Black belt with white bar
Seeing a black belt with a white bar instead of the traditional red bar can be surprising. The black belt is the highest rank in BJJ, result of years of dedication, skill, and experience. However, the white bar on a black belt carries a specific meaning that differs from the more commonly seen red bar.
So, what does a black belt with a white bar mean?
The white bar typically indicates a practitioner or competitor black belt, someone who has achieved the rank of black belt but has not officially taken on the role of an instructor or professor. Unlike the red bar, which is associated with teachers and those actively involved in coaching, the white bar signifies a dedicated competitor or practitioner who focuses on training and competing rather than teaching.
BJJ black belt white bar vs red bar
In BJJ, black belts come with different bars, which distinguish their roles within the sport:
- Black belt with a white bar – Represents a competitor or practitioner black belt, someone who has attained the rank but does not hold a formal instructor role.
- Black belt with a red bar – Indicates an instructor, professor, or coach who actively teaches and leads students in training.
- Black belt with a red bar and white stripes – Typically found at higher levels (coral belt and above), representing a master of the art who has contributed significantly to BJJ.
While the technical skill level between a black belt with a white bar and a red bar may not differ, the distinction helps identify who holds formal teaching authority within a gym or organization.
How rare are black belts in BJJ?
Black belts in BJJ are extremely rare. Unlike other martial arts where black belts can be achieved within a few years, in BJJ, it often takes 10 years or more to reach the rank of black belt. Unlike other martial arts where black belts can be achieved within a few years, in BJJ, it often takes 10 years or more to reach the rank of black belt.
- Less than 1% of practitioners ever reach black belt status.
- It requires consistent training, competition experience, and deep knowledge of both gi and no-gi techniques.
- Promotions are based on skill, effectiveness, and understanding of the art, rather than just time spent training.
- According to the IBJJF, there are over 10,000 certified black belts, but this is still a small percentage compared to the number of practitioners worldwide.
Because BJJ is a martial art rooted in practical skill over formal testing, reaching black belt is considered one of the toughest accomplishments in combat sports.
How often do BJJ black belts get stripes?
Once a practitioner reaches black belt, they can still earn stripes to signify further progression in their journey. Stripes at the black belt level are typically awarded every three years of active training and contribution to the sport.
- Stripes at the black belt level are typically awarded every three years of active training and contribution to the sport.
- It takes six degrees (stripes) on a black belt before moving to the coral belt (red and black belt), which takes around 30 years total at black belt.
- The highest rank in BJJ is the red belt, which is reserved for the most senior practitioners and usually awarded after 50+ years of dedication to the art.
Summarizing what we just learned
The black belt with a white bar in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a unique rank that highlights someone who has achieved mastery in the art but is focused on competition and personal training rather than formal instruction.
- The red bar is for professors and coaches, while the white bar is for dedicated practitioners and competitors.
- Black belts are extremely rare, requiring over a decade of commitment.
- Stripes on black belts are awarded every few years, marking continued progression.
Whether you train for competition, self-improvement, or simply the love of Jiu-Jitsu, reaching black belt, regardless of the bar color, is an incredible achievement that represents both skill and perseverance.
Understanding the belt system is crucial for all practitioners, as it defines progression and expectations at every level. To get a deeper insight into BJJ ranking, belt progression, and training tips, check out our BJJ belt system guide for a complete breakdown.
