A Black Belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is no small feat. To put it in perspective, Ultimate Fighting Challenge legend Randy Couture only earned his Black Belt rank in BJJ more than a decade after winning his first world championship. Although different schools and programs will have different specific requirements for each belt level, most conform to the requirements set down by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation. Like other Black Belts, this is not a short-term process. You can expect to train for years to attain this rank.
Step 1
Find Brazilian jiu jitsu training in your local area. If more than one gym exists within 20 minutes of your house, try an introductory package at each to find out which one best suits you. Expect to pay an initiation fee and to buy more than $100 worth of equipment during your first months of study.
Step 2
Wear your white belt to class, demonstrating that you are a beginning student. Attend a minimum of two training sessions each week to keep yourself moving forward in your practice. At this level, you will likely focus on basic skills, physical conditioning and defensive moves.
Step 3
Test for your blue belt when your instructor feels you are ready -- often one to two years after you start lessons. As a blue belt, you will focus on offensive moves and match strategy. If you haven't already, seriously consider participating in live competition. Many schools require a number of hours of competitive time for promotion to the next rank.
Step 4
Test for your purple belt when your instructor allows it. This may be as long as two or three years after receiving your blue belt. At this level, you may be considered qualified to teach newer students. You should do this as soon as the opportunity presents itself because teaching students is one of the best ways to develop your skills.
Step 5
Train for 18 to 24 months as a purple belt before progressing to brown belt. As a brown belt, you will focus less on learning new moves and more on polishing, and mastering the moves you already know. As you approach time to test for your black belt, your school may require a service or scholarship project in addition to your physical requirements.
Step 6
Attend advanced classes and train intensely for at least 12 months as a brown belt. Your black belt test may be a public event, complete with rigorous performance tests lasting several days. It might be a casual award given after -- or even during -- class. Your individual school will have its own traditions and process for awarding this belt as the result of your years of hard work and dedication.
Things You'll Need
- Access to training
- Jiu jitsu gi
- Funds for lessons
References
- "USJA Basic JuJutsu Manual"; Phillip Porter; 1996
- "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Theory and Technique"; Renzio Gracie; 2001
- CagedInsider.com: Randy Couture's Jiu-Jitsu Coach Explains No-Gi Black Belt
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