differ somewhat because while it is still a milestone to reach the black belt rank, there are the red belts that signify master levels.
History of colored belt systems according to wikipedia:
In 1907, Kanō Jigorō, the founder of Judo, introduced the use of belts (obi) and gi (judogi) in the martial arts, replacing the practice of training in formal kimonos.[3] In 1914, Kanō's pupil Mitsuyo Maeda arrived in Brazil, a journey which led to the development of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. At the time Kanō used only white and black belts, with white representing the beginner, as a color of purity and simplicity, and black being the opposite, representing one who is filled with knowledge.[3]
Some believe that Mikonosuke Kawaishi was the first to introduce additional colors in 1935 when he began teaching Judo in Paris, 10 years after Carlos Gracie opened his academy in Brazil. Kawaishi thought that a more structured system of colored belts would provide the western student with visible rewards to show progress, increasing motivation and retention.[3] Since then, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Judo and many other martial arts have adopted the use of colored belts to denote students' progression in the arts.[4]
The first official belt ranking system was created in 1967 by the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Guanabara.[citation needed] Much of the current criteria and modern belt ranks were implemented by the Sport Jiu Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) and International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
White
White belt is the first adult belt. It is for beginners and has no prerequisite. Typical white belts may have no exposure to jiu jitsu or other martial arts. This is the introduction stage and emphasis should be put on defensive training from bad positions and escapes.
Blue
Blue belt is the second adult belt. It is for the exploration stage and practitioners to learn and test many techniques. Emphasis should be on offensive as well as defensive training.
Purple
Purple belt is the third adult belt. This is an intermediate level. It is for practitioners who have gained quite a bit of knowledge and are typically able to assist in instruction. The emphasis is typically developing a game suited to the individual.
Brown
Brown belt is the fourth adult belt. It is an advanced level. It is for practitioners who have a wealth of jiu jitsu knowledge and focus is on refinement.
Black
Black belt is the fifth adult belt. It is an expert level. It is for practitioners who have expert level knowledge in both technical and practical display of techniques. Most academies are staffed with black belt level instructors.
Red/Black
Red/Black is also known as the Coral belt. It is reserved for long time experts who have made a significant impact on jiu jitsu.
Red/White
Red/White is for 8th degree black belts.
Red
Red is for 9th or 10th degree black belts.
In Closing...
Helio Gracie on the belt ranking system, discussing the meaning of degrees in black belts:
Interesting fact: Most belt colors have a black sleeve. This sleeve is used to tape on white stripes as the practitioner progresses in that belt level. Royce Gracie has changed this to a blue sleeve to signify rankings under the Royce Gracie Network.
I hope you enjoyed this episode of How To Jiu Jitsu! Check back for the next episode that will discuss the basic positions in jiu jitsu. Also be sure to check for my post on January 2nd for my new years giveaway! I will be giving one lucky reader a brand new Ledger Nano S Bitcoin Hardware Wallet.
@framelalife is a 2 stripe blue belt under Royce Gracie. I train at Three Rivers Martial Arts which is in the Royce Gracie Network. Three Rivers Martial Arts is very lucky to have a large staff of professional instructors including: Jason Hawkins, Eli Knight, Derik Perry, Jim Hemphill, Eric Romanak, Clay Mayfield, and Dustin Lynn. The primary focus of Three Rivers Academy is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but also includes Jeet Kun Do, Judo, Silat, and Martial Arts Concepts.
