Brazilian Jiu-jitsu - The Belt System

The Journey, Not the Destination

If you’ve spent any time on the mats at Mahara Jiujitsu here in East Devon, you’ll know we talk a lot about the journey. Every roll, every class, every belt — it’s all part of something much bigger than just learning to fight.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) belt system is a reflection of that journey. Each belt isn’t simply a sign of skill; it’s a marker of time, effort, resilience, and growth — both physical and mental.

Unlike some martial arts where belts can be earned quickly through exams or grading fees, BJJ is known for being one of the hardest and slowest to progress in. That’s not a bad thing. It’s what makes each promotion so meaningful.

The BJJ Belt Structure

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the adult belt progression is:

White → Blue → Purple → Brown → Black.

That’s it. Simple, but not easy.

Each belt represents years of training and understanding, not just technique. A white belt’s focus is on survival and learning the basics. A blue belt starts to connect movements and defend. Purple belts refine their game and develop their own style. Brown belts polish, and black belts — well, they never stop learning.

At Mahara Jiu-Jitsu, we see these belts as milestones in your personal development, not just your martial arts training.

Comparing BJJ to Other Martial Arts

When people start BJJ, especially those coming from other arts like Karate, Taekwondo, or Judo, one of the first things they notice is how long it takes to earn belts in Jiu-Jitsu.

In traditional striking arts, it’s common to see black belts achieved in three to five years. In BJJ, it often takes ten or more. That’s because promotions are based on mat time and application, not just attendance.

In Karate or Taekwondo, you’re often graded on your ability to perform specific forms or kata — a set of predetermined movements. In BJJ, it’s about real sparring and live resistance. You can’t “fake” a technique when your partner is trying to stop you.

That’s what makes the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system so respected across martial arts communities.

Stripes, Time, and Trust

Between belts, students earn stripes as recognition of progress. A stripe doesn’t change your belt colour, but it shows you’re improving — building consistency, understanding positions better, and contributing to the academy’s culture.

At Mahara Jiu-Jitsu, stripes and belts aren’t handed out lightly. They’re earned through time, trust, and the willingness to show up, even on hard days.

Some days you feel like you’re making no progress. But the truth is, every class counts. Every tap, every technique, every conversation on the mat moves you forward.

More Than a Colour

In BJJ, your belt tells a story.The sweat stains, the faded fabric, the frayed edges — they all remind you of what you’ve put in.

A blue belt might not mean much to the outside world, but to the person wearing it, it represents thousands of hours of effort and countless lessons in humility.

It’s not uncommon to see black belts in their forties training alongside white belts just starting their journey. That’s one of the things that makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in East Devon so unique: no hierarchy, no ego, just learning together.

The Culture of Progress

At Mahara, we don’t chase belts — we chase improvement. The belts come as a result.

This approach builds a culture where people feel supported, not pressured. When someone gets promoted, it’s a celebration for everyone, because we’ve all been part of that person’s journey.

Whether you train in BJJ near Exeter, Exmouth, or right here in East Devon, you’ll notice that sense of community is what keeps people coming back.

Comparing Philosophy: BJJ vs Judo vs Karate

If we strip away the techniques, what really separates BJJ from arts like Judo or Karate is the philosophy.

Judo’s belt system comes from its founder Jigoro Kano, who introduced belts to measure a student’s progress — an idea later adopted by many martial arts. BJJ inherited this system but made it less rigid, more personal.

In Judo or Karate, grading might depend on performing a set routine. In BJJ, it’s about how you move and adapt under pressure. Every spar tells the truth.

That’s why, at a BJJ academy in East Devon like ours, promotions mean something deep — they’re proof of perseverance, not memorisation.

The Long Game

Earning a black belt in BJJ isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning of another chapter. Most black belts will tell you that once they reach it, they feel like white belts all over again.

And that’s the beauty of Jiu-Jitsu — there’s no finish line. Just growth.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’ve been training for years, remember: consistency beats intensity. Show up, stay humble, and keep learning.

Final Thoughts

The BJJ belt system isn’t just a ranking structure; it’s a personal journey of discipline, humility, and persistence. Each belt represents a version of yourself that refused to quit.

At Mahara Jiujitsu in East Devon, we honour that. Every belt promotion is a shared victory — a reflection of who you are becoming both on and off the mats.

If you’re ready to start your journey, join one of our beginner-friendly BJJ classes in East Devon and experience what makes this martial art so powerful.

👉 Book your free trial class today and see why people across Exeter, Exmouth, and East Devon are discovering the life-changing benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.