When you begin your journey in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Bangkok, one of the first things you will notice is the different colored belts worn by each student. A belt in BJJ is more than just a ranking; it is a symbol of training hours, dedication, knowledge, and growth on the path of this martial art.
For those serious about training in BJJ Bangkok, understanding the belt system and its underlying philosophy will help you clearly visualize your own path of development. At BJJBKK, we adhere to international standards to ensure every student grows with quality.
1. The Belt Ranking System
The BJJ belt system is divided into two main groups: for adults (16 years and older) and for kids.
The Adult Belt System:
- White Belt: The starting point for everyone. This is a period for learning the most critical fundamentals, including survival, defense, and basic movements.
- Blue Belt: The first rank that signifies a conceptual understanding of BJJ. The practitioner can defend themselves and is beginning to build their own offensive game.
- Purple Belt: The level of a practitioner with a high degree of technical knowledge and skill. They can move fluidly and are beginning to develop their own unique style of fighting.
- Brown Belt: Nearing expert status. This is a time for refining the small details of various techniques to perfection and developing a deep understanding of timing and pressure.
- Black Belt: A symbol of an expert who possesses a deep understanding of BJJ. However, this is not the end, but the beginning of a new level of learning.
The Kids’ Belt System (Under 16 years):
To encourage and provide a clearer sense of progression, the kids’ belt system features a wider variety of colors: White, Grey, Yellow, Orange, and Green.
2. It's Not About "Time," It's About "Skill and Understanding"
The most frequently asked question is, “How long does it take to get a blue belt?” At BJJBKK, we believe that promotion is not based on the number of days you train, but on the understanding and skill you demonstrate.
- White to Blue Belt (How to get a BJJ blue belt): You must demonstrate the ability to defend yourself from disadvantageous positions, understand the principles of escapes, and have 2-3 fundamental submissions that you can apply effectively.
- Blue to Purple Belt: You must have a clear offensive game, be able to attack from multiple positions, and begin developing a unique “game” of your own.
- Purple to Brown Belt: This transition involves mastering your game, developing counters to common defenses, and being able to impose your will on skilled opponents.
- Brown to Black Belt: This is a journey of refining techniques to their highest level, understanding complex concepts, and developing the ability to convey knowledge to others.
3. The Promotion Process at BJJBKK (BJJ Promotion Bangkok)
We do not hold formal, high-stress “belt tests.” Instead, our professor continuously evaluates students based on these factors:
- Consistency: Regular attendance at training sessions is the most crucial factor.
- Technical Knowledge: An understanding of the techniques taught in our BJJ Bangkok Curriculum.
- Sparring Performance: The ability to apply techniques effectively against a resisting opponent.
- Attitude: Showing respect for training partners, humility, and a hunger to learn.
4. The True Meaning of a "Black Belt"
There is a story and philosophy passed down from Conde Koma (Mitsuyo Maeda), the master who pioneered and brought Jiu-Jitsu to the Gracie family, which became the foundation of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. One philosophy that best reflects the meaning of a black belt is the concept of “emptying a full cup of tea.”
The story tells of an expert who visits a master to ask for knowledge, but spends the whole time talking about his accomplishments and knowledge. The master begins to pour tea into the expert’s cup and continues pouring until it overflows. When the expert protests, the master says, “Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you anything new unless you first empty your cup?”
This philosophy is the heart of the BJJ black belt. Earning a black belt does not mean your cup is “full.” It means you have learned how to “empty your cup” to be ready for new learning, always. It is a symbol of dedication; it shows you have endured countless defeats, victories, frustrations, and moments of perseverance to understand that the essence of being an expert is to be a student forever.
No matter which color belt you aim for, the journey on the mats at BJJBKK is a competition against who you were yesterday. We are ready to guide you on every step of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Bangkok belts path.
5. Sources and References for the BJJ Belt Promotion Interview
For the White to Blue Belt Perspective
The core idea is “transitioning from pure survival to having a functional foundation.”
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Source 1: “What Does It Mean To Be A BJJ Blue Belt?” on Evolve MMA’s Blog
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Link: https://evolve-mma.com/blog/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-bjj-blue-belt/
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Relevant Content: This article explains that being a blue belt means you can defend yourself with principles (defensive cycles) and are starting to have 2-3 submissions that you can successfully apply, which aligns with the idea of having a “foundational vocabulary.”
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Source 2: “What a Blue Belt Should Look Like” on Keenan Online
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Link: https://keenanonline.com/what-a-blue-belt-should-look-like/
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Relevant Content: Keenan Cornelius describes the expectations for a blue belt, stating they must know how to survive from all major bad positions, reflecting the feeling of no longer “drowning.”
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For the Blue to Purple Belt Perspective
The core idea is “shifting from collecting techniques to creatively connecting them into a ‘game’.”
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Source 1: “The BJJ Purple Belt: What it Means and How to Get There” on Breaking Grips
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Link: https://breakinggrips.com/the-bjj-purple-belt-what-it-means-and-how-to-get-there/
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Relevant Content: This article discusses the purple belt as an “expert” who is beginning to develop their own style, can attack in combinations, and brings creativity to their training.
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Source 2: “The Jump: What Separates The Blue Belt From The Purple Belt” on BJJ Eastern Europe
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Link: https://www.bjjee.com/articles/the-jump-what-separates-the-blue-belt-from-the-purple-belt/
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Relevant Content: This explains the significant leap where a purple belt can connect various techniques in a fluid manner (flow), which is the heart of the “creativity” mentioned in the interview.
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For the Purple to Brown Belt Perspective
The core idea is “refining one’s game to be sharp and perfect.”
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Source 1: “What It Takes To Become A BJJ Brown Belt” on BJJ World
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Link: https://bjj-world.com/what-it-takes-to-become-a-bjj-brown-belt/
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Relevant Content: It emphasizes that the brown belt is not about learning new moves but about “refinement”—perfecting their main game and applying pressure effectively.
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Source 2: “The Responsibilities Of A BJJ Brown Belt” on BJJ Eastern Europe
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Link: https://www.bjjee.com/articles/the-responsibilities-of-a-bjj-brown-belt/
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Relevant Content: This discusses the role of the brown belt as a “leader” in the gym and as a sharp “hunter,” which aligns with the interview’s perspective of being a “calm hunter.”
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For the Brown to Black Belt Perspective
The core idea is “achieving the status of a representative of the art and realizing this is a new beginning.”
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Source 1: “What is a BJJ Black Belt?” by Stephan Kesting on Grapplearts
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Relevant Content: BJJ master Stephan Kesting provides a deep explanation that a black belt isn’t just about fighting ability but also about “character,” dedication, and being a representative of the gym and the art of BJJ.
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Source 2: “Getting The BJJ Black Belt Is Not The End, It’s The Beginning” on BJJ World
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Link: https://bjj-world.com/bjj-black-belt-not-end-beginning/
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Relevant Content: This article perfectly summarizes the black belt feeling: it is not the finish line but a “new beginning” for a deeper level of learning, which was the main concept in the synthesized interview.
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Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Bangkok offers not just physical benefits, but mental and social rewards as well. Avoiding these common beginner mistakes will help you build a solid foundation and enjoy the long-term benefits of BJJ.
At BrazilianJiuJitsuBKK.com, we welcome students of all levels. Our experienced instructors, international community, and central Bangkok location make us the ideal place to begin or continue your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.
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