Belts in jiu-jitsu aren't handed out — they're earned over years. Here's how the ranking system works, and how a no-gi school like 10th Planet promotes.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu uses a belt system that runs white → blue → purple → brown → black for adults, with stripes marking progress within each belt. Unlike some martial arts, BJJ belts are famously slow and earned through demonstrated skill and mat time — not a fixed test schedule. At 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Fullerton promotions reflect real ability in live, no-gi training.
| Belt | Roughly | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| White | Day one+ | Learning to survive and the fundamentals |
| Blue | ~1.5–2.5 yrs | A solid all-round game and escapes |
| Purple | ~4–5 yrs | Advanced; developing a personal style |
| Brown / Black | ~5–10+ yrs | Expert; black belt is a years-long journey |
Timelines vary widely by how often you train — these are ballparks, not promises.
Just starting? You begin at white belt in the beginner program — and the first class is free.
For adults: white, blue, purple, brown, then black, with stripes marking progress within each belt. The same ranks apply whether you train gi or no-gi.
Roughly 1.5–2.5 years of consistent training for most people, though it varies widely with how often you train. BJJ belts are earned through demonstrated skill and mat time, not a fixed schedule.
The belt ranks are identical; you train and earn promotions in no-gi. Stripes mark progress between belts, and promotion reflects real ability in live rolling rather than a paid test.
Everyone starts at white belt. Our beginner program is built for that stage, teaching the core positions and escapes first — and your first class is free.