The Most Difficult Belt to Earn in Jiu Jitsu, Ranked

Choose the belt you think is the most difficult!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:23
In the world of Jiu Jitsu, earning a belt is no small achievement; each level represents not only a set of skills but also dedication, resilience, and countless hours of practice. As practitioners progress, the challenges they encounter become increasingly severe, testing their limits and pushing them to excel. This process makes some belts notoriously harder to achieve than others, sparking debates among enthusiasts about which is the most formidable. By casting a vote on the hardest belt to earn, users contribute to a collective understanding that helps guide both newcomers and seasoned practitioners in setting realistic goals and expectations. This interactive reflection of community opinions not only fosters a deeper engagement within the martial arts circle but also highlights the personal journeys and stories behind each hard-earned belt.

What Is the Most Difficult Belt to Earn in Jiu Jitsu?

  1. 1
    54
    votes
    The black belt is considered the most difficult belt to earn in Jiu Jitsu. It takes an average of 10 years of consistent training, dedication, and skill development to earn this belt. Black belts are considered experts in the art and are expected to be able to teach and mentor others.
    The Black Belt is the highest rank and most difficult belt to earn in Jiu Jitsu. It represents mastery and expertise in the art. A Black Belt practitioner possesses advanced technical skills, deep knowledge of principles, and a strong understanding of strategy in grappling. It is a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and years of consistent training.
    • Ranking System: The Black Belt is the pinnacle of the ranking system in Jiu Jitsu.
    • Progression: It typically takes an average of 10-15 years of dedicated training to achieve the Black Belt.
    • Technical Proficiency: A Black Belt practitioner demonstrates exceptional technical skills, precision, and efficiency in executing techniques.
    • Physical Fitness: Black Belts are required to maintain a high level of physical fitness, strength, endurance, and flexibility.
    • Mental Toughness: They possess mental resilience, discipline, and the ability to remain calm and focused in challenging situations.
  2. 2
    25
    votes

    Red Belt

    Helio Gracie
    The red belt is the highest rank in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is only awarded to a select few individuals who have dedicated their lives to the art. This belt is typically only awarded to those who have achieved the rank of 9th or 10th degree black belt and have made significant contributions to the art.
    The Red Belt is the highest and most difficult belt to earn in Jiu Jitsu. It represents the pinnacle of mastery and expertise in the art. It is an exclusive and rare distinction that is rarely awarded. Only a small number of individuals have ever achieved this rank.
    • Ranking: The Red Belt is considered a non-competitive rank and is often reserved for pioneers and high-ranking individuals who have made significant contributions to the art of Jiu Jitsu.
    • Experience: To attain the Red Belt, one must have dedicated several decades to the practice and advancement of Jiu Jitsu.
    • Knowledge: Red Belt holders possess an unparalleled understanding of Jiu Jitsu techniques, principles, and strategies.
    • Mentorship: Red Belt holders often take on the role of mentors, guiding and shaping the next generation of Jiu Jitsu practitioners.
    • Impact: Individuals who achieve the Red Belt have significantly influenced the evolution and development of Jiu Jitsu.
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    Brown Belt
    Sakoppi · CC BY 3.0

    Brown Belt

    Mitsuyo Maeda
    The brown belt is the last belt before the black belt and can take several years to achieve. At this level, practitioners are expected to have a deep understanding of the techniques and strategies of Jiu Jitsu and be capable of teaching and mentoring others.
    The Brown Belt in Jiu Jitsu is an advanced rank that represents a high level of skill and expertise in the martial art. It is considered one of the most challenging belts to earn, requiring years of dedicated training and experience.
    • 1: Symbolizes the transition from intermediate to advanced level
    • 2: Requires a deep understanding of technique, strategy, and application
    • 3: Demonstrates proficiency in numerous grappling techniques
    • 4: Displays the ability to adapt and counter various opponent styles
    • 5: Involves a comprehensive knowledge of submissions, sweeps, and control positions
  4. 4
    19
    votes

    Purple Belt

    Helio Gracie
    The purple belt is a significant milestone in a practitioner's journey and requires a high level of skill and dedication. At this level, practitioners are expected to be able to demonstrate a wide range of techniques and strategies and have a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of Jiu Jitsu.
    The Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu is an intermediate rank that represents a significant milestone in the journey of a practitioner. It is a belt that signifies a deeper understanding and proficiency in the art of Jiu Jitsu.
    • Rank: Intermediate
    • Color: Purple
    • Symbolism: Represents transition and maturation
    • Techniques: Expanded repertoire of techniques
    • Timing: Better sense of timing and execution
  5. 5
    18
    votes

    Blue Belt

    Mitsuyo Maeda
    The blue belt is the first significant belt in the Jiu Jitsu ranking system and requires a significant amount of training and dedication. At this level, practitioners are expected to have a solid understanding of the fundamental techniques and strategies of Jiu Jitsu and be able to apply them during training and competition.
    The Blue Belt is the second belt in the ranking system of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It signifies a significant level of proficiency and competence in the art.
    • Ranking: Second belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
    • Difficulty Level: Considered challenging to earn
    • Time to Achieve: Typically takes around 1-2 years of consistent training
    • Skills: Requires knowledge of essential techniques, escapes, and positional control
    • Grappling: Emphasizes ground fighting and submissions
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Green Belt

    Helio Gracie
    The green belt is a rank that is unique to some Jiu Jitsu schools and represents a high level of skill and dedication. At this level, practitioners are expected to be able to demonstrate advanced techniques and strategies and have a strong understanding of the principles of Jiu Jitsu.
    The Green Belt in Jiu Jitsu is a highly challenging belt that represents a significant level of skill and expertise in the martial art. It is known as one of the most difficult belts to earn due to the advanced techniques and knowledge required to attain it.
    • Level of Difficulty: Extremely high
    • Technical Expertise: Advanced
    • Experience: Several years of dedicated practice
    • Knowledge of Techniques: Extensive knowledge of both fundamental and advanced techniques
    • Competitive Performance: Consistently successful in competitions
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    The orange belt is another rank that is unique to some Jiu Jitsu schools and represents a high level of skill and dedication. At this level, practitioners are expected to be able to demonstrate a wide range of techniques and strategies and have a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of Jiu Jitsu.
    The Orange Belt is a highly challenging and prestigious belt in Jiu Jitsu. It represents a significant advancement in skills and knowledge in the martial art.
    • Skill Level: Intermediate
    • Experience Required: 1-3 years of consistent training
    • Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of fundamental techniques and concepts
    • Demonstration: Proficiency in executing a wide range of techniques with precision and control
    • Physical Conditioning: Above average strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance
  8. 8
    11
    votes
    The yellow belt is typically the first belt that a practitioner will earn and represents a significant achievement. At this level, practitioners are expected to have a solid understanding of the fundamental techniques and strategies of Jiu Jitsu and be able to apply them during training and competition.
    The Yellow Belt in Jiu Jitsu is an initial belt that indicates the beginning of a student's journey in this martial art. It represents the foundation and basics of Jiu Jitsu techniques.
    • Ranking Level: Beginner
    • Experience Required: No prior experience necessary
    • Techniques: Basic techniques and positions
    • Physical Fitness: Moderate level of physical fitness required
    • Time to Earn: Varies, typically a few months to a year
  9. 9
    9
    votes

    White Belt

    Mitsuyo Maeda
    The white belt is the starting point for all Jiu Jitsu practitioners and represents a willingness to learn and grow in the art. At this level, practitioners are expected to be humble, respectful, and eager to learn from their more experienced peers.
    The White Belt is the starting belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). It signifies a beginner level and the initiation into the art of BJJ. It is regarded as the most difficult belt to earn due to the steep learning curve and the foundational nature of the techniques learned.
    • Color: White
    • Level: Beginner
    • Complexity: High
    • Duration: Variable (often several months to a year or more)
    • Techniques: Fundamental positions, escapes, and basic submissions
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    In some Jiu Jitsu schools, beginners may not wear a belt until they have demonstrated a certain level of skill and dedication. This can be seen as a way to emphasize the importance of humility and the willingness to learn in the early stages of a practitioner's journey.

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Discussion

Ranking factors for difficult belt

  1. Technical skills and knowledge
    As a practitioner progresses in Jiu Jitsu, the number of techniques they need to master increases. They also need to demonstrate understanding of complex concepts, strategies, and positions. Therefore, the level of technical skills and knowledge required should be considered while ranking belt difficulty.
  2. Physical fitness and conditioning
    Jiu Jitsu is a physically demanding sport, and practitioners need to maintain a certain level of fitness and conditioning in order to perform well during training and competition. The intensity of training and the level of athleticism required for higher belts can be a factor in determining their difficulty.
  3. Competitive performance
    Competing in Jiu Jitsu can be a significant challenge, especially at higher levels of competition. Performing well in tournaments can be a factor that instructors consider when promoting a student to the next belt level. Therefore, competitive performance can be a factor in ranking belt difficulty.
  4. Teaching skills
    As practitioners progress through the Jiu Jitsu ranks, they may be expected to teach and mentor lower-ranked students. Therefore, the ability to effectively teach techniques and concepts can be a factor in determining belt difficulty.
  5. Adherence to Jiu Jitsu etiquette and philosophies
    Respect for instructors, training partners, and the sport's traditions should also be factored into ranking the difficulty of belts in Jiu Jitsu. Higher-ranked students are expected to exemplify these values both on and off the mat.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult belt to earn in Jiu Jitsu. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or belt is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1514 views
  • 180 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each belt once every 24 hours. The rank of each belt is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult belt to earn in jiu jitsu

Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that originated in Japan and has gained global popularity over the years. The art involves grappling techniques and ground fighting, and practitioners are awarded belts to signify their level of mastery. The ranking system in Jiu Jitsu is divided into several levels, with the highest being the black belt. However, not all black belts are created equal, as some are much more challenging to earn than others. In this article, we will delve into the world of Jiu Jitsu and explore the most difficult belts to earn in the sport.

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