Jiu-Jitsu 101: Your Basic Belt Guide for Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-jitsu is currently practiced and enjoyed by 3 million people as you are reading this. This is more than an athletic sport, it is a type of grappling martial art that relies on motion and strategies akin to chess to defeat an opponent. This means that with the right moves, you can succeed and win against your opponent.

Despite its reputation as a high-contact sport, jiu-jitsu can actually be gentle on the body and is safe to perform once a week. Martial arts training has been found to enhance health and well-being for people of all ages.

Today, one thing we will learn about jiu-jitsu is its ranking system: the belts. Read on to discover this basic guide for jiu-jitsu belts.

Jiu-Jitsu Belt: The White Belt

Jiu-jitsu beginners are given white belts when they first begin training. The training for the white belt officially starts with the study of defence, in both positional and self-defence situations. If ever in a circumstance where your life is in danger, you must have top-notch self-defence skills. 

You will learn basic submissions such as arm bars and rear-naked chokes in your sessions as a white belt. It is imperative to train properly when engaging in martial arts. 

As you continue your training, you will start with the white belt and advance through a variety of coloured belts. In youth classes, instructors sometimes give mixed-colour belts to accomplished beginners.

Jiu-Jitsu Belt: The Blue Belt

Blue belts receive further instruction in the foundations of jiu-jitsu. The theory and psychology that underlies blue belts’ movements and techniques is taught to them as part of their instruction. At this stage, students begin to focus on strengthening the weaker areas of their skills.

Jiu-Jitsu Belt: The Purple Belt

On average, the time it takes to receive a black belt in other martial arts is equivalent to the level of a purple belt in jiu-jitsu. You can obtain this level after reaching a high degree of proficiency and mastering the majority of the theories and methods related to the BJJ black belt rank.

Jiu-Jitsu Belt: Brown Belt

Earning a brown belt in jiu-jitsu is an impressive achievement because the art can be difficult. As you near receiving your black belt, you must improve your abilities. 

Brown belts have a better understanding of both their own and their opponents’ physical motion. It is not uncommon to see brown belts teaching classes for white belts and those who want to develop their fundamentals.

Jiu-Jitsu Belt: The Black Belt

Both the masters of the art and their fellow practitioners have the greatest regard for black belts. One needs to be greatly knowledgeable about both offensive and defensive tactics as well as local psychology to acquire the black belt.  

Conclusion

Before we end this piece, it is worth reiterating that jiu-jitsu is a lifelong education. Even as you advance and progress, know that there is always space for development, not just physically but also in other aspects of your life. This is precisely what makes this activity fun, exciting, and worthwhile.

Now that you know a little more about this martial art, you can begin your journey, earn confidence, and happily tread into mastery. Through time, you will understand that the lessons learned in martial arts can be applied to daily life.

Do you want to learn jiu-jitsu in Vancouver? Marcus Soares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers premium classes and training by certified instructors. Contact us today to start your jiu-jitsu journey!

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