I’m a white belt that’s been training for about 3 months, today one of the purple belts at my gym told me that I was getting much better than I was when I first started rolling, that simple compliment boosted my self esteem more than a belt ever could
Could you imagine being some poor, fresh blue belt in a tournament and you draw Seal Team active duty Jocko with 6 years of experience and a chip on his shoulder about being overdue for a promotion for an opponent? GG
Listen to what is being said here...Jocko gave me the inspiration to start BJJ at 53yo. Finally got my blue belt at 56yo, and I didn't think I deserved it. One of the most emotional times of my life. Some day I would like to personally thank you first for your service and second giving me that "Get After It" thing he always talks about! Wonder if he reads these comments????
Took me 2.5 years to get Blue 2, 3 days a week. Took 4 years to get my purple 3 days a week. I'm 48 years old, 1 stripe purple now. I've had 2 right knee surgeries (I have no acl) and a shoulder surgery, all before BJJ. Some days are physically tough, some days are mentally tough but just keep at it.
If you’re watching this to find out how long it takes to get a blue belt, forget about the belt, and just train for your personal goals. Leave the promotions up to your instructors. If belts are your only real focus, then you’re interested in bjj for the wrong reason. A good quote: If the belt is the goal, you will quit when you get the belt but if knowledge is the goal, you will never quit.
Carey Sills I don’t remember where I saw that quote, but I googled it and it’s coming up in multiple places on the web and it’s not showing the person that said it first. If anyone finds out who originally said that quote, I’d love to give them credit! It’s a great quote because it applies to many martial arts and is also a life metaphor.🙏🏻
im no blue belt yet , but i feel im closer than ever , pp avoid roll with me at gym , even higher belt . i was like yea im gonna get my belt early , it goes without taKING those bloody ring worm into the game , and catching the flu .... being on the mat is a privilege
@JBryan314 I believe he is saying, "A black belt and a 9th Dan are as far apart in knowledge as a white belt and a black belt." Knowledge doesn't always translate to winning, I have tapped striped blue belts as an unstripped white belt, but the blue belt will never be caught by me in that again. You either win or you learn, there is no losing in BJJ.
I've trained BJJ for 9 years and have seen so many people quit at blue belt. I've seen people CRY... legit acting like their blue belt promotion was them getting their black belt or something. Be proud of it, but don't make belt promotions the reason you train, because if you do, you'll get your blue belt then end up losing interest in BJJ shortly after. Which will be sad because a blue belt still knows so little. Seriously. Blue belts are barely scratching the surface.e
I totally agree brother. It took me one year to get my first stripe on my white belt but it was a special one because iam fighting depression and broke my rib at the second class but iam totally not busy with the promotions iam enjoying the journey and it has become a lifestyle which i love.
It's a mistake to confuse getting emotional during a promotion with belt hunting. Folks put a lot of themselves into this stuff and it can be overwhelming for them to have their hard work vindicated. It means that jiu-jitsu is important to them and that's not something to be scoffed at.
g496r500t Please do alot of breathing and stretching of your chest i missed out alot of time for not stretching. I gained more when doing Wim Hof breathing it really helped
I think the belts are nice to serve as an orientation of progression - how far you've come - and no doubt they'll produce some happy moments. But at the end of the day it really is the journey that counts. Just getting after it every day is the happiest state for me, regardless of when I get my blue belt.
took me 2.5 years ,training 3-5x a week. but i had zero athleticism and struggled to learn, there were plenty of others that got theirs much sooner, who had more natural talent, or prior experience in other sports/martial arts. But I'm a brown belt now and many of those quick to blue guys have quit. its not who's good, its who's left!
That’s so true. I’m a three stripe white belt and there have been so many white belts better than me who have s lready quit. Jiu Jitsu hasn’t come easy for me, and I really struggle with some techniques but I keep showing up so I get better slowly but surely.
Yeah, I got my blue belt after 3 years, quite for 18 years started back up 2.5 years ago. I was training 2x per day 4-5 days a week. I was dominating people. This white belt and his wife started coming 2x per week. They were not that good and actually not that physically heathy as I was. I quit in 2003. As of today both him and his wife are 2-3 striped black belts with a relatively large school. Sticking with it definitely wins the day…
I started Jiu jitsu at 17. I was anorexic at 40odd kilos. I got smashed for three years just getting enough food into my frequently homeless body. When I got bigger I was simply to weak and damaged to take on white belts. 11 years later I am still a white belt. I have motor learning disabilities, heart and lung issues, muscle weaknesses and all sorts of stuff. I am probably never going to have my blue belt, let alone get to black belt. Now I just do Jiu jitsu because I have fun wrestling.
Huh?? What gym do you go to? Belts are based off knowledge and consistency, not about winning. If you know lots of bjj technique and you consistently show up, why haven’t they promoted you?
I am a U.S. Marine Infantry Vet. who served in the 80's and early 90's. I started BJJ later on at the age of 51 to stay in shape, stay fit and have fun. After 2.5 years, I received my Blue Belt as a surprise from my Professor. It was such an emotional moment for me. I'm NOT an emotional person (I didn't even cry at either of my Parents funeral) but after all the effort put into my BJJ training receiving my Blue Belt was an incredibly emotional experience. I'm not into belt colors but I can't lie it was great to receive and motivates me today to train further and more often. I thank God I found BJJ. So, now at 55 I train 3 days a week and love it.
took me 6 years. made me realize the belt doesn't matter, have to train either way, no matter the color. Also no stripes, being at the top of the white belts is great camouflage. Allows you to really work offense. Once promoted everyone runs their A game on you and you get constantly smashed like its your first day on the mats.
Well if u train once a week yea it will take years. If u train everyday is shouldn’t take years. Mat time matters not days months or years. Mat time !!
I do that same thing. One day I took a joke to far and a more advanced student thought they could settle the argument with a fight off the mat. I hurt that guy so bad it's actually not funny and I won't elaborate. But anyway after that I learned my fundamentals were as strong as the top tier guys in my class, I just wasn't always in control enough to not hurt people yet, and that was holding up my progress.
@regular_dude yea I trained and did mma but never did the jui jitsu aspect. Mostly wrestling and striking. Did that for about a year and got good at it. Now that I'm actually at a jui jitsu gym. I seem to be learning it pretty quickly. It all varies on your athleticism and previous training. Some people learn faster than others.
I am 50 and just started 6 months ago with my 8 year old son. We love it and it is so good for both of us. His mother (divorced) doesn’t support him in this at all. In this 6 short months he has moved up a level in math at school and has finished a Harry Potter book. But I digress. I came off the mat one day and said to no one in particular “I suck at Jiu jitsu”. The reply from a random purple belt “we all suck at Jiu jitsu, don’t worry about it”. I took that to heart. I’ll suck at it all my days. As I improve the skill I compare myself to also changes. What I did matters less than what I want to do. I plan on continuing for the rest of my life. I’ll do everything I can to instill this into my son. I pray he chooses to be a life long martial artist as learned through Jiu jitsu.
Man. That purple belt spoke some truth. I’m just about to get my second stripe on my white belt. I’m excited to get my blue belt one day. Mostly because it means I’ve stuck with it. But what I love the most is that I’m right down the rabbit hole on the philosophy and making jiu jitsu a core part of the way I live my life.
Thanks for this. I'm 6 weeks into BJJ at 52, I've been injured recently to the point where I gotta stop for at least a month. I "suck" on top of all this and my ceiling for how high I can go is far less that everyone else in my gym. Reading your comment makes me rethink my recent thoughts of quitting.
the Belt actually is supposed to symbolize ones levels / skills, in Karate for example one receives a certificate of rank (10KYU to 1 KYU and 1st Dan Shodan (aka Black Belt) to 8th Dan and 9th and 10th for heads of Styles) , even 10th Planet has ranks
then there is also something Luke Rockhold said, I just do MMA at the same time Rockhold disrespects the roots by saying this, Ground Roots, BJJ / BJJ mixed with Judo (yes BJJ comes from Judo) lately we see the Calf Kick and Knees Kicks of Jon Jones (these were invented in Karate LOL) etc .....
Before I started doing BJJ I had a "plan" to get my blue belt within a certain amount of time. After I started I realised that it really didn't matter A) what colour my belt was B) how long it takes to change colour because actually the belt doesn't determine my identity. The fun from self-improvement doing BJJ isn't based on the belt colour, it's based on all those 'click' moments where you feel you've improved upon yourself. Those moments are so often private or internal but they are what I end up identifying with.
As a four stripe white belt in my 50s, I can't tell you how encouraging this was to hear. I got ya tell ya, the closer I get to blue belt, the more I worry about being able to represent. What if I get my blue belt and then get tapped out by lower belt who is younger, stronger and more athletic? But listening to this taught me two things. First of all, trust my instructor. When he says I'm ready for my blue belt then I'm ready. And second of all, don't worry about getting tapped out by a lower belt occasionally. Just focus on myself and continuing to improve and learn. Thanks for that great message!
You will get tapped out by lower belts on occasion but not as much as you’re worried about and if they get you, they’re good too! But don’t worry about that. Just do the best you can.
It took me 7 years to get my purple belt. As a former wrestler and blue belt I used to crush purples often and sometimes even browns, but my wrestling held me back because I didn’t like working off my back. They finally told me that I had lots of potential and wasn’t showing enough of it to promote me. They wanted me to work from my back more so I spent a year just working from my back and stopped passing guard to work my top game. I ended up developing a great knee bar I used when people went to pass my guard, and my guard game became super hard to pass. I just had to get my old crutches out of my way so I could progress.
I don't understand people wanting to get belts. I was the opposite. I never wanted the next belt. That makes you a huge target, with a huge responsibility to live up to the new belt. As a white belt, it doesn't matter if you win or lose. You can play around and be comfortable learning and expanding your game against people.
Started at 47 and got my Blue Belt at 51. I had 5 abdominal surgeries and one year in a colostomy bag (USMC Gulf War Illness) along the way. Probably a total of 2 years of mat time.
I've started bjj at 26. Weight 290 when I started, this is my 4th week and I'm down 12LB. Broke my pinky toe rolling a few days ago. Going back today. I feel so good after each class and love it.
I just started BJJ literally 2 days ago as a way to help me learn patience as well as help myself to be more physically fit. The first lesson they taught us was to not let belts be your motivation for doing this. I don't personally care if I never earn another belt. If I stay at white for years I'll be happy because the only time I truly lose is when I stop learning something new.
That’s Good I always say I rather be the best white belt than the worst blue belt. Just try to improve take mental or physical notes and stay consistent
Getting my blue belt felt more of an accomplishment than getting my engineering degree. Since then, my training is in full swing. Took me 2 years to learn to tap early during training to maximize your training windows due to less injury. Occasionally doing open mats with local gyms to test out your game.
@@lazydaze3134 ngl I'm in first year engineering and also a white belt. You may be interested in engineering and work hard at it, but you become obsessed with BJJ. Definitely understand what this guy is saying.
Congratulations! I think I may cry when i get my blue belt lol. I trained in No Gi for a couple of years, then I decided I wanted belts so I started training Gi. I thought I would be promoted to blue belt pretty quickly. That was 18 months ago lol. I was/am getting killed with collar chokes, spider guard... makes me realize how much more I need to know before blue belt.
One of my teachers (I studied East Asian Medicine with him but also some Eido) told a story of a teacher in Asia who gave everyone black belts on the first day. Something along the lines of “there, you have your black belt, now learn martial arts”
@@darenross4187 I remember being in judo when I was 15 and got really upset because my sensei wouldn’t promote me to purple belt and then to brown belt. For those under 16 in judo it goes green, blue, purple, then brown (3 degrees of brown before 1st black belt degree), and I remember being a blue belt and being frustrated that he wouldn’t get me to purple so I could get my brown belt. I eventually realized that it wouldn’t matter what I thought. It’s up to my sensei when he thinks I’m ready to be purple and brown belt. It was only when I turned 16, and was away for school sports in the spring and fall, then would come back in the summer and be going 3 days a week with him, he really made sure I was proficient all around despite being there only for the summers, I could win more tournaments. I did, and I still have my green belt in my dresser as a reminder of what I did to get to that blue belt, and I realize now, the blue belt and that green belt are my purple and my brown belt because I was beating brown belts when I was a blue belt.
@@fteambjj Indeed! haha. I've never studied in a traditional studio, just privately. I've studied boxing for a while now, there are no belts and that just feels better. I mean, can you fight or not?
My coach keeps encouraging me to try for my blue belt. I've had some setbacks so I've been training a long time in years, but not as much in actual classes. I'm not very flexible or athletic and struggling a bit with aging. I am content to just come and practice and learn and improve as I go. I have things I am working on always and I'm brutally hard to submit, even for experienced blue belts (purple belts seem to fare a lot better), but I'm just going at my own pace, come what may. Be a good partner, take it easy and try not to hurt anyone.
When I was younger and trained in various martial arts all I cared about was what belt I had earned for some sort of bragging rights, but never earned a black belt. Going back as an adult I just focused on learning the material and enjoying the journey and eventually the black belt came. I’ve now added BJJ training and I was so excited to put the white belt on, because I knew I had just taken my first step on a new journey, starting with the right frame of mind. I will train hard and learn as much as I can. The rank will come, and I will enjoy the journey again, because every day I will be better than the day before. I was so proud when my son at 12 years old was given the choice to go on the path to a “junior” black belt which he could have earned much sooner (and learned less material), and said “No thanks, I don’t care what color my belt is, I’ll just wait until I earn a real black belt.” He also started BJJ with me.
I love listening to you too banter and talk about training and life experience. Huge motivators, both of you. Simultaneously confident and humble. Incredible role-models
Jocko I wanted to let you know I started Jiu jitsu February 2020 because of how much I heard you recommended it. I am learning, enjoying and staying the path. Thank you.
Somebody starts at 55 years old. That’s me! 😃 I will never be a ju jitsu phenomenon. It would be nice to get promoted, but that isn’t why I’m there. I’ll try and improve and learn, but I’m honestly there for the roll. Each and every day I show up and roll is a victory for me. And it is on the short list of things that make me feel very alive. A great feeling.
A family traject incident forced me to be homeless at 15yrs old. I traveled all over the country, working an training. I was a 3yr undefeated junior high wrestler at 15, start jujitsu at age 17. I have never excepted a belt promotion, merely because of traveling literally every month to 6 weeks. I regret nothing. Self made at 50yrs old and keep looking for the next adventure. I'd love to learn an train with you. I have a few childhood friends that are seals, green beret, raiders, an have trained when able with them. It's usually when i have nothing left, when the true learning emerges. Love your Intel. Direct, Frank, an emotionless.. Thanks man..🤙
This is mind blowing, this totally opens my eyes. I kept getting frustrated because I would travel so much with school, work, and I would beat higher belts and be confused why I wasn't "moving up" this completely opens my eyes.
It took me 10 months to get my blue belt and I trained my ass off! People saying don’t worry about the promotion are full of shit. The first thing people do is take a picture and put it on social media as soon as they’re promoted. It’s an amazing achievement, don’t train for the belt but don’t say it doesn’t matter
I received my blue belt after a little under a year but I had previous martial arts experience , was in excellent shape and trained very consistently. I did not feel I deserved it at the time but was still very proud. Main thing is go into every class 100 committed to learning and putting forth maximum effort. The journey is the reward.
Im 42 and started when i was 41 with injuries, covid, kids ,farm, full time job its not easy, just now got a broken rib rolling.. still not detered and gonna be entering my first tournament in April. I dont really care about a belt just care about learning jiu jitsu. Thanks for sharing your road to blue belt Jocko.✌️
It took me 4 years to get my blue belt. I got injured doing BJJ and needed shoulder surgery. After a year of recovery (I wasn't going to go back bc of how I was hurt) I was able to contact another teacher and he helped me get back to training. The belts don't concern me anymore its all about just going to class and keep moving and keep learning. Im older (49 now) so I have different goals.
It took me a year. Although I felt it was a good school and combat oriented I never felt comfortable with their promotion policy. It was based on attendence and every 16 lessons or so you got a stripe and so on to blue belt. About 6 months after getting the blue belt and doing more sparring I was starting to feel like a decent blue belt, not great but decent. The school later changed its policy based on competent performance of the techniques in the curriculum. Much better than attendance. I'm a shodan in Okinawan karate. It took me about 4 years to get that. I never thought about rank. I just wanted to refine my technique , learn more and raise my sparring. The ranks just came and I was always surprised when tested. They never told you you were being tested. The point is forget about the rank. Go for the knowledge and skill. It's a mucher richer experience that way and the ranks will take care of themselves. I'm still doing this 50 years later. If all I cared about was the rank I would've stopped in my teens.
So glad I found this video, I am a 4 stripe white belt now. Been training around 15 months 3-5x per week. I am ex military, athletic and quick learner. So glad I heard Jocko say this "It's almost a compliment, the longer it takes you to get your belts, that means in my opinion the better your instructor thinks you're going to be". Gives me confidence when my thoughts are I am doing something wrong, I am not. My professor must see a lot of potential in me, and I am understanding now, BJJ is not a race, it's a life long commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.
Blue: 1 year Purple: 6 years Brown: 5 years Black: 8 years Black for 2 years now. White belts have it good now. All the resources in the world and schools everywhere. I’m envious at how good you guys can get. Just show up.
@@kosta518 okay yea that’s an exception. Wrestlers who are already skilled on the ground and training almost everyday of the week in bjj could def get there
Took me about a year training 5 days a week. I was a blue belt by the end of 2013 until I took nearly 4 years off from 2015 until last year. I've been training and instructing 6 days a week since then and it's been awesome.
What an awesome summary, I can relate to some things here and it makes me feel better about not getting my blue yet after over two years nd consistent performance
Only had my first session this week at the age of 49 and 3/4. Got hammered/submitted almost every time rolling but twas fun, at the end of the session I didn't have the energy to peel my T-shirt off and felt like I was going to puke. Have been out running today at the beach in the rain with low tide to help the cardio, also need to relax next session and conserve energy. Everyone in the class was so welcoming, friendly and encouraging, so much fun, looking forward to more.
9-10 months? Holy crap! I've been training 8 months and I'm only a 2 stripe white belt and still feel like I'm not living up to those stripes. The blue belts destroy me
Thats because both white and blue belts mostly suck. You dont start getting a game until late purple going into brown belt. Blue just lets you handle most untrained guys
Yesterday I forced a purple belt to tap. It was a huge success experience from all the frustrations and chokes a white belt experiences so far. After that he showed me the abyss of my own ignorance in BJJ. that small win still made my day. Haha such a nice martial art I love the process
I like Jocko's assessment of BJJ assessment and rank in combination with the requirement to know objective, pre-determined concepts like the Gracie Academy requires. It seems like Roy Dean does something similar.
The more competitive BJJ/Sub Grappling goes mainstream the less belts matter. There are a bunch of 19 year old purples right now that you’ve never heard of that would wreck every black at your gym.
33moneyball It’s amazing watching teens enter blue belt with like 6-10 years experience. They are on another level! By the time they make it to purple, they are essentially at black belt level so what you’re saying about purples that can wreck black belts does make sense.👊🏼
@@paisano316 yeah there was one 15 year old green belt at a gym I used to train at that was destroying purple belts and was competitive with some brown belts in his weight class. The day he turned 16 the instructor gave him his purple belt. I'm 100% confident that kid will be a black belt before he's 20
@@craigcrissman4651 To be honest, sometimes I just don't get the child belts having that many colors. I just think its better to have strips on white belt than add more colors, saves a bit more money on producing it, still is an incentive, and by the time one gets to 16 years of age, they get their blue or purple (honestly, sometimes I think the age limit to earn a blue or purple belt is a bit dumb, and 14 or 15 seems more fitting).
I’m 41 and have been training Japanese Jiu Jitsu for a year and bjj for 7 months. I’m a Chéf as well. I only get to train 1 day a week for 3 hours. It’s a Renzo Gracie/ Matt Sera school. I could really care less about the belts. Jiu Jitsu has calmed down my temperament in such an awesome way. For me it’s therapy. It’s my time that I leave my phone in my truck. It’s church. If there wasn’t belts given I’d still do it.
I’m new to BJJ, 6 months ish, and I know nothing, I’m picking up little things here and there, and recently, I’ve noticed that I have learned a lot, rolling with some blue belts I’ve notice I have picked up ways to manipulate my partner, I’ve learned where not to be and where to be, I’ve learned so much just by being on the mat rolling with guys. For a long time I was to the point of I lasted 2 minutes, then lasted longer and longer, now to the point where I’m on the offense. Haven’t tapped anyone yet but I’ve been in positions where it’s possible. And leaving the gym I thought to myself on the drive home, “holy shit, I’m getting better”. It has so much more to do that fighting, it’s a life teach, you learn more for outside of the gym than in the gym. I’ll always be grateful for it. Put in work.
So true, there’s no real criteria for earning your blue belt at my gym. Our coach looks at your progress and determines when it’s time for you to rank up. We’ve had guys in purple belt for almost 7 years and a lot of guys get passed up. Our promotions are when you least expect it. Frankly that’s the way I prefer it. When you do earn your next belt it’s such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment but by no means are you a hotshot.
If they are good enough to be given a new belt, there is no reason to withhold the belt. If the instructor is an ass hole and doesn't like you, he can just withhold the belt out of hate. Stupid honestly
Just starting at white belt now. 37 and very excited to start. Doing side work with some guys Tuesdays and Thursdays and starting at a gym Friday. I’m just looking forward to learning.
5:30 Say it again, sir! I've been at BJJ for just a little over a month now 4-5x a week, and what I tell my peers and coaches when it comes into conversation is, "The belt nice, but I want to master the art. When the time comes where I do move up in belt, I won't feel worthy of that. But I'll honor it, always." Fall in love with the grind.
Best description of the belt system. I've effectively been a white belt for 15 years! Wrestled in high school only, then combatives early in military career. Followed by just random combatives courses and just rolling with a few base clubs. Finally joined an academy under Cole Miller, and still had some knowledge/skills. I think it's been 7 months and I don't even have a stripe! Don't ask, just train.
Just a tip to learn BJJ quicker for other struggling white belts who might read this: Find either a buddy to DRILL with, or get a grappling dummy. My biggest challenge with BJJ is learning a sequence of moves, not drilling it enough for it to stick, (and rolling instead of drilling, because who doesn't like to roll!?), moving on to another sequence of moves taught in class, etc. etc. Ultimately you struggle to remember the basic sequences and your knowledge is very fragmented, which means your skillset is next to worthless... Unfortunately I only truly appreciated this right around when my BJJ school closed because of COVID (and earlier on just followed the standard BJJ advice of "just keep coming to class!".)
The only time I asked for a promotion was when I was approaching my fourth stripe for my white belt, and I said to the coach "My mum is travelling from Australia to Canada next month. If you feel I'm worth it, please wait until she's here" (my training schedule didn't change. I was training as hard as before). It's a grey area for sure, because, as if your coach isn't going to give the promotion when mumma bear shows up. In saying that, it was a stripe, and not a coloured belt. I was 6 months away from my blue belt anyway (as it turns out).
I feel the same way, but I wonder if that will change when we start seeing some real changes and growth in our game. I just got my first stripe couple weeks back.
Why people focus so much on rushing with belts...i will be starting on monday for the first time in my life in JJJ and i dont even think about beltd or promotions or winning. I am just excited to learn more and more and do something that i was never able to do before. Its exciting as it is.
I was taught BJJ by Roger Machado and was not able to train as often as I would have liked so signed up for a class closer to my home just to get as much experience as possible. It happened to be at one of the many dojos opened by the Gracies. The blue belts I would roll against seemed to be easier than the blues I rolled with at Machados academy. I came to find out at the Gracie school they based belt level on time spent in class and immediately decided whatever I had to do to get more time with the Machados I would make whatever sacrifice necessary. I felt the students with Gracie were not being trained in a manner which they could compete against those who had to prove they deserved a promotion in belts due to actual proficiency of technique as opposed to how many classes you took.
Same. I moved and found a gym near my house and felt the same as you did. Then I saw the picture on the wall that shows the requirement for promotion. Exactly as you stated.
Took me almost a year Started training 2-3 times a week and sometimes less if the waves were good. But this summer i put in the extra hours, training every day M-S and sometimes twice a day plus some private classes. I trained not only for the belt but just to get better which should be the main focus. The belt is simply a reminder that hard work pays off, its also a privilege and a responsibility with your fellow white belts.
"Just do your job. Work hard." -- I love that. Anyone who trains desires advancement. It's validation of our efforts and our passion for the art. My advice, as someone in the pipeline, to the white belts, especially, is just show up, as often as you can. Focus on your craft. Be a safe and conscientious training partner. Coach up the folks who came in after you. Embrace the process and never quit, and you will attain whatever belt you desire.....
I started BJJ 5 minutes ago as a 739 year old chimpanzee, and I’d just like to say, I am so humbled to be on this journey. I got my blue belt 4 minutes ago and two strips 2 minutes ago and I really don’t care about my belt colour or strips even though it was one of the most emotional days of my life when the instructor kept steady eye contact as they wrapped the tape around my waist . “With this stripes you honor your bloodline and carry the Gracie Baah-Baah name into prosperity young porradda” he said Man it’s humbling to be humbled as you humbly humble down this journey osssssss
@@black_hawk1337 0:13 - I thought he was being silly and saying "blue belt-chi, bowahh", but it makes sense he'd know some Brazilian doing brazilian Ju Jitsu
I have a Black Belt in taekwondo, and I am definitely going to do BJJ. I don't mind wearing new belts and I am looking forward to the challenge. I have some grappling experience from the Marines and I know its going to be a very humbling experience. I do like striking a lot but I am excited to get broken down and learn again.
Just got my blue belt a few days ago. Took around 2 years training 2-3 times per week. During that time, I took 2 months off due to a shoulder injury and another 2 months due to the lockdown.
Congratulations! I was hoping to get my blue belt in December when we have a big promotions ceremony, but the COVID came and so now I don't know when it's going to happen. I try to just focus on training because I know it'll happen at some point.
Of course there are outliers, but I think I had a pretty good experience in this. I took 2 years to get mine, but I am pretty sure that, if you train consistently, a year is around the time it takes. A lot of people who trained with me took about that long. With that being said, the level you’ll get your blue belt at varies a lot, which was a benefit of taking the couple of years. I managed to get a good understanding of my game and overall knowledge of jiu jitsu, so when I got the blue belt I was already giving a bunch of purples a hard time
Trained for about a year 13years ago. Had 2 stripes on a white belt. Just started back up 6 months ago. Been training 4x+ days a week. 1 hour class. About 2-3 4 minute rolls a class. Started with a brand new belt, I now have 3 Stripes on it, for what that is worth. I've watched a few training partners get their 4th stripe, then blue belts in the time I've been training. I feel fine when I roll with them. I work from guard, I sweep, I try to submit. They know more than me, they are more effective, but I don't feel helpless. I have the most trouble with young, fit wrestler types of my same size. I'm 46, 6' 235 (30 lbs overweight, started at 270). I don't "focus" on stripes or belts but it's hard not to think about them at all. It is an achievement to be proud of. My coach just says "good job" to me so I take him at his word. Some days though, I am gassed, feel old and broke down. My school has about 20 dedicated students, another 20 that show up randomly and I've seen about 20 different faces sign up, roll for a month or so, then disappear.
Great perspective. "Some days though, I'm gased, feel old and broke down" - this hit hard as it describes me rn. I don't want to be a face that dissappears....
@@doublet630 You got this brother! This week is 2 years and I'm still going. This is my work out, it's also my "club" with my closest friends aged 16-60. You'll regret it if you quit so just keep going - you can't stop a clock. The days of feeling old and beat up are less and less.
Took me 7 months to get my blue belt but 3 to get my purple, I’ve seen guys say it took them 2+ years for blue belt then maybe another 2/3 for purple this shows there is no exact time limit or expectancy, you just gotta train and love it remember jiu jitsu is tough on the body but peaceful to the mind, do no limit your time to blue belt and leave. This would be a waste! Put it all in every week whatever days you can even if it’s for a hobby or life never quit, a black belt in jiu jitsu is a huge huge achievement and something you would die proud of having! Go train go compete go to warrr fall in love
Brand new “spazzy white belt”, just beginning. Only 3 training sessions so far, but loving every second on the mat, rolling with blue, purple, brown, and black belts. Biggest thing I’m learning right now is to slow down.
The only reason to care about a belt is so you can brag about it to others. But you will learn in your journey that no one outside of BJJ gives a shit. They think its all karate anyways. To answer this question in short. Go to class and keep going until you are promoted to Blue Belt. Its that simple.
Im Purple and in a way it add pressure when rolling with Lower Belts (3 stripes working towards Brown) ... but correct who really cares , can I defend myself when needed is what my 1st Karate instructor would say, Martial Arts/ Fighting Arts is about self defense or should be
Jocko! Idk if you’ll read this but I got my blue belt in bjj yesterday at ZUMA in Victoria!!! :) :) using your basic workout pdf and getting after it!! You’re the best thanks!
Finding the time to train is the hardest, especially with marriage, kids and family time. I’ve been chasing my blue belt for almost 16 months now. Have 3 kids, full time job and full time college towards my masters. One important thing my coaches keep telling me is that “a black belt is just a guy who never quit training.” Just keep train g and don’t worry about the timing, it will all happen; keep training!
Took me just over two years to get my blue belt, I'd trained judo in Japan 14x a week before I started training bjj. I switched between gyms and countires when I was a whitebelt, so my blue belt took a long time. Got my purple after only 8 months at blue. During my time as a blue belt I was training twice a day, apart from about 4 months where I was in Japan, doing training camp, training 3x a day. If you never quit, you will get better. Starting out, purple belt was my goal, but once I got it, I realized that belts don't matter that much to me. My goal is now to simply get better, as good as I possibly can and eventually start up a gym of my own. The journey has only started.
Yes and no. Depends on your age and athletic ability. Turning up more often > going hard being sore and getting injured and missing days. Listen to your body. Focus on technique. Rest of you need to.
I’m a white belt that’s been training for about 3 months, today one of the purple belts at my gym told me that I was getting much better than I was when I first started rolling, that simple compliment boosted my self esteem more than a belt ever could
Just wait until you get a belt
Same bro I got that too. He said I was improving quite fast. And that has kept me going
saaaame
Awesome brother
Very cool!! Keep it up 🦾
Could you imagine being some poor, fresh blue belt in a tournament and you draw Seal Team active duty Jocko with 6 years of experience and a chip on his shoulder about being overdue for a promotion for an opponent? GG
F in the chat for those fallen lads :(
F
This made me laugh out loud, man
Repent and believe in the gospel! 🤣🤣🤣
I’m tapping as soon as he grabs a hold of my Gi
You would know too because immediately boss music would start to play 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Can you make the room darker and boost the black white filter? I need more drama.
Lmao
😂
You want more drama?
Good.
Sorry I had to lol
Akira kurosawa mode
Good idea
Listen to what is being said here...Jocko gave me the inspiration to start BJJ at 53yo. Finally got my blue belt at 56yo, and I didn't think I deserved it. One of the most emotional times of my life. Some day I would like to personally thank you first for your service and second giving me that "Get After It" thing he always talks about! Wonder if he reads these comments????
BJJ is one of the most humbling arts. That’s awesome!
How are your Knees?
inigmaman1 congrats!
That is awesome !
Im proud of you!
Wow...congrats sir!!...thats powerful!!!
Took me 2.5 years to get Blue 2, 3 days a week. Took 4 years to get my purple 3 days a week. I'm 48 years old, 1 stripe purple now. I've had 2 right knee surgeries (I have no acl) and a shoulder surgery, all before BJJ. Some days are physically tough, some days are mentally tough but just keep at it.
Paul Sherlin respect .. Keep going
congratulations on your dedication PS! keep up the good work.
@@amirkazemi2517 Thank you for the support. 😁
@@KKajmak Thank you. 🙏
This is great. Thanks for sharing.
If you’re watching this to find out how long it takes to get a blue belt, forget about the belt, and just train for your personal goals. Leave the promotions up to your instructors. If belts are your only real focus, then you’re interested in bjj for the wrong reason. A good quote: If the belt is the goal, you will quit when you get the belt but if knowledge is the goal, you will never quit.
Carey Sills I don’t remember where I saw that quote, but I googled it and it’s coming up in multiple places on the web and it’s not showing the person that said it first. If anyone finds out who originally said that quote, I’d love to give them credit! It’s a great quote because it applies to many martial arts and is also a life metaphor.🙏🏻
It’s just a question....not a demonstration of focus.
I want my black belt because I know that’s the start line
im no blue belt yet , but i feel im closer than ever , pp avoid roll with me at gym , even higher belt . i was like yea im gonna get my belt early , it goes without taKING those bloody ring worm into the game , and catching the flu .... being on the mat is a privilege
@JBryan314 I believe he is saying, "A black belt and a 9th Dan are as far apart in knowledge as a white belt and a black belt."
Knowledge doesn't always translate to winning, I have tapped striped blue belts as an unstripped white belt, but the blue belt will never be caught by me in that again.
You either win or you learn, there is no losing in BJJ.
I've trained BJJ for 9 years and have seen so many people quit at blue belt. I've seen people CRY... legit acting like their blue belt promotion was them getting their black belt or something. Be proud of it, but don't make belt promotions the reason you train, because if you do, you'll get your blue belt then end up losing interest in BJJ shortly after. Which will be sad because a blue belt still knows so little. Seriously. Blue belts are barely scratching the surface.e
I totally agree brother. It took me one year to get my first stripe on my white belt but it was a special one because iam fighting depression and broke my rib at the second class but iam totally not busy with the promotions iam enjoying the journey and it has become a lifestyle which i love.
It's a mistake to confuse getting emotional during a promotion with belt hunting. Folks put a lot of themselves into this stuff and it can be overwhelming for them to have their hard work vindicated. It means that jiu-jitsu is important to them and that's not something to be scoffed at.
johnhagebeuk8 i hope my broken ribs don’t put me out for a year!!
g496r500t Please do alot of breathing and stretching of your chest i missed out alot of time for not stretching. I gained more when doing Wim Hof breathing it really helped
I think the belts are nice to serve as an orientation of progression - how far you've come - and no doubt they'll produce some happy moments. But at the end of the day it really is the journey that counts. Just getting after it every day is the happiest state for me, regardless of when I get my blue belt.
took me 2.5 years ,training 3-5x a week. but i had zero athleticism and struggled to learn, there were plenty of others that got theirs much sooner, who had more natural talent, or prior experience in other sports/martial arts. But I'm a brown belt now and many of those quick to blue guys have quit. its not who's good, its who's left!
That’s so true. I’m a three stripe white belt and there have been so many white belts better than me who have s lready quit. Jiu Jitsu hasn’t come easy for me, and I really struggle with some techniques but I keep showing up so I get better slowly but surely.
Agreed. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Yeah, I got my blue belt after 3 years, quite for 18 years started back up 2.5 years ago. I was training 2x per day 4-5 days a week. I was dominating people. This white belt and his wife started coming 2x per week. They were not that good and actually not that physically heathy as I was. I quit in 2003. As of today both him and his wife are 2-3 striped black belts with a relatively large school. Sticking with it definitely wins the day…
Same 2.5-3 years to get my blue belt zero natural talent but consistency is key
I started Jiu jitsu at 17. I was anorexic at 40odd kilos. I got smashed for three years just getting enough food into my frequently homeless body. When I got bigger I was simply to weak and damaged to take on white belts. 11 years later I am still a white belt. I have motor learning disabilities, heart and lung issues, muscle weaknesses and all sorts of stuff. I am probably never going to have my blue belt, let alone get to black belt. Now I just do Jiu jitsu because I have fun wrestling.
Respect bro, keep pushing💪
Love how you never quit.
Wow. Respect 🙏
Enjoyment is all that matters... Respect man.
Huh?? What gym do you go to? Belts are based off knowledge and consistency, not about winning. If you know lots of bjj technique and you consistently show up, why haven’t they promoted you?
Took me about 30-mins to get a blue belt. Walmart had plenty in stock.
Looks good with jeans but I think a brown or black belt works better with other pants options.
😂
This joke sucks if you like it then you suck
El Guapo uh oh we got a buzz kill over here
jkakjakjakja
I am a U.S. Marine Infantry Vet. who served in the 80's and early 90's. I started BJJ later on at the age of 51 to stay in shape, stay fit and have fun. After 2.5 years, I received my Blue Belt as a surprise from my Professor. It was such an emotional moment for me. I'm NOT an emotional person (I didn't even cry at either of my Parents funeral) but after all the effort put into my BJJ training receiving my Blue Belt was an incredibly emotional experience. I'm not into belt colors but I can't lie it was great to receive and motivates me today to train further and more often. I thank God I found BJJ. So, now at 55 I train 3 days a week and love it.
You may be a sociopath .
Awesome!!
@@TheRekrap Ok armchair psychologist.
Did you cry afterwards?You probably was in shocked.
I didnt cry for my parents funeral but i cried for my bjj belt. Wtf.
How long does it take to get a color podcast
Racist!
@@brokentaxman HOMOPHOBIC
Never
Antisemist!
@@yougood809 AHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHH IM DYING
took me 6 years. made me realize the belt doesn't matter, have to train either way, no matter the color.
Also no stripes, being at the top of the white belts is great camouflage. Allows you to really work offense. Once promoted everyone runs their A game on you and you get constantly smashed like its your first day on the mats.
Well if u train once a week yea it will take years. If u train everyday is shouldn’t take years. Mat time matters not days months or years. Mat time !!
My guns are black and can be effective in most situations.
I do that same thing. One day I took a joke to far and a more advanced student thought they could settle the argument with a fight off the mat. I hurt that guy so bad it's actually not funny and I won't elaborate.
But anyway after that I learned my fundamentals were as strong as the top tier guys in my class, I just wasn't always in control enough to not hurt people yet, and that was holding up my progress.
@regular_dude yea I trained and did mma but never did the jui jitsu aspect. Mostly wrestling and striking. Did that for about a year and got good at it. Now that I'm actually at a jui jitsu gym. I seem to be learning it pretty quickly. It all varies on your athleticism and previous training. Some people learn faster than others.
@@spacecowboy1438 cool
I am 50 and just started 6 months ago with my 8 year old son. We love it and it is so good for both of us. His mother (divorced) doesn’t support him in this at all. In this 6 short months he has moved up a level in math at school and has finished a Harry Potter book. But I digress. I came off the mat one day and said to no one in particular “I suck at Jiu jitsu”. The reply from a random purple belt “we all suck at Jiu jitsu, don’t worry about it”. I took that to heart. I’ll suck at it all my days. As I improve the skill I compare myself to also changes. What I did matters less than what I want to do. I plan on continuing for the rest of my life. I’ll do everything I can to instill this into my son. I pray he chooses to be a life long martial artist as learned through Jiu jitsu.
Man. That purple belt spoke some truth.
I’m just about to get my second stripe on my white belt. I’m excited to get my blue belt one day. Mostly because it means I’ve stuck with it.
But what I love the most is that I’m right down the rabbit hole on the philosophy and making jiu jitsu a core part of the way I live my life.
This post is awesome for multiple reasons 👍
Thanks for this. I'm 6 weeks into BJJ at 52, I've been injured recently to the point where I gotta stop for at least a month. I "suck" on top of all this and my ceiling for how high I can go is far less that everyone else in my gym.
Reading your comment makes me rethink my recent thoughts of quitting.
This is one of the best things you have done for your son. I wish I have started at an earlier age...
Don't care if I ever make blue belt, as long as I'm learning and getting better.
This is my mindset too, have my first class coming up!
@@IPH-sd1zv just started.
Cant say enough good things about it
@@blainebradley3778 Same, going into my 4th week. It is such a great sport and is very humbling
Tha what people who suck say
James Mccarthy No shit, at least I know I am getting better every class step by step. No one is born a pro mma fighter you gotta work hard for it
"In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope to hold up pants." Kesuke Miyagi
Took me all of 15 minutes to get my blue belt, it was hanging on a rack in the women's department.
the Belt actually is supposed to symbolize ones levels / skills, in Karate for example one receives a certificate of rank (10KYU to 1 KYU and 1st Dan Shodan (aka Black Belt) to 8th Dan and 9th and 10th for heads of Styles) , even 10th Planet has ranks
then there is also something Luke Rockhold said, I just do MMA at the same time Rockhold disrespects the roots by saying this, Ground Roots, BJJ / BJJ mixed with Judo (yes BJJ comes from Judo) lately we see the Calf Kick and Knees Kicks of Jon Jones (these were invented in Karate LOL) etc .....
@@nicholasnj3778 Damn bro the point went so far over your head its not even funny
@@nicholasnj3778 it was a joke bro
Before I started doing BJJ I had a "plan" to get my blue belt within a certain amount of time. After I started I realised that it really didn't matter A) what colour my belt was B) how long it takes to change colour because actually the belt doesn't determine my identity. The fun from self-improvement doing BJJ isn't based on the belt colour, it's based on all those 'click' moments where you feel you've improved upon yourself. Those moments are so often private or internal but they are what I end up identifying with.
As a four stripe white belt in my 50s, I can't tell you how encouraging this was to hear. I got ya tell ya, the closer I get to blue belt, the more I worry about being able to represent. What if I get my blue belt and then get tapped out by lower belt who is younger, stronger and more athletic?
But listening to this taught me two things. First of all, trust my instructor. When he says I'm ready for my blue belt then I'm ready. And second of all, don't worry about getting tapped out by a lower belt occasionally. Just focus on myself and continuing to improve and learn.
Thanks for that great message!
You will get tapped out by lower belts on occasion but not as much as you’re worried about and if they get you, they’re good too! But don’t worry about that. Just do the best you can.
It took me 7 years to get my purple belt. As a former wrestler and blue belt I used to crush purples often and sometimes even browns, but my wrestling held me back because I didn’t like working off my back. They finally told me that I had lots of potential and wasn’t showing enough of it to promote me. They wanted me to work from my back more so I spent a year just working from my back and stopped passing guard to work my top game. I ended up developing a great knee bar I used when people went to pass my guard, and my guard game became super hard to pass. I just had to get my old crutches out of my way so I could progress.
Why be on your back when you can crush people? That’s that beta soy bjj type of thinking.
I don't understand people wanting to get belts. I was the opposite. I never wanted the next belt. That makes you a huge target, with a huge responsibility to live up to the new belt. As a white belt, it doesn't matter if you win or lose. You can play around and be comfortable learning and expanding your game against people.
Just swallow your ego and be okay with getting tapped by lower belts. Good for them.
Im the same i dont really care much about belts, i just enjoy the sports and its kinda fun to submit purple belts when your a whitebelt
Student: "When do I get my blue belt?"
Instructor: "When I feel like giving it to you."
That's so real!!!
when the instructor feels it was earned
Flawed system
Sadly with some of the schools I've been to it's "when you've done 72 lessons and paid the $500 belt application and testing fee".
@@elmateo77 better than instructors playing favoritism and giving it to whoever they like
Started at 47 and got my Blue Belt at 51. I had 5 abdominal surgeries and one year in a colostomy bag (USMC Gulf War Illness) along the way. Probably a total of 2 years of mat time.
This black belt thanks you for your service. Keep it up.
@@kosta518 Thanks brother.
That's incredible dedication after all those health issues.
I've started bjj at 26. Weight 290 when I started, this is my 4th week and I'm down 12LB. Broke my pinky toe rolling a few days ago. Going back today. I feel so good after each class and love it.
What about now?
I just started BJJ literally 2 days ago as a way to help me learn patience as well as help myself to be more physically fit. The first lesson they taught us was to not let belts be your motivation for doing this. I don't personally care if I never earn another belt. If I stay at white for years I'll be happy because the only time I truly lose is when I stop learning something new.
That’s Good I always say I rather be the best white belt than the worst blue belt. Just try to improve take mental or physical notes and stay consistent
you'll be a black belt in no time!!
How’s it going
It's been a year....you still at it?
answer now
"How long did it take you to get a blue belt?" - I was waiting for Jocko to say..."One week."
Getting my blue belt felt more of an accomplishment than getting my engineering degree. Since then, my training is in full swing. Took me 2 years to learn to tap early during training to maximize your training windows due to less injury. Occasionally doing open mats with local gyms to test out your game.
Yep it's good to tap early, once they have the lock in place your chances of getting out of it are quite low anyways.
Not trying to downplay your feelings but getting blue better than an engineering degree 😅 Black belt sure but blue belt.... Either way keep rolling.
@@lazydaze3134 haha I agree. Unless he's some sort of genius.
@@lazydaze3134 ngl I'm in first year engineering and also a white belt. You may be interested in engineering and work hard at it, but you become obsessed with BJJ. Definitely understand what this guy is saying.
@@lazydaze3134 he said it felt like more of an accomplishment. Meaning, he had to work harder for it than he did his degree.
I just got my blue belt after 4 years last night this is an absolute dream come true
Excellent!
Congratulations! I think I may cry when i get my blue belt lol. I trained in No Gi for a couple of years, then I decided I wanted belts so I started training Gi. I thought I would be promoted to blue belt pretty quickly. That was 18 months ago lol. I was/am getting killed with collar chokes, spider guard... makes me realize how much more I need to know before blue belt.
yeee boiiiiiiii
Good job my mans
I got my poopy belt.
One of my teachers (I studied East Asian Medicine with him but also some Eido) told a story of a teacher in Asia who gave everyone black belts on the first day. Something along the lines of “there, you have your black belt, now learn martial arts”
I like that. Great teacher right there
I think he was on to something…
@@darenross4187 I remember being in judo when I was 15 and got really upset because my sensei wouldn’t promote me to purple belt and then to brown belt. For those under 16 in judo it goes green, blue, purple, then brown (3 degrees of brown before 1st black belt degree), and I remember being a blue belt and being frustrated that he wouldn’t get me to purple so I could get my brown belt. I eventually realized that it wouldn’t matter what I thought. It’s up to my sensei when he thinks I’m ready to be purple and brown belt. It was only when I turned 16, and was away for school sports in the spring and fall, then would come back in the summer and be going 3 days a week with him, he really made sure I was proficient all around despite being there only for the summers, I could win more tournaments. I did, and I still have my green belt in my dresser as a reminder of what I did to get to that blue belt, and I realize now, the blue belt and that green belt are my purple and my brown belt because I was beating brown belts when I was a blue belt.
Hahaha nicee one. For me would be use that whitebelt until it turns black and thats your blackbelt so dont even worry about getting another belt😂😂
@@fteambjj Indeed! haha. I've never studied in a traditional studio, just privately. I've studied boxing for a while now, there are no belts and that just feels better. I mean, can you fight or not?
My coach keeps encouraging me to try for my blue belt. I've had some setbacks so I've been training a long time in years, but not as much in actual classes. I'm not very flexible or athletic and struggling a bit with aging.
I am content to just come and practice and learn and improve as I go.
I have things I am working on always and I'm brutally hard to submit, even for experienced blue belts (purple belts seem to fare a lot better), but I'm just going at my own pace, come what may. Be a good partner, take it easy and try not to hurt anyone.
When I was younger and trained in various martial arts all I cared about was what belt I had earned for some sort of bragging rights, but never earned a black belt. Going back as an adult I just focused on learning the material and enjoying the journey and eventually the black belt came. I’ve now added BJJ training and I was so excited to put the white belt on, because I knew I had just taken my first step on a new journey, starting with the right frame of mind. I will train hard and learn as much as I can. The rank will come, and I will enjoy the journey again, because every day I will be better than the day before. I was so proud when my son at 12 years old was given the choice to go on the path to a “junior” black belt which he could have earned much sooner (and learned less material), and said “No thanks, I don’t care what color my belt is, I’ll just wait until I earn a real black belt.” He also started BJJ with me.
I love listening to you too banter and talk about training and life experience. Huge motivators, both of you. Simultaneously confident and humble. Incredible role-models
Jocko I wanted to let you know I started Jiu jitsu February 2020 because of how much I heard you recommended it. I am learning, enjoying and staying the path. Thank you.
Great advice!! I Got my blue belt 3 years into BJJ. I have been a blue belt for 2 years now, so 5 years total!!
Somebody starts at 55 years old. That’s me! 😃
I will never be a ju jitsu phenomenon. It would be nice to get promoted, but that isn’t why I’m there. I’ll try and improve and learn, but I’m honestly there for the roll. Each and every day I show up and roll is a victory for me. And it is on the short list of things that make me feel very alive. A great feeling.
A family traject incident forced me to be homeless at 15yrs old. I traveled all over the country, working an training. I was a 3yr undefeated junior high wrestler at 15, start jujitsu at age 17. I have never excepted a belt promotion, merely because of traveling literally every month to 6 weeks. I regret nothing. Self made at 50yrs old and keep looking for the next adventure. I'd love to learn an train with you. I have a few childhood friends that are seals, green beret, raiders, an have trained when able with them. It's usually when i have nothing left, when the true learning emerges.
Love your Intel. Direct, Frank, an emotionless..
Thanks man..🤙
Awesome video sir(s). Love the information and all you do to assist in spreading the value of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!
This is mind blowing, this totally opens my eyes. I kept getting frustrated because I would travel so much with school, work, and I would beat higher belts and be confused why I wasn't "moving up" this completely opens my eyes.
It took me 10 months to get my blue belt and I trained my ass off! People saying don’t worry about the promotion are full of shit. The first thing people do is take a picture and put it on social media as soon as they’re promoted. It’s an amazing achievement, don’t train for the belt but don’t say it doesn’t matter
Exactly
Last time I was this early jocko still had a blue belt
Get out of here Antiparticle!
I received my blue belt after a little under a year but I had previous martial arts experience , was in excellent shape and trained very consistently. I did not feel I deserved it at the time but was still very proud. Main thing is go into every class 100 committed to learning and putting forth maximum effort. The journey is the reward.
What a brilliant breakdown of the full spectrum of BJJ belt progression
MORE JITS questions!!!
Im 42 and started when i was 41 with injuries, covid, kids ,farm, full time job its not easy, just now got a broken rib rolling.. still not detered and gonna be entering my first tournament in April. I dont really care about a belt just care about learning jiu jitsu. Thanks for sharing your road to blue belt Jocko.✌️
I started at age 53, and I go three time’s a week. I absolutely love Jujitsu.
It took me 4 years to get my blue belt. I got injured doing BJJ and needed shoulder surgery. After a year of recovery (I wasn't going to go back bc of how I was hurt) I was able to contact another teacher and he helped me get back to training. The belts don't concern me anymore its all about just going to class and keep moving and keep learning. Im older (49 now) so I have different goals.
It took me a year. Although I felt it was a good school and combat oriented I never felt comfortable with their promotion policy. It was based on attendence and every 16 lessons or so you got a stripe and so on to blue belt. About 6 months after getting the blue belt and doing more sparring I was starting to feel like a decent blue belt, not great but decent. The school later changed its policy based on competent performance of the techniques in the curriculum. Much better than attendance. I'm a shodan in Okinawan karate. It took me about 4 years to get that. I never thought about rank. I just wanted to refine my technique , learn more and raise my sparring. The ranks just came and I was always surprised when tested. They never told you you were being tested. The point is forget about the rank. Go for the knowledge and skill. It's a mucher richer experience that way and the ranks will take care of themselves. I'm still doing this 50 years later. If all I cared about was the rank I would've stopped in my teens.
So glad I found this video, I am a 4 stripe white belt now. Been training around 15 months 3-5x per week. I am ex military, athletic and quick learner. So glad I heard Jocko say this "It's almost a compliment, the longer it takes you to get your belts, that means in my opinion the better your instructor thinks you're going to be".
Gives me confidence when my thoughts are I am doing something wrong, I am not. My professor must see a lot of potential in me, and I am understanding now, BJJ is not a race, it's a life long commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.
So epic. One day would love to learn from Fabio, guys legend to say the least. Hopefully I land this gig in SD and will be stoked.
Blue: 1 year
Purple: 6 years
Brown: 5 years
Black: 8 years
Black for 2 years now. White belts have it good now. All the resources in the world and schools everywhere. I’m envious at how good you guys can get. Just show up.
Every move you could want to learn is on youtube. So awesome to be training now... can't even imagine doing this in the 90s.
Blue def takes more than a year to get😂
@@chasedreamsgetgains1825 I was in a room with wrestlers training BJJ 5-6x a week. 1 year is definitely possible.
@@kosta518 okay yea that’s an exception. Wrestlers who are already skilled on the ground and training almost everyday of the week in bjj could def get there
Took me about a year training 5 days a week. I was a blue belt by the end of 2013 until I took nearly 4 years off from 2015 until last year. I've been training and instructing 6 days a week since then and it's been awesome.
What belt are you at now?
What an awesome summary, I can relate to some things here and it makes me feel better about not getting my blue yet after over two years nd consistent performance
Only had my first session this week at the age of 49 and 3/4. Got hammered/submitted almost every time rolling but twas fun, at the end of the session I didn't have the energy to peel my T-shirt off and felt like I was going to puke.
Have been out running today at the beach in the rain with low tide to help the cardio, also need to relax next session and conserve energy. Everyone in the class was so welcoming, friendly and encouraging, so much fun, looking forward to more.
9-10 months? Holy crap! I've been training 8 months and I'm only a 2 stripe white belt and still feel like I'm not living up to those stripes. The blue belts destroy me
I had stripes but sadly I lost them at my new gym
Been training 9 months and a one stripe. I can hold my own against a lot of the blues
Thats because both white and blue belts mostly suck. You dont start getting a game until late purple going into brown belt. Blue just lets you handle most untrained guys
I managed to get my blue belt in 10 months. I actively trained 4/5 times a week and wasn’t actively chasing the belt, I just wanted to get better.
Yesterday I forced a purple belt to tap. It was a huge success experience from all the frustrations and chokes a white belt experiences so far. After that he showed me the abyss of my own ignorance in BJJ. that small win still made my day. Haha such a nice martial art I love the process
I like Jocko's assessment of BJJ assessment and rank in combination with the requirement to know objective, pre-determined concepts like the Gracie Academy requires. It seems like Roy Dean does something similar.
This is wonderful to hear. I start rolling on the mat next week.
The more competitive BJJ/Sub Grappling goes mainstream the less belts matter. There are a bunch of 19 year old purples right now that you’ve never heard of that would wreck every black at your gym.
33moneyball It’s amazing watching teens enter blue belt with like 6-10 years experience. They are on another level! By the time they make it to purple, they are essentially at black belt level so what you’re saying about purples that can wreck black belts does make sense.👊🏼
Agreed.
@@paisano316 yeah there was one 15 year old green belt at a gym I used to train at that was destroying purple belts and was competitive with some brown belts in his weight class. The day he turned 16 the instructor gave him his purple belt. I'm 100% confident that kid will be a black belt before he's 20
@@craigcrissman4651 Amazing
@@craigcrissman4651 To be honest, sometimes I just don't get the child belts having that many colors. I just think its better to have strips on white belt than add more colors, saves a bit more money on producing it, still is an incentive, and by the time one gets to 16 years of age, they get their blue or purple (honestly, sometimes I think the age limit to earn a blue or purple belt is a bit dumb, and 14 or 15 seems more fitting).
I’m 41 and have been training Japanese Jiu Jitsu for a year and bjj for 7 months. I’m a Chéf as well. I only get to train 1 day a week for 3 hours. It’s a Renzo Gracie/ Matt Sera school. I could really care less about the belts. Jiu Jitsu has calmed down my temperament in such an awesome way. For me it’s therapy. It’s my time that I leave my phone in my truck. It’s church. If there wasn’t belts given I’d still do it.
"How good are you, against you." Started at age 58, 4 years ago. 4 stripe Blue Belt... on target for black belt sometime this side of the dirt 😬🙃😊
I’m new to BJJ, 6 months ish, and I know nothing, I’m picking up little things here and there, and recently, I’ve noticed that I have learned a lot, rolling with some blue belts I’ve notice I have picked up ways to manipulate my partner, I’ve learned where not to be and where to be, I’ve learned so much just by being on the mat rolling with guys. For a long time I was to the point of I lasted 2 minutes, then lasted longer and longer, now to the point where I’m on the offense. Haven’t tapped anyone yet but I’ve been in positions where it’s possible. And leaving the gym I thought to myself on the drive home, “holy shit, I’m getting better”. It has so much more to do that fighting, it’s a life teach, you learn more for outside of the gym than in the gym. I’ll always be grateful for it. Put in work.
Been training for 20 years. Testing for brown in October.
So what happen ?
@@238ricardo october is next month?
I'll be back for update. Goodluck
Did you get the belt my dude
@@Streetbasher I did indeed. :)
So true, there’s no real criteria for earning your blue belt at my gym. Our coach looks at your progress and determines when it’s time for you to rank up. We’ve had guys in purple belt for almost 7 years and a lot of guys get passed up. Our promotions are when you least expect it. Frankly that’s the way I prefer it. When you do earn your next belt it’s such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment but by no means are you a hotshot.
If they are good enough to be given a new belt, there is no reason to withhold the belt. If the instructor is an ass hole and doesn't like you, he can just withhold the belt out of hate. Stupid honestly
Just starting at white belt now. 37 and very excited to start. Doing side work with some guys Tuesdays and Thursdays and starting at a gym Friday. I’m just looking forward to learning.
Took me 4 years training around 4 times per week. But I had altogether a bit more than a years international travel in two parts
Jocko: you don’t have to tap to heel hooks
Craig Jones: ask Vinny’s leg that mate
5:30
Say it again, sir! I've been at BJJ for just a little over a month now 4-5x a week, and what I tell my peers and coaches when it comes into conversation is, "The belt nice, but I want to master the art. When the time comes where I do move up in belt, I won't feel worthy of that. But I'll honor it, always."
Fall in love with the grind.
Best description of the belt system. I've effectively been a white belt for 15 years! Wrestled in high school only, then combatives early in military career. Followed by just random combatives courses and just rolling with a few base clubs. Finally joined an academy under Cole Miller, and still had some knowledge/skills. I think it's been 7 months and I don't even have a stripe! Don't ask, just train.
"you wanna roll? cool, let's roll!!" love it!
Just a tip to learn BJJ quicker for other struggling white belts who might read this: Find either a buddy to DRILL with, or get a grappling dummy. My biggest challenge with BJJ is learning a sequence of moves, not drilling it enough for it to stick, (and rolling instead of drilling, because who doesn't like to roll!?), moving on to another sequence of moves taught in class, etc. etc.
Ultimately you struggle to remember the basic sequences and your knowledge is very fragmented, which means your skillset is next to worthless... Unfortunately I only truly appreciated this right around when my BJJ school closed because of COVID (and earlier on just followed the standard BJJ advice of "just keep coming to class!".)
Great conversation on this subject! 🙏🏽🤙🏽👊🏽
The only time I asked for a promotion was when I was approaching my fourth stripe for my white belt, and I said to the coach "My mum is travelling from Australia to Canada next month. If you feel I'm worth it, please wait until she's here" (my training schedule didn't change. I was training as hard as before). It's a grey area for sure, because, as if your coach isn't going to give the promotion when mumma bear shows up. In saying that, it was a stripe, and not a coloured belt. I was 6 months away from my blue belt anyway (as it turns out).
Started BJJ today. Jocko you rock man. I’m excited for this new chapter 🙏🏻
Hows it comin along bro
Good man! Picking up a lot 💪🏻🤙🏻
You still out there man? How's it going - started 2 weeks ago. Have been wanting it for two years, but pandemic and injuries hadn't allowed me to.
I’m fine if I’m a rookie white belt my whole life. I just want to learn
I feel the same way, but I wonder if that will change when we start seeing some real changes and growth in our game. I just got my first stripe couple weeks back.
My cousin did that, he was a white belt that could beat most purple belts he rolled with. He just never cared to get tested.
when you stop caring you get promoted
I just started training jiujitsu and I don't really care about moving up, I just want to learn. I love learning
Why people focus so much on rushing with belts...i will be starting on monday for the first time in my life in JJJ and i dont even think about beltd or promotions or winning. I am just excited to learn more and more and do something that i was never able to do before. Its exciting as it is.
I was taught BJJ by Roger Machado and was not able to train as often as I would have liked so signed up for a class closer to my home just to get as much experience as possible. It happened to be at one of the many dojos opened by the Gracies. The blue belts I would roll against seemed to be easier than the blues I rolled with at Machados academy. I came to find out at the Gracie school they based belt level on time spent in class and immediately decided whatever I had to do to get more time with the Machados I would make whatever sacrifice necessary. I felt the students with Gracie were not being trained in a manner which they could compete against those who had to prove they deserved a promotion in belts due to actual proficiency of technique as opposed to how many classes you took.
Same. I moved and found a gym near my house and felt the same as you did. Then I saw the picture on the wall that shows the requirement for promotion. Exactly as you stated.
Took me almost a year
Started training 2-3 times a week and sometimes less if the waves were good. But this summer i put in the extra hours, training every day M-S and sometimes twice a day plus some private classes. I trained not only for the belt but just to get better which should be the main focus.
The belt is simply a reminder that hard work pays off, its also a privilege and a responsibility with your fellow white belts.
"Just do your job. Work hard." -- I love that. Anyone who trains desires advancement. It's validation of our efforts and our passion for the art. My advice, as someone in the pipeline, to the white belts, especially, is just show up, as often as you can. Focus on your craft. Be a safe and conscientious training partner. Coach up the folks who came in after you. Embrace the process and never quit, and you will attain whatever belt you desire.....
GREAT INTERVIEW.!!!. THANK YOU
I started BJJ 5 minutes ago as a 739 year old chimpanzee, and I’d just like to say, I am so humbled to be on this journey.
I got my blue belt 4 minutes ago and two strips 2 minutes ago and I really don’t care about my belt colour or strips even though it was one of the most emotional days of my life when the instructor kept steady eye contact as they wrapped the tape around my waist . “With this stripes you honor your bloodline and carry the Gracie Baah-Baah name into prosperity young porradda” he said
Man it’s humbling to be humbled as you humbly humble down this journey osssssss
Being brazilian, it's kinda funny/weird hearing Jocko saying "blue belti, porra!" heh
Foi em qual momento do vídeo?
@@black_hawk1337 0:13 - I thought he was being silly and saying "blue belt-chi, bowahh", but it makes sense he'd know some Brazilian doing brazilian Ju Jitsu
Yeah... I had to go back a few times to be sure he said that... It was perfect
@@ChainsawGutsFuck some Brazilian huh?
Não tinha entendido da primeira vez que ouvi! Hahaha!
Awesome story!!! Love it
I have a Black Belt in taekwondo, and I am definitely going to do BJJ. I don't mind wearing new belts and I am looking forward to the challenge. I have some grappling experience from the Marines and I know its going to be a very humbling experience. I do like striking a lot but I am excited to get broken down and learn again.
Just got my blue belt a few days ago. Took around 2 years training 2-3 times per week. During that time, I took 2 months off due to a shoulder injury and another 2 months due to the lockdown.
Congrats man. I was supposed to go for my blue belt this past May but CoVid shut that down. Hope to be able to get it in the fall.
Congratulations! I was hoping to get my blue belt in December when we have a big promotions ceremony, but the COVID came and so now I don't know when it's going to happen. I try to just focus on training because I know it'll happen at some point.
Consistency is key. Don’t chase the belt, enjoy the BJJ journey 🙏🏽
make more jit videos brother , i love ppl that like jits, all love and respect :)
Of course there are outliers, but I think I had a pretty good experience in this. I took 2 years to get mine, but I am pretty sure that, if you train consistently, a year is around the time it takes. A lot of people who trained with me took about that long. With that being said, the level you’ll get your blue belt at varies a lot, which was a benefit of taking the couple of years. I managed to get a good understanding of my game and overall knowledge of jiu jitsu, so when I got the blue belt I was already giving a bunch of purples a hard time
Got my blue belt yesterday!
Trained for about a year 13years ago. Had 2 stripes on a white belt. Just started back up 6 months ago. Been training 4x+ days a week. 1 hour class. About 2-3 4 minute rolls a class. Started with a brand new belt, I now have 3 Stripes on it, for what that is worth. I've watched a few training partners get their 4th stripe, then blue belts in the time I've been training. I feel fine when I roll with them. I work from guard, I sweep, I try to submit. They know more than me, they are more effective, but I don't feel helpless. I have the most trouble with young, fit wrestler types of my same size. I'm 46, 6' 235 (30 lbs overweight, started at 270). I don't "focus" on stripes or belts but it's hard not to think about them at all. It is an achievement to be proud of. My coach just says "good job" to me so I take him at his word. Some days though, I am gassed, feel old and broke down. My school has about 20 dedicated students, another 20 that show up randomly and I've seen about 20 different faces sign up, roll for a month or so, then disappear.
Great perspective. "Some days though, I'm gased, feel old and broke down" - this hit hard as it describes me rn. I don't want to be a face that dissappears....
@@doublet630 You got this brother! This week is 2 years and I'm still going. This is my work out, it's also my "club" with my closest friends aged 16-60. You'll regret it if you quit so just keep going - you can't stop a clock. The days of feeling old and beat up are less and less.
@@rolotomase1440 Thank you my man, I shall endure! Best to you on your journey. Oss!!!
Needed to hear this thank you guys
Took me 7 months to get my blue belt but 3 to get my purple, I’ve seen guys say it took them 2+ years for blue belt then maybe another 2/3 for purple this shows there is no exact time limit or expectancy, you just gotta train and love it remember jiu jitsu is tough on the body but peaceful to the mind, do no limit your time to blue belt and leave. This would be a waste! Put it all in every week whatever days you can even if it’s for a hobby or life never quit, a black belt in jiu jitsu is a huge huge achievement and something you would die proud of having! Go train go compete go to warrr fall in love
Brand new “spazzy white belt”, just beginning. Only 3 training sessions so far, but loving every second on the mat, rolling with blue, purple, brown, and black belts. Biggest thing I’m learning right now is to slow down.
Just had my 4th session. I need to slow down too. Like a lot haha
@@CoachKevanKillsit so today was my 9th or 10th day. I’m getting better at slowing down and trying to learn each move step by step
The only reason to care about a belt is so you can brag about it to others. But you will learn in your journey that no one outside of BJJ gives a shit. They think its all karate anyways. To answer this question in short. Go to class and keep going until you are promoted to Blue Belt. Its that simple.
It's not Karate? That's not what I heard
ha
its really just Judo Newaza with a different name LOL
@@nicholasnj3778 turtle waza
Im Purple and in a way it add pressure when rolling with Lower Belts (3 stripes working towards Brown) ... but correct who really cares , can I defend myself when needed is what my 1st Karate instructor would say, Martial Arts/ Fighting Arts is about self defense or should be
Jocko! Idk if you’ll read this but I got my blue belt in bjj yesterday at ZUMA in Victoria!!! :) :) using your basic workout pdf and getting after it!! You’re the best thanks!
Finding the time to train is the hardest, especially with marriage, kids and family time. I’ve been chasing my blue belt for almost 16 months now. Have 3 kids, full time job and full time college towards my masters.
One important thing my coaches keep telling me is that “a black belt is just a guy who never quit training.” Just keep train g and don’t worry about the timing, it will all happen; keep training!
Took me just over two years to get my blue belt, I'd trained judo in Japan 14x a week before I started training bjj.
I switched between gyms and countires when I was a whitebelt, so my blue belt took a long time.
Got my purple after only 8 months at blue.
During my time as a blue belt I was training twice a day, apart from about 4 months where I was in Japan, doing training camp, training 3x a day.
If you never quit, you will get better. Starting out, purple belt was my goal, but once I got it, I realized that belts don't matter that much to me. My goal is now to simply get better, as good as I possibly can and eventually start up a gym of my own. The journey has only started.
Just go into gym, and roll hard every class. Learn. Never turn down a roll because your “tired” just get after it
Yes and no. Depends on your age and athletic ability. Turning up more often > going hard being sore and getting injured and missing days. Listen to your body. Focus on technique. Rest of you need to.
Can you please talk about the meaning purple belt? I’d be very interested to hear your response! Awesome video!!!
The first step is realizing that this isn't a question you should ask.
Can't wait to hear "Man, ich is timee for you choo getch your purpool belch" from my Brazilian instructor
Hats off to that profile picture ;). See what I did there?