{"id":1247,"date":"2022-11-14T16:39:20","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T16:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graciezug.ch\/en\/?p=1247"},"modified":"2025-07-14T08:13:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T08:13:15","slug":"belt-system-brazilian-jiu-jitsu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/graciezug.ch\/en\/belt-system-brazilian-jiu-jitsu\/","title":{"rendered":"The belt system in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Belts are present in different colors in almost every martial art. They signal how long and how well a martial artist has mastered his techniques. But, the exciting question is: Why does a belt system exist? Why is it different in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from other martial arts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the early history of martial arts, the belt performed only one task: it ensured that the kimono stayed on the body and did not fall off. Thanks to the belt, the kimono remained on the upper body. In the beginning, all belts were white. A color system that reflected the knowledge and skill of martial artists did not exist. Later, finally, there was an introduction, which acted as a ranking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where does the general belt system come from?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To understand the belt system of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu<\/a>, it is important to know the origin of the general belt system. Before martial artists introduced the colored belt system, they used a colored kimono system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Predecessor martial arts of Gracie Jiu Jitsu used colored kimonos to distinguish fighters from each other in competitions – in terms of skill. Beginners wore a blue kimono. Those who were advanced, on the other hand, wore a white kimono that was blue on the lapel. Furthermore, the white kimono served as the mark of a master. This kimono system dominated in the martial arts practiced by the founding father of Judo, Jigoro Kano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides judo, Jigoro Kano also created the belt system. When he introduced it, he decided to keep the white kimonos. Not only in Japan, but all over the world, the color white stands for good deeds and intentions, as well as purity. In addition to the belt system, he introduced differentiation into Kyu and Dan grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where does the Dan system come from?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The dan system originated from a Japanese and a Chinese board game that Jigoro Kano liked to play. He introduced the Dan levels in addition to the Kyu levels. All martial arts and combat sports have adopted this belt system from Jigoro Kano. The belt system in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu originated with Jigoro Kano, although some modifications followed over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Europe, however, an expansion of the belt system followed. In this process, the new belt colors served to motivate martial artists – especially children. The focus was on extrinsic motivation. This means that an external factor acts as a motivator – as in this case, the next belt level. Whereby there is an important difference between European and Asian motivation. For the motivation in Asia was more intrinsic, whereas the European motivation of martial artists was related to external factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At one time, there were no criteria for a particular belt. In the ring, it was enough to defeat a fighter who had a black belt. After that, the reward was given: the winner received the black belt, if he did not have it before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When do BJJ students get the black belt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Gracie Jiu Jitsu, students do not receive a black belt unless they have reached the age of 21. Why does age play a crucial role in the BJJ belt system? Because it is not only about presenting techniques, but the combination of different factors plays a central role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n