Got my blue belt after 2 years and 2 months. 45 years old with a bad bad back from an industrial accident about 15 years ago. Wish I could be a no stripe white belt forever. When the hips and back are aching and stiff all the young guys are instantly faster and stronger. Being the oldest in the class even older than my coaches I’ve embraced my gym name “old man”.
Have you guys got on supplements like fish oil, tongkat ali or magnesium? they have helped me so much with recovery, I'm just wondering if they help at more advanced ages.
4 years from White to Blue and 5 years Blue to Purple. I didn't have any injuries and train a minimum of 4 classes a week. Some gyms are just different.
White to blue for me was just at 7 months. I've been blue now for 2 months and just got a stripe. This not not normal for anyone esle at the gym I go to.
One saying that really stuck with me from my coach is “you show up and you get better”. That’s not to say you can show up and slack off, but focusing on getting yourself to class on a regular basis will advance you more than worrying about getting to black belt fast
Did you ever feel like a imposter going through the belts so quick? I ask because I’m due to move up but not 100% sure I’m ready for next belt … is this natural? Thanks
Currently holding a brown belt. 2 year at white, 3 years at blue, and 2 1/2 at purple. Over 50 competitions throughout these years. Currently held up with a shoulder injury 😢
Belt this ...belt that...belt belt...people should only concern themselves about the things they need to learn and master...the belt will come when it will come.....the moment you are consistently submitting the belt above you - in your head it's already a recognition of your advancement in your training - the color means something,yeh, but not all the time....get your game in check ,don't chase the color
Also, i am a two stripes whilte belt. Started 7 months ago and loving the journey so far. I have listened to my body and my injuries and went from training two days a week to four now. Listening to your body and your needs and accepting failure are the most important things in jiu-jitsu
I just started 2 weeks ago and I am a husband and father working full time and I'm pretty much training saturdays. Blows my mind hearing people say, "Oh you need to be training at least 2 - 3 times a week." It's almost discouraging because if feels like a lot now just trying to commit one day a week to it.
I train 3-4 times a week and a lot of times I don’t roll at the end of class but I need to be reminded of the moves over and over again. I can’t imagine anything making sense if I went once a week. It’s like any skill, if you can train it 30 minutes a few times a week, you’re going to learn it way faster than trying to train 2 to 3 hours one day a week.
Took me about 2 years to go from White to Blue belt and am at almost 5 years at Blue belt with consistent training (minus sickness, Covid lockdown, and 2 months for a knee injury) and assisting with kids' classes at my gym. Something I found to be awesome is that after I spoke with the kids class instructors about wanting to learn how to be a BJJ coach (I used to instruct a Korean martial art when I was 18-22 years old), they have been taking me under their wings and having me lead and sometimes teach the newer, non-competitive students and they give me feedback and tips. My jiujitsu has improved so much from this process.
It absolutely helps you grow and progress. Ive been coaching the kids classes since a week or two after I began. My kids both started before me, which is one of the many reasons I began training. I love spending time with my kids, giving back and helping others, plus it reinforces my learning. It forces me to think about the steps when helping the kids train the weekly techniques.
I'm 49 and just started 2 months ago. Seriously, check out numerous schools before deciding on one. I found a school with several people my age and around the same level. It makes all the difference knowing your mates are on your same level: physically, technically and socially.
The 15 year thing is definitely ringing true. White belt 1 year, blue belt 2 years, been purple for 7 haha At white and blue iw as going 5-6 times a week, got my purple and had to move, which reset the clock, then tore meniscus, broken rib, and bad lower back disk injury caused over 2 years total off, then took one year off when covid hit because we had a newborn at home. Now i'm lucky to go 3-4 times a week and am so thankful juust to be be back training. At this point, getting the next belt isn't even a thought.
Boys your videos/podcast is absolutely top notch 👌 so much information and often I’m in stitches whilst listening to your stories! I’ve just turned 35 years old and I’ve just started Judo and soon to start BJJ, so your episodes are golden. Appreciated from the UK 🇬🇧
I got my blue belt in 6 months, but I trained exceptionally hard and picked it up very fast , competed , 6 days a week training , private lessons on weeeknds
I spent 3 years as a white belt because I came from wrestling and it took that long for me to do actual BJJ when rolling. I took 4 stripes off of my purple and started over when I switched gyms. 14 years total to black.
I got my blue belt in 8 months and spent 17 years as a blue belt , took 15yrs off bjj, due to life and kids but am currently a 4 strip blue belt now , but was told I will get purple soon in next few months . Very long road but don't really care about the belt I just love to roll and hang with new ppl . Train 3-4 times a week for last 3 years .
I trained roughly a year without ranking then laid out 10 years, got my Blue a year later training 5-6x weekly plus personal study, got my purple 2 1/2 years later again training 3-5x ( I’m getting older some weeks I need more rest) currently 6 months into purple and just got 1 stripe this week. I believe learning on your own Outside of class is important to progress faster. I love studying this stuff.
I'm a member of a small club that only holds two classes a week and a third is open mat. They only test once every six months so unless you kill it at comps we can expect each belt to take 2.5 years.
I made a lot of sacrifices because my life happens by the day. I got my first stripe in 6 months and my second stripe 2 years after that. A lot of the sacrifices don't seem like they were worth it when I compare it to the mat time I lost. I hope they were, but I honestly don't know sometimes. I still go though.
I am brand new to Jiu-jitsu. One month in rolling with my older brother who us knocking on the door to blue belt. He has imposter syndrome and I'm getting frustrated at how easily I am being submitted.
It only gets worse as you go up in belts. I’d say until you’re brown, you will be getting submitted far more than you submit others. Especially if you start going to advanced classes where brown and black belts will be hunting you and your blue/purple belt.
Really well put, pretty sure it's the first time I've heard 15 years as an "expectation" out loud on the Interwebs by legit BJJ Black Belts, and it makes all the sense in the world... The best advice I've heard and try to live by is don't think about your next belt, just do your best to be consistent and be a little bit better each time you train.... Which of course you won't be, there will be days, and there will be days... And your dog might eat your jiu jitsu diary and set you back 6 months 🤣
Love this podcast guys 👍 pretty sure im getting my blue belt this month. Been a rollercoaster of emotions through white belt from really wanting the blue belt to hoping I never get it. Feel i'm at a point now where it doesn't really matter to me anymore other than a nice token to the work i've put in. What age did you guys start bjj at btw?
I really needed to hear the last words on this video. Had a rough day today at the gym. Rolling a bit too hard and not breathing right. Got gassed out. 😂 Not in a hurry to rank up but trying to move too fast in my techniques and not breathing right. Great video, new sub!
18 months to blue for me, training 4 or 5 days a week consistently. Then I got my first stripe at blue after 6 months there, got the blue belt blues and left for like three years. Long story short, I’ve been a blue belt for 6 years overall. Honestly I like it and don’t really care about my belt color all that much.
49 years old purple. when i was white (started at 41), i was like waiting when i could get my blue belt. then now at purple, i wish i am white coz as a hobbyist, with office job and family, i just want a workout different from what i did in the past, no longer about belts but more of trying to be good at self defence when needed to, better shape, healthy and most importantly injury free. now just trying to manage the training schedule per week in order not to over train and i can wake up to go work the following morning with less muscle aches
Speaking of belts. I think it is problematic to compare BJJ belts with other martial arts. "Normally" you get a black belt in Karate, TKD, Judo etc... it takes about 5-6y give or take. However, in those arts you are still considered a student, albeit an advanced student. I think a purple belt in BJJ is as equivalent as it gets if you have to compare (which is not possible but we all do anyway...). A black belt in BJJ would then be more compared to 3-4th Dan in the other arts. In BJJ you go from 0th to 1st to 2nd black belt and so on by just continuing in the art. There isn't really any official evaluation or grading beyond black belt in BJJ, which there is in the other arts, at least up to 4th Dan... /Peter
The last I did before grading to blue I had a few coaches complain that I was sandbagging, even though I went 5-1 and only had one other comp under my belt
I got my blue belt after a year almost to the day, and have been a blue for a year and a half and since i got my blue i got married and had my first kid so things have slowed down quite a bit. Although it has made me be a lot more intentional with my training and get the most out of every roll trying new things and i think that has allowed me to continue to progress almost just as fast as i was before
I think when most people ask when they’ll get a black belt or when they’ll get their next belt, they’re really just asking how long it will take to get good at it or if they’re improving.
I’m training no gi and I honestly don’t know what belt most people have most of the time. There are a few guys who are purple, brown black belt and I know them obviously, but white or blue and even some purple - I’m not too sure. Some of the guys have a purple belt in gi and I think they consider themselves white on no gi because it’s so different.
@@777repentnow as I said, I don’t know. I just know that one of the guys told me he has a purple belt in Gi but considers himself a white belt in no Gi.
Went pretty hard during white belt for 2-3 years. Now I've been at blue for ~4 years pretty inconsistent with my training these days. Would still like to achieve more belts but it will probably be a while
Been training for 21 months. 3 stripe white belt. Competed in 4 tournaments. 3 gold medals. 5-1 record. What a ride so far. I train 3-4 days a week. I feel like blue is around the corner. I want it but don't want to feel like an imposter, especially when competing
When i trained in BJJ as a white belt, everybody practiced the same techniques and rolled with everybody, so do belts actually mean anything? I now do Muay Thai and there arent any belt, you know where you are based on your sparring and when you coach puts you into fights
Hey guys, what’s your opinion on belt testing, like you have to know and show 20 techniques and you got a promotion, is it bs or right way to do things, thanks
Nah. Testing Sounds a bit too karate for me. If you train and roll regularly your coach knows, and you know. If you’re purple, and you can beat most purple and challenge browns then you know you’re pretty much there.
I think if it is used in conjunction with criteria such as mat time and a minimum time per training each week, it can be a good way to determine if a person is advancing. Also, preparing for tests makes sure that a person spends a lot of time dedicating themselves to learning those techniques. Further, if they have to keep building upon those techniques with each testing period, it makes sure they know the system or curriculum. - I prefer to just give the belts out when people are ready, but if you have a large school or people who are spotty in attendance, this keeps people honest.
Talking about learning leg locks early? My kid is 10 he has never learned leg locks. Ibjjf rules say it's illegal in competition for gray belts.... right? My son does an in school tournament at another gym vs a 12yo solid gray and gets ankle locked. Now he is obsessed with leg locks and defense. Took me 2 to make 🔵. Literally had to tap a killer 🟤 and absorb his soul in front of class or Id still be 🤍.
Hours on the mat is the real standard. Especially if they're consistent and studying technique outside of actual drilling and rolling. Mentally committing concepts to understanding is an underrated development method when combined with physical training.
Blue belt is the real White belt is the most HONEST statement I have ever heard about Jiu Jitsu. I have met, trained with (and sadly, never seen ever again) SOOOOO many Blue belts that do not fully understand this statement.
will an inconsistent past stop me from getting promoted in the future? for context I've been at this gym for 2 years, going max 3 times a week but have taken 3 months off consecutively and haven't even had one month where I went more than 10 times. I rarely go to gi classes cause I just don't like it and my GI doesn't fit, and the times I go aren't the ones where the main instructor is usually there. he's sometimes there at the beginning for the kids class then leaves and someone else instructs the adult class. regardless, im not worried about ranking up right now. I was listening to Jocko say it doesn't matter your belt just be the best at that belt, so I'm happy being the best 0 stripe white belt on earth, but one day I'd like to get at least a purple belt. is being inconsistent for 2 years gonna stop me from ranking up?
I've been training for about 3 years. I'm 5'5 155 lb and I'm 33 years old . I'm a three-stripe white belt. I can hold my own against the blue belts in my gym and even tap them I would say more than I get tapped and they're all bigger than me. I'm currently the Uki at my gym and I know we shouldn't care about belts but I'm curious why they wouldn't have promoted me. Really not trying to sound like a brat but I feel like I've put in the time, I believe I have the skills as I've proven it against plenty of other people that are higher rank and larger and stronger than me. Any advice??? thanks!
@urgilesbarragan if I'm being honest, both and it does bother me. I know I shouldn't care but it does bug me. I've given the sport a lot, as much time as I can and some part of me wants the recognition for all my hardwork and dedication I guess. I know it's a "ME" problem but I feel like it's eating at my desire to train. It just sucks because I really do love jiu jitsu but I'm at a weird part of my journey.
White to blue for me was just at 7 months. I've been blue now for 2 months and just got a stripe. This not not normal for anyone esle at the gym I go to.
My old gym had a VERY high level D1 wrestler who was doing live sparring with the advanced NoGI guys within the first few weeks. He wasn’t promoted but he was encouraged to only do the advanced classes because his skill level was so different from the rest of the beginners.
@MrZachgonz kinda like my gym they had me do advance classes after my first beginners class. I could not wrestle in college never had the grades to go to college.
I've been training a year no gi and have no stripes. A piece of tape doesn't matter bro lmao. I know 10 submissions and a couple moves from every position. Skills>stripes. Keep training 💪
@@SKRATCH1988 Against people around my skill or low level blue quite a bit! Depends if were doing positional sparring or just standing too but regardless I'm not completely lost as before. Even with escapes i have the idea on what to do rather then spazzing lol
Took me two years to crack blue belt too. It took a long time for the basics to finally click for me. I'm still a mess on the mats. Just keep going boss. All that should matter is that you love what you're doing.
Don't compete. I'm 50. I trained 4x a week for a year and got a blue belt. Felt like I was ready sooner. Continued training 3-4 days a week for the next 2.5 years and got a purple belt. I would have rather not got it and it seemed a little soon.
I’m 57 train 2-3 times a week. Been a blue belt almost 3 years & I don’t want a purple belt yet. I don’t feel ready & told my coach. My coach put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘You will have to be one at some point!’ 🤷🏻♂️😂. How’s life as a purple belt now? Do you feel ok about it now some time has passed?
@@jaimepardo Yes I feel better - like maybe I can carry it a little more.... but I'd be totally fine being a blue belt rn. I'd rather be promoted late than too soon. Especially at my age and for what I'm doing BJJ for... To be in better shape, have some friends, etc. Just a total hobbyist.
@@rolotomase1440 great advice! I’m doing it for the same reasons...so will just remind myself to chill out about getting a purple belt. I’m definitely not in any rush
Genuine Question, why should it take 15 years. It seems to me so much of the conversation around this is trapped by rules made up by Brazilian teachers that have every incentive to lengthen the journey as long as possible. Individuals have gotten it within a few years so clearly the knowledge and skill is learnable to the level of black belt within a short period of time if those people just did jiu jitsu 24/7. I often dont see good definitions for these belts, ESPECIALLY the higher belts. Do you need to know Every technique? probably not as most black belts would not know every technique? They're a master of the art? A master by what standard? what level of skill are we talking about? Are you an expert in every position? What individuals are the standard we're using as an Expert? Viewing it from the outside so much of the BJJ belt system is rooted in mysticism. The activity of BJJ is just submission wrestling so what level of knowledge and skill awards one the rank of brown or black bet? These things have to be definable and not gatekept by some Brazillian coach who obviously is running a business first and foremost.
Also if you're Aussie, we by definition question the validity of hierarchies. Its a core component of our culture. We need to be critical of these lengths of time, they need to be justified. We shouldnt be accepting them just because its the "norm", thats idiotic.
Anyone whis trained for a decent while knows this is the most stupid meaningless question in jiu-jitsu. The amount people get hung up on this "time" thing is ridiculous. Roll, if they kick your ass there better if you kick theres your better regardless of what belt you got or how long youve had it
Lol! That shows how terrible BJJ is. I can get a black belt in Tae Kwon Do in 2.5 years…that proves it’s the best style as you can become a master fighter more quickly. BJJ is just a McDojo belt factory prolonging students time there to milk them for money.
The time really shouldnt matter its should be skill based. Some people are far better naturally and athletically. Its fucking annoying when you go to a gym and roll with black and browns and control them the entier time becauae they only got there belt because of the "time they spent" and there clearly not at that level. Cole abate is a perfect example got his brown won worlds clearly hes above the brown level so gave him his black right there.
If it is that way, then that is an issue. However, when you rolled with them, did you submit them? The reason I ask is because as a brown belt, I often roll with guys and work from positions I want to improve in. I may not be able to do so with brown or black belts or certain purple belts. Or the guy may be so aggressive, I will just defend as I feel no threat submission wise. It´s not a tournament so who cares if he is going all out for a position. However, usually after a few rolls, I will turn it up a little and then submit the same person with no issue as they burn themselves out trying to prove how good they are when they first start rolling. Many newer guys and especially some guys who gain rank really quickly have not had time to experience the ups and downs or may not understand what it takes for other people to be on the mat. As you progress you learn that strategy and experience can also be a good way to beat people as opposed to overt aggression and pure dominance (not saying that is what you are doing). I have wrist-locked and heel hooked people who just knew they were in control of a situation, but really weren´t.
@@mouthguardcomic yea I submitted them. I understand where you're coming from as well because I tend to play that game as well with people letting them work until they just make a little mistake. I can tell when people are letting me work or not as well. I'm a pretty mellow roll never over aggressive. I will say I came from an MMA background growing up for years so I had experience before I strictly just doing BJJ. But there are definitely some gyms that just give away belts to easy or based off time.
@@Harps555 True, I agree some give them away too easily. However, I think that may be the exception more than the rule in our sport/art, unless they are really isolated. If their guys compete, they will come back and demand a change or leave. One last thing, I think a lot of gyms that are based on time actually demotivate people as they learn that all of their hard work is not rewarded. Even though most people want to be self starters, extrinsic motivation plays a huge role. Plus, if you know (even with heavy training) it will take 3 years from purple to brown or 4 years from brown to black, you may realize that two-a-days, five times a week practices will leave you broken down and burned out. Even five days a week puts a strain on anyone who is trying to advance in our current training model. People may become those guys you experienced from sheer de-motivation.
Of course it should matter and why is it annoying? Just tell them you want the top competitors when visiting a gym or enter tournaments, boom easy you get your tough rolls. And belts make much more sense for hobbyists. Competitors already have tournaments, that's your ranking system. Belts are the easy way of rewarding hobbyists. Do you want less of those people , because it's just less money and opportunities for you hardcores anyway at the end of the day. Retention is bad enough as is and giving hobbyists something to aim for other than "just get better or quit" is good practice. Which inevitably will end up being something time based.
@@jamesbyrd5175 Also, without the regular crowd, the competitors would not have anyone to practice with. Additionally, everyone except, maybe one percent, are recreational grapplers. I think people confuse themselves because they pay to compete and think they are pros. That's not to be mean, it is just to say that everyone needs to be appreciated and to say that people who do wish to advance, need to be respected. If you don't want people to complain, don't hand out belts at all.
I stopped caring about belts in my late 20s. The older you get the less important they become. The only thing that should matter is finding a gym/school/dojo that you love attending.
I trained at a gym in Hawaii a minimum of 3 times a week for 3 years. Old school with a photo of Renzo Gracie on the wall, and all training was solely gi. I left as a white belt and moved back to the mainland at the end of those 3 years. I enrolled at a new academy, and was tapping their purple belts. Focus on the art.
Got my blue belt after 2 years and 2 months. 45 years old with a bad bad back from an industrial accident about 15 years ago. Wish I could be a no stripe white belt forever. When the hips and back are aching and stiff all the young guys are instantly faster and stronger. Being the oldest in the class even older than my coaches I’ve embraced my gym name “old man”.
Same here bro. 67 year old purple belt
49 soon to be 50.....man I understand. White belt.
Man, I'm 100% with you on all those points exactly.
Have you guys got on supplements like fish oil, tongkat ali or magnesium? they have helped me so much with recovery, I'm just wondering if they help at more advanced ages.
They don't have old man gyms for us?
4 years from White to Blue and 5 years Blue to Purple. I didn't have any injuries and train a minimum of 4 classes a week. Some gyms are just different.
wtf man sandbag for sure
@@BrMg01😂😂
Wow
Sandbagging or ur literally trash
White to blue for me was just at 7 months. I've been blue now for 2 months and just got a stripe. This not not normal for anyone esle at the gym I go to.
BJJ has grown so much as a sport in terms of techniques and positions that there’s just more to learn than 10 years ago and that takes time
And still black belts don’t know everything
One saying that really stuck with me from my coach is “you show up and you get better”. That’s not to say you can show up and slack off, but focusing on getting yourself to class on a regular basis will advance you more than worrying about getting to black belt fast
100%. It’s all about consistency
Did you ever feel like a imposter going through the belts so quick? I ask because I’m due to move up but not 100% sure I’m ready for next belt … is this natural? Thanks
Currently holding a brown belt. 2 year at white, 3 years at blue, and 2 1/2 at purple. Over 50 competitions throughout these years. Currently held up with a shoulder injury 😢
I dig this podcast. Thank you from San Diego. It took me 12 years to get my Black Belt. Strictly linear consistency , that’s how long it took me.
Much love we appreciate you supporting the show!
Belt this ...belt that...belt belt...people should only concern themselves about the things they need to learn and master...the belt will come when it will come.....the moment you are consistently submitting the belt above you - in your head it's already a recognition of your advancement in your training - the color means something,yeh, but not all the time....get your game in check ,don't chase the color
Also, i am a two stripes whilte belt. Started 7 months ago and loving the journey so far. I have listened to my body and my injuries and went from training two days a week to four now. Listening to your body and your needs and accepting failure are the most important things in jiu-jitsu
Hi, so I am a white belt been training for 3 months… I agree with you listen to your body and enjoy the process. Working on getting my first stripe!
Im just starting at 63, my goal is to learn as much as I can while having fun and staying healthy and maybe years from now get a blue belt 🤙🏼
I loved everything in this video but mostly the end part when you talk about what you sacrificed for jiu-jitsu. Thank you guys !
I just started 2 weeks ago and I am a husband and father working full time and I'm pretty much training saturdays. Blows my mind hearing people say, "Oh you need to be training at least 2 - 3 times a week." It's almost discouraging because if feels like a lot now just trying to commit one day a week to it.
Do the best you can. As long as you are enjoying it thats the main thing.
Don’t train for the belts!
One day a week is better than none, keep showing up!
I train 3-4 times a week and a lot of times I don’t roll at the end of class but I need to be reminded of the moves over and over again. I can’t imagine anything making sense if I went once a week. It’s like any skill, if you can train it 30 minutes a few times a week, you’re going to learn it way faster than trying to train 2 to 3 hours one day a week.
Took me about 2 years to go from White to Blue belt and am at almost 5 years at Blue belt with consistent training (minus sickness, Covid lockdown, and 2 months for a knee injury) and assisting with kids' classes at my gym.
Something I found to be awesome is that after I spoke with the kids class instructors about wanting to learn how to be a BJJ coach (I used to instruct a Korean martial art when I was 18-22 years old), they have been taking me under their wings and having me lead and sometimes teach the newer, non-competitive students and they give me feedback and tips. My jiujitsu has improved so much from this process.
It absolutely helps you grow and progress. Ive been coaching the kids classes since a week or two after I began. My kids both started before me, which is one of the many reasons I began training. I love spending time with my kids, giving back and helping others, plus it reinforces my learning. It forces me to think about the steps when helping the kids train the weekly techniques.
I’m 50 and really wanna try bjj ..looking at schools near me as I watch this..
I'm 49 and just started 2 months ago. Seriously, check out numerous schools before deciding on one.
I found a school with several people my age and around the same level. It makes all the difference knowing your mates are on your same level: physically, technically and socially.
I am 50 and have been trying for 9 months now. I hope you find a great school like I did. I think you will enjoy it.
Do it brother!!! If you don’t like it, you lost nothing.
The 15 year thing is definitely ringing true.
White belt 1 year, blue belt 2 years, been purple for 7 haha
At white and blue iw as going 5-6 times a week, got my purple and had to move, which reset the clock, then tore meniscus, broken rib, and bad lower back disk injury caused over 2 years total off, then took one year off when covid hit because we had a newborn at home.
Now i'm lucky to go 3-4 times a week and am so thankful juust to be be back training. At this point, getting the next belt isn't even a thought.
I'm about to hit one year and I'm glad I came across this.......needed to hear it. Thanks!
Boys your videos/podcast is absolutely top notch 👌 so much information and often I’m in stitches whilst listening to your stories! I’ve just turned 35 years old and I’ve just started Judo and soon to start BJJ, so your episodes are golden. Appreciated from the UK 🇬🇧
Thanks for the love brother! We appreciate you.
The belt takes as long as it takes for your professor to determine your ready
I got my blue belt in 6 months, but I trained exceptionally hard and picked it up very fast , competed , 6 days a week training , private lessons on weeeknds
Get a life
@@Senegalo-o4mwhatd he do to u bruh☠️
@foda you are the rudest person I have encountered in a while.
Really enjoyed this cheers lads 👊
I spent 3 years as a white belt because I came from wrestling and it took that long for me to do actual BJJ when rolling. I took 4 stripes off of my purple and started over when I switched gyms. 14 years total to black.
been blue since before covid training 5-6x/week and competing
I got my blue belt in 8 months and spent 17 years as a blue belt , took 15yrs off bjj, due to life and kids but am currently a 4 strip blue belt now , but was told I will get purple soon in next few months . Very long road but don't really care about the belt I just love to roll and hang with new ppl . Train 3-4 times a week for last 3 years .
Nice one man! 🤙🏼
In my 10th year & brown now. I’m really in no rush. Enjoying the ride. It’ll be my last belt promotion so I would rather take my time.
Jujitsu is hard man
I trained roughly a year without ranking then laid out 10 years, got my
Blue a year later training 5-6x weekly plus personal study, got my purple 2 1/2 years later again training 3-5x ( I’m getting older some weeks I need more rest) currently 6 months into purple and just got 1 stripe this week.
I believe learning on your own
Outside of class is important to progress faster. I love studying this stuff.
I'm a member of a small club that only holds two classes a week and a third is open mat. They only test once every six months so unless you kill it at comps we can expect each belt to take 2.5 years.
this week is my marathon week 11 classes total / 1-Mon - 3x tues,wed,Thurs and 1 Sat.
Damn bro 😂 do you roll hard every session?
@@TheGreature no way man. I ask the professor to just drill in some classes...I'm 43 cant roll hard anymore lol, OSS
Trying to follow cap guy's train of thought is a trip.
Tr keep up with his coffee intake, then it might make more sense... 😅
Trained 2 years in white belt, changed gyms after 1 year they promoted me to green belt 😂, yes adult green belt a.k.a. white belt sandbagging
4 years from white to brown for me🙂And I started when I was 43. Trained consistently 6-7 times a week. Often 3 hours a day and so many competitions.
I just got my Blue Belt in 7 1/2 months. It doesn't feel real but this sport has done so much good for me and I'm completely obsessed.
I made a lot of sacrifices because my life happens by the day. I got my first stripe in 6 months and my second stripe 2 years after that. A lot of the sacrifices don't seem like they were worth it when I compare it to the mat time I lost. I hope they were, but I honestly don't know sometimes. I still go though.
I am brand new to Jiu-jitsu. One month in rolling with my older brother who us knocking on the door to blue belt. He has imposter syndrome and I'm getting frustrated at how easily I am being submitted.
It only gets worse as you go up in belts. I’d say until you’re brown, you will be getting submitted far more than you submit others. Especially if you start going to advanced classes where brown and black belts will be hunting you and your blue/purple belt.
Really well put, pretty sure it's the first time I've heard 15 years as an "expectation" out loud on the Interwebs by legit BJJ Black Belts, and it makes all the sense in the world... The best advice I've heard and try to live by is don't think about your next belt, just do your best to be consistent and be a little bit better each time you train.... Which of course you won't be, there will be days, and there will be days... And your dog might eat your jiu jitsu diary and set you back 6 months 🤣
Love this podcast guys 👍 pretty sure im getting my blue belt this month. Been a rollercoaster of emotions through white belt from really wanting the blue belt to hoping I never get it. Feel i'm at a point now where it doesn't really matter to me anymore other than a nice token to the work i've put in. What age did you guys start bjj at btw?
I really needed to hear the last words on this video. Had a rough day today at the gym. Rolling a bit too hard and not breathing right. Got gassed out. 😂 Not in a hurry to rank up but trying to move too fast in my techniques and not breathing right. Great video, new sub!
18 months to blue for me, training 4 or 5 days a week consistently. Then I got my first stripe at blue after 6 months there, got the blue belt blues and left for like three years. Long story short, I’ve been a blue belt for 6 years overall. Honestly I like it and don’t really care about my belt color all that much.
I’ve been a purple belt for about a year and a half. But, I’m not an IBJJF recognized purple belt. Will be soon though.
4 years at white( moved to a different country, covid lockdowns), 2 years at Blue. Got my purple a week ago.
49 years old purple. when i was white (started at 41), i was like waiting when i could get my blue belt. then now at purple, i wish i am white coz as a hobbyist, with office job and family, i just want a workout different from what i did in the past, no longer about belts but more of trying to be good at self defence when needed to, better shape, healthy and most importantly injury free. now just trying to manage the training schedule per week in order not to over train and i can wake up to go work the following morning with less muscle aches
Speaking of belts. I think it is problematic to compare BJJ belts with other martial arts. "Normally" you get a black belt in Karate, TKD, Judo etc... it takes about 5-6y give or take. However, in those arts you are still considered a student, albeit an advanced student. I think a purple belt in BJJ is as equivalent as it gets if you have to compare (which is not possible but we all do anyway...).
A black belt in BJJ would then be more compared to 3-4th Dan in the other arts. In BJJ you go from 0th to 1st to 2nd black belt and so on by just continuing in the art. There isn't really any official evaluation or grading beyond black belt in BJJ, which there is in the other arts, at least up to 4th Dan...
/Peter
The last I did before grading to blue I had a few coaches complain that I was sandbagging, even though I went 5-1 and only had one other comp under my belt
I got my blue belt after a year almost to the day, and have been a blue for a year and a half and since i got my blue i got married and had my first kid so things have slowed down quite a bit. Although it has made me be a lot more intentional with my training and get the most out of every roll trying new things and i think that has allowed me to continue to progress almost just as fast as i was before
I think when most people ask when they’ll get a black belt or when they’ll get their next belt, they’re really just asking how long it will take to get good at it or if they’re improving.
White 3, blue 3, in my second years as purple
Cool podcast lads
Do you need to register your whitebelt with the ibjjf to be officially recognised?
Only if you want to compete at a registered IBJJF competition.
I’m training no gi and I honestly don’t know what belt most people have most of the time. There are a few guys who are purple, brown black belt and I know them obviously, but white or blue and even some purple - I’m not too sure. Some of the guys have a purple belt in gi and I think they consider themselves white on no gi because it’s so different.
I mean it’s definitely different but not white belt to purple belt different lol… that’s extremely exaggerated
@@777repentnow as I said, I don’t know. I just know that one of the guys told me he has a purple belt in Gi but considers himself a white belt in no Gi.
Went pretty hard during white belt for 2-3 years. Now I've been at blue for ~4 years pretty inconsistent with my training these days. Would still like to achieve more belts but it will probably be a while
Loll yaa... 5 years as white😅 5 years as blue 😅 been purple for a year..... 11 years in now haha
Been training for 21 months. 3 stripe white belt. Competed in 4 tournaments. 3 gold medals. 5-1 record. What a ride so far. I train 3-4 days a week. I feel like blue is around the corner. I want it but don't want to feel like an imposter, especially when competing
69 months for blackbelt, 69 weeks to blue belt, 420 days to purple belt, 666 days for brown belt
When i trained in BJJ as a white belt, everybody practiced the same techniques and rolled with everybody, so do belts actually mean anything? I now do Muay Thai and there arent any belt, you know where you are based on your sparring and when you coach puts you into fights
Hey guys, what’s your opinion on belt testing, like you have to know and show 20 techniques and you got a promotion, is it bs or right way to do things, thanks
Nah. Testing Sounds a bit too karate for me. If you train and roll regularly your coach knows, and you know. If you’re purple, and you can beat most purple and challenge browns then you know you’re pretty much there.
I think if it is used in conjunction with criteria such as mat time and a minimum time per training each week, it can be a good way to determine if a person is advancing. Also, preparing for tests makes sure that a person spends a lot of time dedicating themselves to learning those techniques. Further, if they have to keep building upon those techniques with each testing period, it makes sure they know the system or curriculum. - I prefer to just give the belts out when people are ready, but if you have a large school or people who are spotty in attendance, this keeps people honest.
Every gym has different standards. As long as you are confident in your skills and techniques then thats all good.
Talking about learning leg locks early? My kid is 10 he has never learned leg locks. Ibjjf rules say it's illegal in competition for gray belts.... right?
My son does an in school tournament at another gym vs a 12yo solid gray and gets ankle locked. Now he is obsessed with leg locks and defense.
Took me 2 to make 🔵. Literally had to tap a killer 🟤 and absorb his soul in front of class or Id still be 🤍.
Is there a standard for how to calculate your years? For example, took a year off during covid - do i add that year in how long i was at a belt?
Hours on the mat is the real standard. Especially if they're consistent and studying technique outside of actual drilling and rolling. Mentally committing concepts to understanding is an underrated development method when combined with physical training.
Blue belt is the real White belt is the most HONEST statement I have ever heard about Jiu Jitsu. I have met, trained with (and sadly, never seen ever again) SOOOOO many Blue belts that do not fully understand this statement.
Nearly 5 years training and compete, I’m a blue belt 4 stripes.
will an inconsistent past stop me from getting promoted in the future?
for context I've been at this gym for 2 years, going max 3 times a week but have taken 3 months off consecutively and haven't even had one month where I went more than 10 times. I rarely go to gi classes cause I just don't like it and my GI doesn't fit, and the times I go aren't the ones where the main instructor is usually there. he's sometimes there at the beginning for the kids class then leaves and someone else instructs the adult class. regardless, im not worried about ranking up right now. I was listening to Jocko say it doesn't matter your belt just be the best at that belt, so I'm happy being the best 0 stripe white belt on earth, but one day I'd like to get at least a purple belt. is being inconsistent for 2 years gonna stop me from ranking up?
1 year to Blue
4 years to Purple
still at purple since 2017
Currently almost 6 months in my brown belt. I’ve been training since 2015, when would you guess I’d earn my black belt? I train 3-4 times a week
Very informative thank you
It took me 6 weeks to get my blue belt but it was only because I blue the coach.
I've been training for about 3 years. I'm 5'5 155 lb and I'm 33 years old . I'm a three-stripe white belt. I can hold my own against the blue belts in my gym and even tap them I would say more than I get tapped and they're all bigger than me. I'm currently the Uki at my gym and I know we shouldn't care about belts but I'm curious why they wouldn't have promoted me. Really not trying to sound like a brat but I feel like I've put in the time, I believe I have the skills as I've proven it against plenty of other people that are higher rank and larger and stronger than me. Any advice??? thanks!
Do you compete
@@ThotBonker I have in the past. Not in over a year
Do you train bjj for the belt or for fun and knowledge ?
@urgilesbarragan if I'm being honest, both and it does bother me. I know I shouldn't care but it does bug me. I've given the sport a lot, as much time as I can and some part of me wants the recognition for all my hardwork and dedication I guess. I know it's a "ME" problem but I feel like it's eating at my desire to train. It just sucks because I really do love jiu jitsu but I'm at a weird part of my journey.
I think that there is an error pre-2010 and post 2010 BJJ training is a lot different
Can I leave 5 stars here too?
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Appreciate mate!!
White to blue for me was just at 7 months. I've been blue now for 2 months and just got a stripe. This not not normal for anyone esle at the gym I go to.
My old gym had a VERY high level D1 wrestler who was doing live sparring with the advanced NoGI guys within the first few weeks. He wasn’t promoted but he was encouraged to only do the advanced classes because his skill level was so different from the rest of the beginners.
@MrZachgonz kinda like my gym they had me do advance classes after my first beginners class. I could not wrestle in college never had the grades to go to college.
I’ve been taking classes 3x per week, plus staying over multiple hours on top of it. I’ve started 7 months ago, but have yet to see a stripe.
Have others around you that attend as frequently as you do professed either
I've been training a year no gi and have no stripes. A piece of tape doesn't matter bro lmao. I know 10 submissions and a couple moves from every position. Skills>stripes. Keep training 💪
@@duss9728 How often do you hit these moves in live sparring rounds?
@@SKRATCH1988 Against people around my skill or low level blue quite a bit! Depends if were doing positional sparring or just standing too but regardless I'm not completely lost as before. Even with escapes i have the idea on what to do rather then spazzing lol
@@duss9728 nice. Sounds like you're due for a stripe. Some professors will hold you back longer if they think your potential is higher
Took 2 years 3 months for my blue and I’m 1 year into my blue…. We’ll see how long it takes me for my purple
Does it take longer to get a belt the older you are in general?
Training since 2009 and a brown belt
I been training since December of 2022 and still a white belt... i suck 😢
Took me two years to crack blue belt too. It took a long time for the basics to finally click for me. I'm still a mess on the mats. Just keep going boss. All that should matter is that you love what you're doing.
Lol I've had 4 stripes on my blue belch for like over a year and half at this point. Anyday now 😅
Don't compete. I'm 50. I trained 4x a week for a year and got a blue belt. Felt like I was ready sooner. Continued training 3-4 days a week for the next 2.5 years and got a purple belt. I would have rather not got it and it seemed a little soon.
I’m 57 train 2-3 times a week. Been a blue belt almost 3 years & I don’t want a purple belt yet. I don’t feel ready & told my coach. My coach put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘You will have to be one at some point!’ 🤷🏻♂️😂. How’s life as a purple belt now? Do you feel ok about it now some time has passed?
@@jaimepardo Yes I feel better - like maybe I can carry it a little more.... but I'd be totally fine being a blue belt rn. I'd rather be promoted late than too soon. Especially at my age and for what I'm doing BJJ for... To be in better shape, have some friends, etc. Just a total hobbyist.
@@rolotomase1440 great advice! I’m doing it for the same reasons...so will just remind myself to chill out about getting a purple belt. I’m definitely not in any rush
I have a friend who was a real natural, went white to blue in 7 months. I got mine in 14 months.
it takes 1,000 classes, you decide how many classes you do per week
That would mean only 3 years if I attend 7 per week, seems fast
I do 3 classes a week. I should be a black belt in 5 more years then since I'm already blue within my first year and a half.
That mean it would take me 2.5 years to get black
Took 12 years to black , mind is always thinking of jiu jitsu .
Genuine Question, why should it take 15 years. It seems to me so much of the conversation around this is trapped by rules made up by Brazilian teachers that have every incentive to lengthen the journey as long as possible. Individuals have gotten it within a few years so clearly the knowledge and skill is learnable to the level of black belt within a short period of time if those people just did jiu jitsu 24/7.
I often dont see good definitions for these belts, ESPECIALLY the higher belts. Do you need to know Every technique? probably not as most black belts would not know every technique? They're a master of the art? A master by what standard? what level of skill are we talking about? Are you an expert in every position? What individuals are the standard we're using as an Expert?
Viewing it from the outside so much of the BJJ belt system is rooted in mysticism. The activity of BJJ is just submission wrestling so what level of knowledge and skill awards one the rank of brown or black bet? These things have to be definable and not gatekept by some Brazillian coach who obviously is running a business first and foremost.
Also if you're Aussie, we by definition question the validity of hierarchies. Its a core component of our culture. We need to be critical of these lengths of time, they need to be justified. We shouldnt be accepting them just because its the "norm", thats idiotic.
2 years to blue belt 5 years till purple
Coming up on 6 years still a white belt.
I'm 8 just train.
2 and 1/2 years and still white. I love my white belt. When I get the blue everyone in the gym is going to whoop my a$s
Sounds like they already are
Anyone whis trained for a decent while knows this is the most stupid meaningless question in jiu-jitsu. The amount people get hung up on this "time" thing is ridiculous.
Roll, if they kick your ass there better if you kick theres your better regardless of what belt you got or how long youve had it
I love my coach .he only pushes for one tournament and he only does it because it's a submission only tournament in our city
Lol! That shows how terrible BJJ is. I can get a black belt in Tae Kwon Do in 2.5 years…that proves it’s the best style as you can become a master fighter more quickly. BJJ is just a McDojo belt factory prolonging students time there to milk them for money.
The time really shouldnt matter its should be skill based. Some people are far better naturally and athletically. Its fucking annoying when you go to a gym and roll with black and browns and control them the entier time becauae they only got there belt because of the "time they spent" and there clearly not at that level. Cole abate is a perfect example got his brown won worlds clearly hes above the brown level so gave him his black right there.
If it is that way, then that is an issue. However, when you rolled with them, did you submit them? The reason I ask is because as a brown belt, I often roll with guys and work from positions I want to improve in. I may not be able to do so with brown or black belts or certain purple belts. Or the guy may be so aggressive, I will just defend as I feel no threat submission wise. It´s not a tournament so who cares if he is going all out for a position. However, usually after a few rolls, I will turn it up a little and then submit the same person with no issue as they burn themselves out trying to prove how good they are when they first start rolling. Many newer guys and especially some guys who gain rank really quickly have not had time to experience the ups and downs or may not understand what it takes for other people to be on the mat. As you progress you learn that strategy and experience can also be a good way to beat people as opposed to overt aggression and pure dominance (not saying that is what you are doing). I have wrist-locked and heel hooked people who just knew they were in control of a situation, but really weren´t.
@@mouthguardcomic yea I submitted them. I understand where you're coming from as well because I tend to play that game as well with people letting them work until they just make a little mistake. I can tell when people are letting me work or not as well. I'm a pretty mellow roll never over aggressive. I will say I came from an MMA background growing up for years so I had experience before I strictly just doing BJJ. But there are definitely some gyms that just give away belts to easy or based off time.
@@Harps555 True, I agree some give them away too easily. However, I think that may be the exception more than the rule in our sport/art, unless they are really isolated. If their guys compete, they will come back and demand a change or leave. One last thing, I think a lot of gyms that are based on time actually demotivate people as they learn that all of their hard work is not rewarded. Even though most people want to be self starters, extrinsic motivation plays a huge role. Plus, if you know (even with heavy training) it will take 3 years from purple to brown or 4 years from brown to black, you may realize that two-a-days, five times a week practices will leave you broken down and burned out. Even five days a week puts a strain on anyone who is trying to advance in our current training model. People may become those guys you experienced from sheer de-motivation.
Of course it should matter and why is it annoying? Just tell them you want the top competitors when visiting a gym or enter tournaments, boom easy you get your tough rolls. And belts make much more sense for hobbyists. Competitors already have tournaments, that's your ranking system. Belts are the easy way of rewarding hobbyists. Do you want less of those people , because it's just less money and opportunities for you hardcores anyway at the end of the day. Retention is bad enough as is and giving hobbyists something to aim for other than "just get better or quit" is good practice. Which inevitably will end up being something time based.
@@jamesbyrd5175 Also, without the regular crowd, the competitors would not have anyone to practice with. Additionally, everyone except, maybe one percent, are recreational grapplers. I think people confuse themselves because they pay to compete and think they are pros. That's not to be mean, it is just to say that everyone needs to be appreciated and to say that people who do wish to advance, need to be respected. If you don't want people to complain, don't hand out belts at all.
Waaaaaaay too long....
Yeah, I think a massive reordering is going to naturally occur soon.
I stopped caring about belts in my late 20s. The older you get the less important they become. The only thing that should matter is finding a gym/school/dojo that you love attending.
Also bs that your school has to be recognized by ibjjf . Heard theres a lot of political nonsense circling that
I get you guys need money but I'll never listen to this podcast again way too many ad reads
Just skip them bubba you'll be alright
@@jackjitsuI will skip the entire podcast
@@fadious_padious2711 You're a modern day Malcom X. People should revere you for this movement!
@@jackjitsu A fat modern day Malcom X
I trained at a gym in Hawaii a minimum of 3 times a week for 3 years. Old school with a photo of Renzo Gracie on the wall, and all training was solely gi. I left as a white belt and moved back to the mainland at the end of those 3 years. I enrolled at a new academy, and was tapping their purple belts. Focus on the art.