BJJ belt requirements
This page shows the BJJ belt order and the IBJJF minimum ages and times. Your instructor still decides when you are promoted.
The adult belts
Adult belts go in this order: white, blue, purple, brown, black. Each belt below black can have up to 4 stripes. A stripe is a small mark of progress on the belt.
Minimum age for each belt
| Belt | Minimum age or rule |
|---|---|
| White | Any age |
| Blue | 16 |
| Purple | 16 |
| Brown | 18 |
| Black | At least 1 year at brown belt |
Since June 2026, a brown belt who wins the Adult World Championship can get a black belt at 18.
Minimum time at a belt
| Step | Minimum time |
|---|---|
| Blue to purple (adults) | 2 years at blue |
| Purple to brown | 18 months at purple |
| Brown to black | 1 year at brown |
Some people may skip a minimum time. For example, an Adult World Champion at that belt has no minimum time. Real progress is usually much slower than these minimums.
You get your purple belt. Under IBJJF rules, you wait at least 18 months before a brown belt. Your instructor may wait longer.
Kids belts
Kids under 16 start at white. Then they train through grey, yellow, orange and green belts. In the year they turn 16, they move to the adult belts.
After black belt
After many years at black belt come the red and black belt and the red and white belt. Many people call these coral belts. The highest belt is the red belt.
Read more on the belt system page.
Under IBJJF rules, how long must you stay at brown belt before a black belt?
Train it on the Path
The Before you roll unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.