Frequently Asked Questions
What is BJJ?
▼
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It emphasizes technique and leverage over strength, making it effective for practitioners of all sizes. BJJ evolved from Japanese jujitsu and judo, and was refined in Brazil by the Gracie family.
What are the BJJ Belts?
▼
BJJ uses a belt system to indicate skill level and progression. For adults, the belts are: White (beginner), Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black. There are also coral and red belts for the highest masters. Each belt except white has four stripes that can be earned before promotion to the next belt.
How do the BJJ Belt Ranks work?
▼
BJJ belt progression is based on technical knowledge, sparring ability, time in grade, and overall understanding of the art. Promotions are typically given by black belt instructors. White to blue belt usually takes 1-2 years, blue to purple 2-3 years, purple to brown 1-2 years, and brown to black 1-3 years, though this varies greatly by individual.
How to tie a BJJ Belt?
▼
To tie a BJJ belt: 1) Find the center of the belt and place it at your navel, 2) Wrap both ends around your waist, crossing them at your back, 3) Bring the ends back to the front, 4) Cross the right end over the left, 5) Pull the top end up through both layers at your waist, 6) Tie a final knot by crossing the ends and pulling tight. Both ends should hang evenly.
What are the BJJ weight classes?
▼
BJJ weight classes vary by organization, but common IBJJF divisions include: Light Feather (-64kg/141lbs), Feather (-70kg/154lbs), Light (-76kg/167lbs), Middle (-82.3kg/181lbs), Medium Heavy (-88.3kg/194lbs), Heavy (-94.3kg/208lbs), Super Heavy (-100.5kg/221lbs), and Ultra Heavy (+100.5kg/221lbs+). There are separate divisions for men, women, and different age groups.