As a beginner in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s normal to think about the day you will get your BJJ blue belt. I think that we shouldn’t worry about it too much because belts can distract us from the real goal: Getting better at BJJ. Still, The blue belt represents the moment when you truly begin to understand the art of BJJ.
The blue belt represents the beginning of a higher level that requires technical skill, discipline, and an understanding of the art. It’ll add to your prestige and how other practitioners will perceive you.
But how long does it take to get a blue belt, and what are the essential things you need to know to get promoted? We’ll talk about exactly that. Stick with me to explore how to get a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
What Is A BJJ Blue Belt?
Graduating from a white to a blue belt is an exciting step for every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner. But what is a BJJ blue belt?
Definition of a BJJ blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Someone who can submit any untrained person, no matter how tall, muscular, or heavy they are.
In my experience, this is the hardest belt to get because of the failures and bumps you’ll experience as a white belt. You’ll feel like a fool and stupid at times, and it’ll bring up a lot of resistance in you. Only the ones who push through will receive the blue belt.
“Only 10% of white belts get a blue belt”
Rener Gracie
Reaching the new blue belt level is a testament to your commitment. It requires consistent practice, attending classes, and rolling with training partners to refine techniques and develop a deep understanding of the art.
As the journey continues beyond the BJJ blue belt, there will be new challenges, techniques, and lessons to learn, but the foundation built at this stage sets the stage for further growth in the art of BJJ.
Requirements For Getting To Blue Belt Level
As A BJJ Blue Belt, you need to be able to defend yourself against any untrained person. And you have to be able to defeat most of the white belts.
To earn the BJJ blue belt, you must have proficiency in the fundamental techniques but also a solid understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin the art of BJJ. This includes applying techniques effectively, understanding leverage and body mechanics, and having a strategic mindset.
At this level, BJJ blue belts have proficiency in fundamental techniques and possess a deeper understanding of BJJ. They worked on their reflexes, timing, and ability to strategize, making them formidable opponents both in training and in BJJ competitions.
Their increased proficiency allows them to apply submissions and control positions with more precision and effectiveness. While they may still have much to learn and progress further along their BJJ journey, blue belts earned their respect.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Training For A Blue Belt
I hit some bumps on my way to the BJJ blue belt. If I’d known these things earlier, I would have gotten my blue belt way faster. I’ll share with you my lessons – I hope my mistakes can help you avoid them.
- Not Being Consistent: I traveled a lot. Visited many cool BJJ gyms. But during that process, I lost training time. Most weeks, I only trained 1-2 times. That’s not enough!
- Training Too Much: I went all out for one month. I trained two times almost every day. The result was that I got hurt after just three weeks. That meant no training for two weeks – So I was back to being inconsistent.
- Using Too Much Strength: I have a muscular build. So, when I rolled with lighter folks, I just used my strength, and it worked. But then I faced bigger guys, and I was in trouble. I wasn’t using the new techniques we learned.
- Too Much Rolling, Not Enough Drilling: I love rolling. But I brushed off drilling. I just wanted to get to the fun rolling part. And that led to me not learning the moves as well as I should have.
So, if you ever wonder why you are not getting better at BJJ, this could be why. Be smart and avoid my mistakes.
How Long Does It Take From White To Blue Belt In BJJ?
The system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) the belt system is taken very seriously. Moving up the belt ladder takes time, so if you are starting out, don’t expect to get your BJJ blue belt before 2 years and your black belt before 10 years of consistent training. The art of jiu-jitsu is all about consistency.
Approximately 10% of white belts will get their blue belt, and 1% of blue belts will get their black belt. – Rener Gracie
The most important thing is to be consistent and patient. Focus on getting better in BJJ, not getting the blue belt. You will get there, just keep showing up.
How To Get To A Blue Belt Faster
Don’t want to wait 2 years to get your blue belt? What can you do to get your blue belt faster? I’ll share some things I wish I’d done sooner:
- Stay Consistent: Train regularly – this is the most obvious and important thing.
- Focus on defense: As a white belt, focus on not getting submitted. Focus on defense fundamentals.
- Avoid Injuries: If you’re getting hurt a lot, there’s a big chance that you’re training wrong.
- Ask Questions: Be curious. Ask your coaches and training partners for tips and further explanations.
- Focus on Drilling: Pay attention when drilling. Make sure you really get the technique down.
- Take Notes: Note down what you learn. Picture the moves in your head after practice.
- Record Yourself: Watching a video of yourself rolling is huge. I spotted so many mistakes in my game that way.
- Solo Drills at Home: Keep practicing even when you’re alone.
- Practice Outside Training: Grab a buddy and practice. More practice = more progress!
- Private Lessons: They’re a game-changer. You can ask questions and dig deep into techniques.
- YouTube Tutorials: You can watch any technique you’d like on YouTube – We are so lucky nowadays!
- Go to Tournaments: Even as a white belt, compete! One of my coaches said one tournament is like a whole month of training. You learn so much about yourself.
I guarantee you that if you follow these steps, you will get better faster in BJJ.
Why Do So Many Quit BJJ At White Belt Level?
As a white belt, you are at the beginning of your journey into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This stage is not just about learning techniques; it’s about laying the foundation for a strong understanding of this martial art. You will get to know the fundamentals of BJJ, explore its principles, and apply them in practice.
During this phase, you need to cultivate discipline, respect, and full commitment – values that are at the very heart of the art of BJJ. In all honesty, BJJ will humble you. At the white belt rank, you’ll see that you don’t know how to defend yourself, and you will tap out thousands of times.
It will show you your place, and that’s why most people will never get to the BJJ blue belt – And it should be like that because that adds prestige and admiration to those who pushed through and reached these higher belts.
Only if you embrace the challenges and progress through each belt will you unlock the full potential that BJJ has to offer. Remember, every step you take as a white belt is a stepping stone toward the black belt. Enjoy the process, stay focused, and embrace the growth that comes with it.
Final Words
BJJ is a humbling art where the journey is personal. Some progress faster, but it’s important to remember that we each have our unique path in this art. BJJ teaches us about life and growth, about struggle and resilience, lessons that I hold dear.
But remember, it’s not about how fast you get there but about the journey, the growth, and the person you become along the way.
If you are looking to purchase your own belt, check out our list of the best BJJ belts in 2023.
