Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a significant achievement that reflects years of dedication and hard work. On average, it takes practitioners about 8 to 12 years of consistent training to reach this level. This journey varies for each individual, depending on factors like training frequency, personal commitment, and prior martial arts experience.

BJJ belt progression: from white to black

BJJ's belt system is designed to mark a practitioner's growth in skill and knowledge. Here's a breakdown of the typical progression:

1. White Belt: This is where everyone starts. At this stage, the focus is on learning basic techniques and understanding fundamental positions.
2. Blue Belt: After grasping the basics, practitioners move to the blue belt. Here, they expand their technical repertoire and start developing their personal style.
3. Purple Belt: At this intermediate level, there's a deeper refinement of techniques. Practitioners often begin to assist in teaching and may focus on specific aspects of the game.
4. Brown Belt: Nearing the pinnacle, brown belts fine-tune their skills, preparing for the responsibilities and challenges of becoming a black belt.
5. Black Belt: Achieving this rank signifies a high level of proficiency in BJJ. It's not just about technical skill but also a deep understanding of strategy and the ability to teach others.

For a more detailed look at each belt and the associated requirements, you can check out our comprehensive guide on the BJJ Belt System.

Number of certified IBJJF black belts

As of recent data, there are over 10,200 certified black belts recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). However, it's important to note that not all black belts are IBJJF-certified, as many practitioners receive their rank through different organizations, instructors, or lineages. This means that the total number of BJJ black belts worldwide is likely even higher than the IBJJF's official count.

Notable BJJ black belts and champions

Throughout BJJ's history, several practitioners have distinguished themselves through exceptional skill and contributions to the art. Here are some notable black belts:

Popular celebrities who hold a black belt in BJJ

• Guy Ritchie: The filmmaker behind Snatch and Sherlock Holmes is a black belt and has been practicing for years under Renzo Gracie.
• Ed O'Neill: The Modern Family and Married... with Children actor has been training for decades under Rorion Gracie and holds a black belt.
• Clark Gregg: Best known for his role as Agent Coulson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Gregg has trained extensively and holds a black belt in BJJ.
• Joe Rogan: The popular UFC commentator and podcast host is a black belt under Eddie Bravo and Jean Jacques Machado, known for his deep understanding of BJJ and martial arts.
• Sean Patrick Flanery: The Boondock Saints actor is a dedicated practitioner of BJJ and holds a black belt under Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller.
• Scott Caan: The Hawaii Five-0 and Ocean's Eleven actor has been training in BJJ for years and holds a black belt.Keanu Reeves: Trained in BJJ for his roles in the John Wick series, Reeves has showcased strong grappling skills in Hollywood.

Legendary BJJ athletes and their achievements

• Marcelo Garcia: Renowned for his innovative techniques, multiple-time ADCC champion, and one of the best pound-for-pound grapplers in history.
• Saulo Ribeiro: A six-time world champion, Ribeiro is also a respected instructor and author, contributing significantly to BJJ's pedagogy.
• Mackenzie Dern: A world champion in both gi and no-gi competitions, Dern has successfully transitioned into mixed martial arts, showcasing BJJ's effectiveness.
• Roger Gracie: Known for his dominant performances, 10-time world champion, and celebrated for his technical precision.
• Craig Jones: A highly skilled no-gi specialist and multiple-time ADCC medalist, known for his leg lock game and dominance in submission grappling.
• Gordon Ryan: A modern no-gi grappling icon, multiple-time ADCC champion, and known for his dominance in submission grappling.
• Andre Galvao: A decorated world champion and ADCC superfight winner, known for his aggressive style and technical expertise.
• Buchecha (Marcus Almeida): Holds the record for the most IBJJF world championships in history, making him one of the greatest of all time.

These individuals, among many others, have left an indelible mark on the BJJ community, inspiring practitioners worldwide.

The black belt journey

The journey to a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is long and demanding, typically spanning a decade or more of consistent training. Each belt level represents a significant milestone, reflecting a practitioner's growth in skill, knowledge, and personal development. With over 10,200 certified IBJJF black belts globally and many more who have earned their ranks outside of IBJJF certification, the BJJ community continues to thrive, driven by the dedication of its practitioners and the legacy of its champions.

To recap here are Bernardo Faria's thoughts about average time to achieve black belt in BJJ: